This document appears to be an architect's portfolio from 2016 containing biographical information, descriptions of projects, and images of designs. It includes sections on the architect's education and work experience. Several projects focusing on parametric design, robotic fabrication, and responsive materials are described, along with images of digital models and physical prototypes.

1. di
CHRISTOPH ZECHMEISTER
ARCHITECTUREANDDESIGNPORTFOLIO‘16
‘16 ARCHITECTURE &
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
SELECTED WORKS
ARCHITECTURE &
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
2016

2. {actual} rohrerstrasse 37, ch-5000 aarau
{phone} +41 76 681 36 64
{email} chr.zechmeister@gmail.com
{virtual} www.christophzechmeister.com
di
CHRISTOPH ZECHMEISTER
ARCHITECTURE &
DESIGN PORTFOLIO‘16

3. Dipl. Ing. Christoph Zechmeister
July 23, 1985
Rohrerstrasse 37
5000 Aarau
PERSONAL DATA PRACTICE
PRIMARY /
SECONDARY
EDUCATION
HIGHER
EDUCATION
Volksschule Hollabrunn
Gymnasium Hollabrunn
Handelsakademie Hollabrunn
2005 Bachelor in Architecture, TU Vienna
2009 Master in Architecture, TU Vienna
2011 University of Portsmouth, UK, Erasmus
2012 Diploma with Honors, TU Vienna
2016 MAS Architecture and Information,
ETH Zürich
Archipel Architekten 2007
DI Architekt Ernst Maurer 2008
2009 - 2011 Tutor at the
Departement e253/4, Prof. Will
Alsop, Vienna
2012 furniture / exhibition design
with NIN Prantner, Vienna
2012 - 2013 Schneider&Schneider
Architekten ETH BSA SIA AG,
Aarau, Switzerland
2013 - 2014 Frei Architekten
Aarau, Switzerland
2015 - current
Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
Zürich, Switzerland
curriculum
vitae
}

4. speculative
articulations
This thesis examines an experimental approach on the generation of
architectural artefacts by means of storytelling. Based on the premise
that the object of an idea is neither given nor known, but must be
represented (articulated) without being able to be directly determined,
a series of movie scenes is considered the breeding ground for an
architectural narrative.
Contemplating the abstract notion of purport and its infinite
articulability it is the task of the architect to process the ephemeral
stream of all possible stories contained within the scenes and tell those
that are most adequate to synthesize the desired character.
It is the multitude of those stories, constructed by different discourses
and disciplines, that makes a piece of design come to life and
eventually establishes meaning. Opposing the modernist conception
of the independent object, where things barely exist as negotiated
entities, the focus in this research is set on the relations of the object’s
characteristics, on ratios and symmetries. By recombining different
aspects and components the newly generated object basically contains
the data of all the others despite being itself genuinely new.
MAS CAAD AI THESIS
ETH Zürich 2015
supervised by Ludger Hovestadt

5. The unfolding of space is a story on geometry, staged in an abstract
space of possibilities and performed as a recombinational process.
Orbiting the question of how to mediate involved geometries,
how to establish a rythm according to which they unfold and the
corresponding dramatization in an architectural context, floorplans
from epic moviescenes are used as geometrical maps to negotiate and
morph an array of input geometries. The input meshes are classified by
their precomputed mesh saliency and eventually provide the means to
rearticulate the original floorplans, becoming actors performing their
epos in novel ways.
Using a voxel space, complex geometrical shapes are abstracted into
one dimensional vectors. Saliency values determine the probability of a
voxel being displayed, thus mediate between different shapes. Through
surface reconstruction using the marching cubes algorithm, the object
can be rendered as a closed, 3d printable triangle mesh.
THE UNFOLDING OF SPACE
Input Geometry
Saliency Calculaions - visualized as Color Map and isolated Mesh

6. One of many Results of the Morphing Process

7. Individual Instances emanating from the abstract Framework 3d printed Model

8. Navigating Junkspace is a story on texture, inspired by the movie
“Koyaanisqatsi” which can be looked at as a narration of Rem Kohlhaas’
Essay “Junkspace”. Junkspace is what’s left after modernism - a space
without structure, just orphaned particles, lacking a connectional
framework. Since Junkspace is essentially self-healing, there is no way
to escape. The only thing left to try is to navigate it.
A self organizing map (Kohonen network) is used to establish relations
between a personal perspective, consisting of a series of movie stills
from “Koyaanisqatsi” and the infinite space - all the other images there
are - represented by the Flickr API.
By training a set of images from flickr with a personal perspective
derived from the movie frames, the resulting texture is a reflection of
ones personal view, projected into the infinite and rearticulated by all
the other possible perspectives there are.
NAVIGATING JUNKSPACE

9. Tagged Images from “Koyaanisqatsi”
https://api.flickr.com/services/rest/?method=flickr.photos.-search&api_key=965584c701ede2c74448aec0afd8de1b&tags=desert,desert,billboard,bill
board,desert,desert,desert,&tag_mode=any&sort=interestingness-desc&per_page=10&page=10
http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7371/16325678109_773d6fc7a0.jpg
https://api.flickr.com/services/rest/?method=flickr.photos.-search&api_key=965584c701ede2c74448aec0afd8de1b&tags=billboard,desert,desert,dese
rt,desert,pattern,billboard,&tag_mode=any&sort=interestingness-desc&per_page=10&page=10
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/230099611_a07aa5c903.jpg
https://api.flickr.com/services/rest/?method=flickr.photos.-search&api_key=965584c701ede2c74448aec0afd8de1b&tags=people,billboard,people,peop
le,yellow,yellow,billboard,&tag_mode=any&sort=interestingness-desc&per_page=10&page=10
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2396735074_1ba2f4f468.jpg
https://api.flickr.com/services/rest/?method=flickr.photos.-search&api_key=965584c701ede2c74448aec0afd8de1b&tags=people,people,yellow,billboa
rd,billboard,people,people,&tag_mode=any&sort=interestingness-desc&per_page=10&page=10
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/1372220967_66b4c22813.jpg
https://api.flickr.com/services/rest/?method=flickr.photos.-search&api_key=965584c701ede2c74448aec0afd8de1b&tags=traffic,people,yellow,people,r
uin,jumbojet,people,&tag_mode=any&sort=interestingness-desc&per_page=10&page=10
http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7175/6774765021_2e83969ca6.jpg
Log - fetching Images from Flickr resulting SOM Image

10. This final story is not about creating new artefacts but rather negotiates
the former two - trying to reflect on the notion of texture, pattern and
ornament and their significance for the creation of architecture.
Again, a self organizing map (SOM) algorithm is used for it’s capabilities
to create a climate to accomodate natures of different kind. By training
the mapping coordinates of the mesh with values of a high contrast
version of the image, geometry and image are being negotiated, with
the object’s UV coordinates continously transforming the placement of
the image in a process of constant refinement.
This two way communication between geometry and image which
ultimately becomes texture - is not unlike John Ruskin’s wall veil in
being both a drapery as it comes from the outside but at the same time
an incrustation as it is informed by intensity values as intrinsic properties
of geometry. The perception of the image changed - in a process of
transition - from a simple wallpaper to becoming the surfaces’ texture.
Speaking in the tone of Ruskin, it becomes an “Intensity Veil”.
THE INTENSITY VEIL
Evolving UV Layout
contrast detection, tesselation
original image
x,y,z
saliency
object space
x,y
intensity
image space
u,v
parameter space
find best
match
get UV
Coords
compare
and adjust
Diagram of the Mapping Process

11. Negotiation in Progress
VIDEO
Sequence of the UV Coordinates
trained by a SOM
https://vimeo.com/179819727

12. formübergang
The project explores the architectural potentials of robotic extrusion
of spatial mesh structures. By continously extruding ABS filament
using a robotic arm, spatially graded structures are produced, varying
in composition and density. Building up on existing layer based FDM,
those structures can be extruded freely in space.
Different topologys and their potentials for the aggregation into large
scale structures have been investigated in terms of physical prototypes
as well as through simulation. The resulting space truss is considered
a prototype for a whole range of possible applications within the
architectural context and exhibits a morphological change between
two extremes, seamlessly changing the degree of density.
in collaboration with Apostolos Apostolinas
GRADED STRUCTURES 1, ELECTIVE
ETH Zürich 2015
supervised by Fabio Gramazio, Mathias
Kohler, David Jenny

13. Production Setup Concept of Morphing

14. Printing Sequence Diagram Test Prints of Extreme Ends

16. extensileROBOTIC FABRICATION WORKSHOP
ETH Zürich 2015
supervised by Achilleas Xydis, Constantinos
Miltiadis, Mariana Popescu
Extensile is an installation created during a robotic fabrication
workshop at ETH Zürich in summer 2015. The installation
consists of 24 sheets of thermoplastic polymer. The sheets
were heated locally with a stationary heatgun and deformed
with a variety of selfmade tools using a KUKA six axes industrial
robot.
By changing the thickness of the plastic sheets through
deformation, the way light is scattered through the material
is considerably altered, allowing for different grades of
translucency and varying optical sensations.
Video recap of the workshop:
http://www.caad.arch.ethz.ch/blog/extensile-robotic-
workshop/
in collaboration with Despoina Pippa, José Algeciras, Alina
Kvirkveliya, Tsung-Hsun Ku, Apostolos Apostolinas, Anna
Maragkoudaki
VIDEO

17. Calculation of Heating Times for every Nozzle
Design Setup
Robotic Production Setup

18. Fabrication Process
3d printed / found / handmade Tools

19. animated
reticulation
This project was developed during the workshop “Dynamics in
Extreme Environments” in january 2015 at IAAC Barcelona. Based
within the scenario of a considerable global temperature increase and
extreme weather conditions in densely urbanized areas, “Articulated
Reticulation” explores the advantages of using smart or reactive
materials coming from different disciplines, in an architectural context.
Heat responsive materials like polymorph plastics and thermochromic
inks are used to generate a reactive canopy, consisting of triangular
panels connected by motion enabled, 3d printed joints. Thermochromic
inks, mixed into polymorph plastics let the panels change their color
corrsponding to the ambient temperature, thus absorbing more or less
heat.
Hot or cold water, running in vain like pipes, supports the heating /
cooling according to environmental conditions and creates a visual
pattern on the surfaces. Inflatable joints make the structure shrink or
expand, corrsponding to wind pressure.
in collaboration with Dafni - Zoi Arnellou, Nohelia Gonzalez, Shreyas
More, Despoina Pippa, Luisa Roth
DYNAMICSINEXTREMEENVIRONMENTSWORKSHOP
IAAC Barcelona 2015
supervised by Areti Markopoulou (IAAC), Alexandre Dubor (IAAC), Carlos Bausa
(IAAC), Manuel Kretzer (ETH Zürich), Stig Anton Nielsen (Chalmers)

20. Triangular Panels with Vains
Polymorph Plastics
Panel Assembly
Thermochromic Ink Test Panel Layout

21. By testing 3d printed joints made from flexible, rubber like material, the
canopy is able to react to different air pressures and move according to
them. The joints are connected by PVC pipes.
different Versions of flexible Joints

22. Find the complete thesis here:
http://www.ub.tuwien.ac.at/dipl/2012/
AC07813536.pdf
FILE
blackarrow
andthediamonds
The High Down Test Site on the south western tip of the Isle of Wight
has an extraordinary history as a place for high - tech, performance
and science, due to its past as a test site for the british rocket testing
program during the cold war. At the same time the area is located
directly at the coast, overlooking the famous rock formation “the
needles”, a landmark of the Island.
The design comprises the combination of different building typologies
and blends them into one continous structure. The building reveals
the diverse history of the area as a rocket test site, showcases the
spectacular environment and vistas and creates a sense of high tech,
speed and dynamics
The technical and high performance nature of space travel is a key
element of the design. The combination of spectacular vistas, steep
cliffs, soft rolling hills and high tech structures creates a special esthetic
effect and is an important element of the design strategy. The building
seamlessly combines history, the force of nature, and the picturesque
landscape and allows the visitor to catch a glimpse of a landscape
experience without souvenir shopping.
MASTERTHESIS
Vienna University of Technology, 2012
supervised by Manfred Berthold, Fridolin Welte, Andreas Rohatsch

23. Floor Plan, Entry Level
0
100
50
106
120
126
132

24. Interior View, Museum

25. Cross Section

26. The parametrically defined roof structure complements the artificial
landscape and touches it at defined points. The structure adapts to the
programmatic functions of the landscape beneath it and adjusts its grid
and aperture accordingly, allowing for a seamless transition between
solid surface and structural grid.
The filtered sun creates dynamic shadows on the surface of the
landscape and supplements the technical esthetics of the design.
Parametric Roof Structure

27. Model Picture - 3d Print / CNC milled XPS Foamboards 3d Print with support Material

28. velocitas
ebiketrainseatPRODUCTDESIGNSEMESTERPROJECT
Vienna University of Technology, 2011
supervised by Christian Kern, Fridolin Welte, Peter Auer, Florian Rist
Ebikes enable individual and green mobility in an efficient way. In
conjunction with public transport the concept is pushed further and
provides a powerful infrastructure for commuters.
Velocitas is the developement of a trainseat with an integrated charging
station for a foldable ebike. The bike can be stored securely between
seats during the trainride and is charged at the same time. Additionally,
the seat offers room for suitcases and hand luggage. On entering the
train, the bike can be stowed away between the seats, is securely held
in place and the electric motor is charged.
The seat is designed in a way that the existing layout of the train
does not have to be changed. Even the amount of seats remains the
same. The cone shaped space between the seats makes loading and
unloading very easy.
in collaboration with Dafni - Zoi Arnellou, Nohelia Gonzalez, Shreyas
More, Despoina Pippa, Luisa Roth

29. 1:2 Design Model, Plaster on Cardboard Frames Interior View, Trainseat
<<< load charge ready to go!

30. CNC milled Styrofoam Mould, Sealed
for Polyester Lamination
4AM Cup Of Tea - Testing for
Seating Comfort
1:1 Polyester Model
ready for painting
Finished Full Scale Model at Vienna Design Week 2010

31. musical
instrument
museum
The museum, located at the “Schweizer Garten”
in the City of Vienna, is hovering between
treetops, the surrounding garden flows through
the building. The avenue towards the “Arsenal” is
extended, leads beneath the building and provides
accessability to the nearby tramstop.
When approaching the building, the structure
seems like an additional layer between the existing
trees. The visitor enters the building at an outside
staircase and finds oneself on the first floor where
the entry, the bar and wardrobe as well as the
lounge of the concert hall are located.
The foyer acts as the main link between concert
hall and museum. The concert hall provides room
for 470 persons and constitutes the east bound
ending of the building. On top of it, a café provides
a spectacular view of the park.
DESIGNPROJECT
Vienna University of Technology, 2009
supervised by Andras Palffy, Gerhard Schnabl

32. Level 01 Level 02