In the forward-thinking enclave of Zug, Switzerland, a remarkable architectural installation named Semiramis stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of nature and technology. Conceived in 2022 at the entrance of the emerging Tech Cluster Zug, this project embodies the future of urban habitat—a haven for flora and fauna amidst the bustling life of a modern city.
The ethereal presence of Semiramis invites contemplation, rising gracefully to a height of 22.5 meters, its form a poetic dance between the human hand and artificial intelligence. The structure is an interplay of five sinuous wooden pods, delicately balanced on eight slender steel columns. These organic forms, devoid of vegetation, echo the tenderness of natural growth, whilst their construction is a triumph of digital fabrication and machine learning, marking a new era in architectural innovation.
This visionary project is the fruit of collaboration between Gramazio Kohler Research, ETH Zürich, and an ensemble of experts in computational design and digital fabrication. Utilizing a bespoke machine learning methodology, crafted in partnership with the Swiss Data Science Center, the design team orchestrated an interactive exploration of form and function. The spatial composition of Semiramis was shaped by performance criteria that embraced elements such as sunlight, rain protection, and surfaces conducive to plant life.
The Computational Robotics Lab played a crucial role in refining the geometry of each pod. A custom tool was developed, allowing for real-time manipulation of the complex forms, ensuring that the panels remain flat and optimized for structural integrity. The innovative use of cross-laminated timber, assembled through a novel robotic process, exemplifies a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. This endeavor also marks a historic moment for the Robotic Fabrication Lab at ETH Zurich, where four robots engaged in a synchronized ballet of assembly, marking a milestone in the additive manufacturing process.
The botanical heart of Semiramis, envisioned by Müller Illien Landscape Architects, establishes a sanctuary for nature in an urban setting. The verdant interiors of the pods are inaccessible to humans, allowing for an undisturbed ecosystem to flourish. As time unfolds, observers will gaze upon this living sculpture from the ground below and, in the future, from the surrounding edifices yet to rise.
Semiramis stands as a harbinger of the Tech Cluster Zug's evolution, an area poised for transformation over the coming decades. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the installation serves as a reflective piece on our intricate relationship with the natural world. Beneath its canopy, a microcosm of comfort awaits—a shaded retreat for the community, where light filters through the green veil, creating an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and serenity.
In this pioneering venture, the synthesis of green architecture and digital prowess is not merely an artistic statement but a tangible contribution to sustainable urban living. As Semiramis breathes life into the cityscape, it reminds us of the possibilities that await when nature and technology coalesce in architectural harmony.
