IASS Symposium 2007
Structural Architecture -
Towards the Future Looking to the Past
(3-6th December 2007)
including @cepp with
Generative Scripting and Formfinding in tensegrity
and space grid systems
Roof structure for Zurich International airport
Generative Scripting and Formfinding in tensegrity and space grid systems
“We fi nd in the mechanical structuring of the universe that compressive
organisation is limited to the dimensional confines of heavenly spheres
themselves, and that vaster structural integrity of the universe is
maintained within the infinite limits of tensile stress principles only,
which we identify as gravitational attraction.”[...] R Buckminster Fuller
Advances in computer based modelling and animation techniques are
currently and increasingly reflected in the exploration of dynamic,
non-linear and non-simultaneous properties of the world we live in as
formal and structural generators for architecture. This leads to a
renaissance of the multidisciplinary approach, and a refreshed interface
between the architect and engineer, who in term are propelled back
into the world of the humanities and social sciences.
Structures of narratives, societies, the Everyday Life (Braudel)
no longer demonstrate an ambivalence in the term ‚structure‘ itself,
but are there to be exploited for their actual static and
dynamic properties.
The proposed paper is based upon the design case study of a
roof structure for Zurich International airport.
Using MicroStation Generative Components and Maya scripting (MEL),
the structure attempts to maximise traditional architectural concepts
of openness, lightness and legibility of the fl ow of forces, resulting in a
tensegrity / space frame structure.
By introducing threshold levels and selective form finding routines
within the script, as well as rapid prototyping techniques for instant
evaluation and mutation purposes, possibilities of a widened
conceptual approach towards structural design is explored,
edging closer to the notion of structures which are appropriate to the
cohesive properties of an architecture of non-simultaneous events.
organisation is limited to the dimensional confines of heavenly spheres
themselves, and that vaster structural integrity of the universe is
maintained within the infinite limits of tensile stress principles only,
which we identify as gravitational attraction.”[...] R Buckminster Fuller
Advances in computer based modelling and animation techniques are
currently and increasingly reflected in the exploration of dynamic,
non-linear and non-simultaneous properties of the world we live in as
formal and structural generators for architecture. This leads to a
renaissance of the multidisciplinary approach, and a refreshed interface
between the architect and engineer, who in term are propelled back
into the world of the humanities and social sciences.
Structures of narratives, societies, the Everyday Life (Braudel)
no longer demonstrate an ambivalence in the term ‚structure‘ itself,
but are there to be exploited for their actual static and
dynamic properties.
The proposed paper is based upon the design case study of a
roof structure for Zurich International airport.
Using MicroStation Generative Components and Maya scripting (MEL),
the structure attempts to maximise traditional architectural concepts
of openness, lightness and legibility of the fl ow of forces, resulting in a
tensegrity / space frame structure.
By introducing threshold levels and selective form finding routines
within the script, as well as rapid prototyping techniques for instant
evaluation and mutation purposes, possibilities of a widened
conceptual approach towards structural design is explored,
edging closer to the notion of structures which are appropriate to the
cohesive properties of an architecture of non-simultaneous events.
Alexander Graef DipArch MSc ARB,
http://www.agraar.com/
Prof John Chilton BSc PhD CEng MICE
Christoph Eppacher - @cepp
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