The project delves into advancements in structural design and construction by employing the generative design technique Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) and natural
materials in cold climates. The research specifically focuses on harnessing snow materials to create spatial
structures that are not only efficient but also elegant. Snow and ice, occurring naturally in cold climates,
particularly in the Polar and Northern Hemisphere, present a unique opportunity for integration into the
construction process within specified parameters. Given its crystal structure, snow is well-suited for compressive structures in sub-zero temperatures, with a density ranging between 400 and 820 kg/m3.
The selection of material property values for designing snow structures is contingent upon factors such
as temperature, quality, and load, necessitating a case-by-case approach. The distinctive properties of
snow and ice materials can be factored into calculations and construction considerations. The research
incorporates topological optimization techniques, widely employed in structural engineering and architectural form-finding, to present an innovative pavilion. This pavilion serves as a tangible outcome,
illustrating collaborative efforts between architecture and engineering research groups. The central focus revolves around the application of BESO technology to generate the structure. The design features branches of varying sizes, drawing inspiration from iconic structures such as the interior of Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antoni Gaudi and Shanghai Himalaya Centre by Arata Isozaki. The team manually sculpted the full-scale model of the pavilion at a challenging temperature of minus 25 degrees Celsius, utilizing minimal materials. This meticulous process resulted in a remarkable and innovative structure that captures the essence of nature within the frozen landscape. The key advantages of this novel design and construction methodology lie in the efficient utilization of natural materials and the creation of elegant structural forms.