In the heart of the Swiss Alps, where tradition and modernity intersect, the picturesque village of Mulegns is a testament to timeless beauty and innovative thinking. At its center looms the White Tower, known locally as Tor Alva, a towering marvel crafted through cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Built of metal alloy latticework developed by the group members of Digital Building Technologies and ETH Zurich, this 30m tall structure is proof of architects' skills and much more for us. It bridges the past with the present, symbolizing local heritage and pointing out the heart of a town and respect towards its inhabitants.
The Construction of the White Tower
The journey of the White Tower began on February 1, 2024, with the meticulous fabrication of its columns at ETH Zurich. Utilizing concrete extrusion technology, the tower's first eight columns took shape without the constraints of traditional formwork, allowing for greater design freedom and material efficiency. This groundbreaking approach not only showcases the potential of 3D printing in construction but also reduces material waste, making it a sustainable choice for the future of architecture.
(Photo: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger)
Exploring the Tower's Design
With the journey beginning from the tower's centripetal pathways, immersion in a multisensory experience ensues, and the design features intricate patterns that mimic the natural beauty of the Alps Mountain range. Each of the 32 monoliths developed for us with 3D print technology not only as evidence of structural ingenuity and aesthetic intensity but also as a replica of craftsmanship of the past epochs - with textures that thrill the imagination. From an intimate chamber to the highest level, which you can reach through a vaulted venue to enjoy the panorama of the outside world, these levels offer you different spatial experiences that will touch every sphere of your emotions.
Art exhibits, musical performances, and various community events not only form the major interest of this building but also serve as the means to build the relations necessary for societal development. The village's heart is adorned by a theater inscribed in the tower dome, which is not only a place where art flourishes but also serves as a reminder that the village is a unique model of a community infused by creativity and imagination.
Preserving Heritage
The crusader population resettlement projects in Mulegns are noticed to be like job-creation, an inspiring initiative that is a beacon of hope for new presents in the declining face of modernity for this small village. Through revitalizing the cultural legacy and reimagining its historical areas, Mulegns has what it takes to become the source that brings tourists and residents to its fountain of attractions during the new spring.
The White Tower, being the world's tallest digitally printed building, helps to prove the innovation in architecture, making it more than just a symbol of progress. Nevertheless, it is more than just a visual effect that highlights the ability of the technology of 3D printing to reorganize the construction and even move in the direction of sustainability. Through the history of the White Tower's unparalleled past, we realize that this is just the start of a journey that carries within itself nothing but limitless possibilities lying ahead with the goal of cross-cutting the conventional barriers in architecture and communal living.