He who catches safely, wins

Nets are one of the most fascinating inventions in human history. They were already used in early cultures - to catch fish, as protection against falling, for transport or as an aid in agriculture and crafts. At the heart of it all is the same, inconspicuous idea: individual, weak threads are linked together to form a resilient structure. Stability is created from flexibility and a load-bearing net from lightness. These principles have lost none of their relevance to this day. Modern architecture utilises rope and net structures as load-bearing elements. In the world of sport, safety nets intercept falls or balls; in high-tech applications, mesh fabrics made of high-tech fibres protect sensitive materials or provide stability in extreme situations. Whether in the stadium, on the high seas or in space - nets prove everywhere that the combination of many individual parts produces a strength that goes far beyond the individual material. With the Safety Net Contest - Catch the Splash, we would like to invite you to experience this ancient craftsmanship and modern engineering skill for yourself. The aim is to use creativity, skill and your own choice of materials to create a net that combines stability and elasticity in equal measure. What counts here is your creativity, your craftsmanship and your feel for material and form. Which knot holds? Which weaving technique best equalises the impact? Who can make a net that is flexible and stable?

The task

The aim of the competition is to make a net that can safely catch a balloon filled with water without it bursting. The net must be made by yourself (e.g. knotted or woven). You can choose the materials freely - whether string, wool, wire, plastic strips or other suitable materials. The winner is the net that safely catches the water balloon from the highest drop height - without splashing!

HOW DO WE TEST YOUR NET

The nets submitted are first checked by the jury for compliance with the rules. This involves checking whether the net is manufactured in-house and complies with the size of 40 cm × 40 cm. The net is then firmly clamped in our test frame. For the test, a balloon filled with water (approx. 100 - 200 grams) is dropped onto the net. The balloon must not burst or pop out of the net on impact. The drop height is gradually increased until the balloon bursts. The winner is the net that catches the water balloon safely at the highest drop height. Entries with a handwritten protocol or incomplete information on material and production will be excluded from the award.

* The entries will be judged by a jury. Legal recourse is excluded.