AECOM's groundbreaking collaboration with LANZA atelier has led to the creation of a demountable pavilion for London's Serpentine Gallery, setting new standards in sustainable construction.
What Happened
AECOM, in partnership with Mexican architects LANZA atelier, delivered a pioneering reusable pavilion at the Serpentine Gallery in London. The structure features a unique design inspired by the serpentine wall, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Unlike traditional brick constructions that use mortar, this pavilion integrates a slender steel subframe with prestressed threaded bars, allowing the bricks to be disassembled and reused. This innovation not only reduces waste but also ensures the pavilion can have a life beyond its initial installation.
The project faced the challenge of varying brick sizes without using mortar beds to accommodate construction tolerances. AECOM's solution involved a combination of soft joints, wedges, and shims to maintain uniform prestressing and prevent damage to the bricks. This approach was validated through extensive full-scale testing, which informed the computational models used to design the hybrid prestressed masonry solution.
Jon Leach, director at AECOM, expressed pride in realizing LANZA atelier’s vision, highlighting the sustainable legacy of the pavilion and the valuable experience gained by young engineers involved in the project. The pavilion's design leverages the curved geometry of the walls and piers, achieving a balance between structural integrity and demountability.
What This Means for Your Business
For businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors, this project exemplifies innovative approaches to sustainable design and construction. The reuse of materials aligns with growing trends in environmental responsibility and cost efficiency. Companies can draw inspiration from AECOM's method to integrate sustainability into their projects, potentially reducing material costs and enhancing competitive positioning in a market increasingly focused on green building practices.
Additionally, the project underscores the importance of collaboration between multidisciplinary teams, offering a model for integrating young talent into complex projects. This could inform HR strategies around workforce development and project management in the AECM industry.
What US Operators Should Watch
AECM professionals should monitor ongoing developments in sustainable construction techniques, particularly those that prioritize material reuse and waste reduction. Keeping abreast of advancements in prestressed masonry and composite construction methods can provide a competitive edge in bidding for eco-conscious projects.
Moreover, as sustainability becomes a key criterion in government and private sector contracts, understanding and adopting these innovative practices could be crucial for compliance and securing future projects. Operators should also look out for potential collaborations with engineering firms like AECOM, which are leading the charge in sustainable construction innovation.
Partner Insight · VisioneerIT
The innovative approaches to sustainable design and construction highlighted in AECOM's project align with the need for modern software solutions that support digital transformation in the AECM sector. By leveraging technology, companies can enhance collaboration and efficiency in their projects, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
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