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October 6, 2021

Virtual opening event of the NEST unit HiLo

"High Performance – Low Emissions": Following this principle, the NEST unit HiLo demonstrates how attractive architecture can be when combining energy- and resource-saving construction and operation. The unit brings together innovative planning and design methods for efficient structures in concrete with self-learning and adaptive building technologies. The integrated design and fabrication approach used to build the two-story unit marks a starting point for the way we may design and build in the future.

The unit on the top platform of Empa's and Eawag's NEST research and innovation building was realized by ETH Zurich's Block Research Group and the Architecture and Building Systems Group in cooperation with numerous industrial partners.

At the virtual opening event on October 6, 2021, the project teams will provide insights into the technologies and processes used and discuss where this path will lead us in the future.

Recording of the livestream

Program

4:00 pm: Welcome and intro

Dr. Peter Richner, Deputy Director, Empa
Prof. Dr. Philippe Block, Block Research Group, ETH Zurich
Prof. Dr. Arno Schlüter, Architecture and Building Systems Group, ETH Zurich

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4:15 pm: Integrated design and fabrication of sustainable concrete construction

Review and outlook, live tour from the HiLo unit
Prof. Dr. Philippe Block, Block Research Group, ETH Zurich

Panel discussion on the learnings and the impact on the industry
Prof. Dr. Philippe Block, Block Research Group, ETH Zurich
Simon Kronenberg, CEO, Holcim Switzerland
Prof. Dr. Catherine De Wolf, Circular Engineering for Architecture Group, ETH Zurich

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4:45 pm: Adaptive building technology and self-learning control

Review and outlook, live tour from the HiLo unit
Prof. Dr. Arno Schlüter, Architecture and Building Systems Group, ETH Zurich

Panel discussion on the learnings and the impact on the industry
Prof. Dr. Arno Schlüter, Architecture and Building Systems Group, ETH Zurich
Dr. Daniel Coakley, Senior Research Engineer, Mitsubishi Electric R&D Centre Europe B.V. (MERCE-UK)

Prof. Dr. Melanie Zeilinger, Intelligent Control Systems Group, ETH Zurich

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Interludes: Inputs from

Prof. Dr. Michael Hengartner, President, ETH Board

Prof. Dr. Detlef Günther, Vice President for Research, ETH Zurich

Prof. Dr. Gian-Luca Bona, Director, Empa

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5:30 pm: End of the virtual event

Please find further information about "STEP2" here

Contact

Stephan Kälin
NEST Communications & Events
Phone +41 58 765 49 93

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