ETH Zurich prints the first pillars of the white tower
Published: Friday, Jan 26th 2024, 12:30
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ETH Zurich began construction of the Mulegns Tower on Friday: It printed the first twisted columns of the 30-meter-high structure. The art project aims to save the small Graubünden village from extinction.
The White Tower of Mulegns will be the tallest digitally printed structure in the world, according to a press release issued on Friday. The construction method is described as revolutionary.
Thanks to the robotic production technology, formwork is no longer necessary. This reduces concrete consumption by half and enables an unprecedented variety of shapes. The construction is modular, which allows the tower to be assembled and dismantled several times.
The white tower, which is intended to commemorate the centuries-old emigration of Graubünden confectioners, will redefine the silhouette of the village of Mulegns, according to the press release. With its bright, high domed hall, it will serve as a venue that blurs the boundaries between art and technology.
The building is therefore also a sign of hope for Mulegns, which lies on the old Julier Pass route. It should not only promote cultural tourism and enable new cultural formats, but also save the village, which now belongs to Savognin and currently has only 14 inhabitants, from extinction.
The column sections are printed at the ETH in Zurich and assembled in Savognin. The ground-breaking ceremony in Mulegns will take place in April. The building will be opened by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and ETH President Joël Mesot on June 25.
According to the press release, the costs amount to 4.1 million francs. These will be borne by the public sector, foundations and private sponsors.
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