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“Recycled Concrete meets Art”: Art installation ceremonially opened at the TU Science Center

UP!crete / News / “Recycled Concrete meets Art”: Art installation ceremonially opened at the TU Science Center
12. December 2024
On December 12, 2024, the grand opening of an art installation made of recycled concrete took place at the TU Wien Science Center under the motto “Recycled Concrete meets Art”.
Prof. Merta, Prof. Kocica and Dr. Ducman sitting on a bench
© Nico Scherzer

As part of an international collaboration with Prof. Jirci Kocica (University of Primorska, Slovenia) and Dr. Vilma Ducman (Slovenian National Institute of Civil Engineering – ZAG), three works of art were created as part of the UP!crete project: a bench, a plant trough and a free-standing sculpture. Made from recycled concrete, these exhibits symbolize the combination of sustainable construction and artistic design and will remain at the TU Vienna Science Center for the remainder of the project.

Concrete Art Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer
Concrete Art Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer
Prof. Merta, Prof. Kocica and Dr. Ducman sitting on a bench Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer

International opening speeches and diverse participants

In addition to employees of TU Wien, interested private individuals were also invited to the opening ceremony. Prof. Ildiko Merta, Prof. Jirci Kocica and Dr. Vilma Ducman gave short speeches at the opening, explaining the importance of recycled concrete and the ideas behind the structures. The speakers also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and international cooperation in order to further develop sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

Prof. Merta, Prof. Kocica and Dr. Ducman next to concrete art Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer
Prof. Merta, Prof. Kocica and Dr. Ducman cutting the ribbon Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer
Participants of the opening ceremony listening to a speech Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer
Prof. Merta, Prof. Kocica and Dr. Ducman giving speeches Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer

Sustainable materials and innovative design

The three objects were made from recycled concrete with hemp fiber reinforcement, combined with wood, which serves as the seat for the bench. The concrete structures are open cuboids on one side. This construction method saves material, but also makes the structures somewhat less robust. To compensate for this, hemp fibers are used to reinforce the concrete and are also an example of the targeted use of sustainable building materials. Two of the cuboids and one sculpture have already been produced as part of a workshop with Prof. Jirci Kocica in September 2024, while the two other cuboids were produced by the artist together with Prof. Ildiko Merta’s team at the beginning of December.

The installation is intended not only to draw attention to the design possibilities of recycled materials, but also to remind people of their practical application in the construction sector.

 

Die Installation soll nicht nur auf die gestalterischen Möglichkeiten von Recyclingmaterialien aufmerksam machen, sondern auch an ihre praktische Anwendung im Bausektor erinnern.

ingredients used in the concrete Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer
ingredients used in the concrete Open Image Gallery
© Nico Scherzer

A look into the future

The exhibition at the TU Science Center not only represents the scientific goals of the UP!crete project, but also demonstrates the potential of a creative and sustainable future in the construction industry. Recycled concrete and plant fibers such as hemp offer promising approaches to conserving resources and creating aesthetic value at the same time.

Visitors are cordially invited to see the installation for themselves on site. It will remain open to the public until further notice and invites visitors to linger and reflect on the intersection of art, technology and sustainability.

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