As part of the Architecture and Structure design studio of the Chair of Structural Design, architecture students are working on design of lightweight structures for the park of Pillnitz Palace. Under the title “The Diaphane in Architecture”, solutions for a new orangery in the park are currently developed. The concept of the diaphane, which can be paraphrased with the transparent, the translucent, but also with the ephemeral, is the starting point for the physical and conceptual examination of the design task. A careful integration into the historical surroundings as well the architectural expression and the structural behavior of the new building have to be taken into account during the design process. The aim is to derive with holistic design solutions that synthesize architectural and structural considerations into novel and specific forms.

The programmatically clearly defined task calls for an extension of the historic orangery building, which has come to its limits in recent years. Furthermore, the new structure could serve as a multipurpose summer pavilion to provide shelter for concerts and other cultural activities in the park. The spatial program of the new structure has been developed in close dialogue with the stakeholders of Pillnitz Palace.