A rock avalanche swept away the village of Blatten, Switzerland, in a matter of seconds. The landscape changed completely and the ground remains unstable. Now, architecture students are collaborating with the local community to decide how to rebuild the area. The challenge is not only technical, but also social and geological, combining the memory of the place with future safety.
3D modeling and sensors for treacherous ground 🏔️
The students use laser scanning and drones to map the affected area. The data is integrated into digital models that simulate future landslides. Motion and moisture sensors in the ground allow real-time stability monitoring. The reconstruction is not limited to building walls; it involves designing structures that can adapt or even move if the ground shifts again. It is architecture with integrated seismic alert systems.
Insurance doesn't cover the mountain deciding to move 😅
While the students calculate load angles and floating foundations, the neighbors discuss whether to plant a fir tree or a seismic sensor in the garden. Some suggest houses with wheels, in case the mountain gets a whim to relocate again. No one knows if the next winter will bring snow or a slab of granite. At least, the home insurance policy now includes the partial end of the world clause.