Award for the "Magic Cube

The task of the competition was to develop an information point to draw attention to the "Solar Decathlon Europe" 2021 in Wuppertal. University teams from all over the world have been taking part in the "Solar Decathlon" building energy competition for years, which is now coming to Germany for the first time after 13 worldwide stations.

The planned information stand is intended both to promote the event and to communicate the topic of "energy-efficient building". An important part of the competition requirements was the cooperation of students and trainees in the planning process. The Geschwister-Scholl Schule Berufsbildende Schule Saarburg/Hermeskeil) was won over for this purpose. The competition was sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy and organised by the Bergische Universität Wuppertal. The design by the winning team from Trier met all the jury's requirements: architecturally outstanding, recyclable, self-sufficient, transportable and quick to assemble and dismantle.

The idea behind the design
The initial impetus for the "MAGIC CUBE" design came from the idea of creating a large, walk-in pavilion from a small, compact body through movement. Inspired by the "Infinity Cube" - a handy relaxation toy that can be folded and twisted endlessly - the Trier master students Evelin Szommer, Sina Günther and Larissa Schmitt from the field of architecture developed a pavilion consisting of 24 cubes together with the architectural draughtsmen Lukas Backes, Dennis Leck and Kai Peters from the Geschwister-Scholl School Berufsbildende Schule Saarburg/Hermeskeil. The cubes are connected to each other by hinges and can be set up in various walk-in configurations, or folded into a compact volume by folding, twisting and pulling apart when not in use. The different constellations of the pavilion, but also the movement itself, become an animation and attraction that attracts attention.

Information about the "Solar Decathlon Europe" and energy-efficient building will later be printed or projected onto the surfaces of the individual cubes. The panelling or covering of the cubes thus fulfils a double purpose: it transports information and at the same time serves to stabilise the kinetic construction. The local larch wood used comes from the region and is characterised by low weight, relatively high bending strength, durability and weather resistance. Additional protection is provided by a treatment with linseed oil or coniferous wood tar with a water-repellent and crack-inhibiting effect. In the interest of sustainability, the "MAGIC CUBE" can be individually redesigned for further uses after the event. Dismantling into individual cube combinations is possible. If the information stand is no longer needed, the wood can be reused or returned to the natural cycle of nature.

Support
Prof. Bernhard Sill, Dipl.-Ing. civil engineer, field of study architecture, Trier University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Frank Kasprusch, Architect BDA, Faculty of Architecture, Trier University of Applied Sciences, Stefan Trauden, Dipl.-Ing. (FH), vocational school teacher, Geschwister-Scholl School Vocational School Saarburg/Hermeskeil