During the course of this seminar Faculties will guide students through a series of lectures to explain ideas, theory and background of parametric structural design.
The lecture will start with a recount of structural engineering basics. The aim is to gear up the participants with the necessary knowledge to be able to understand the principles of structural design. We investigate questions like how structural elements scale with increasing span and why elephants can’t jump like grasshoppers. The first lecture concludes with an introduction into parametric structural engineering using Grasshopper for Rhino and the Finite Element Toolkit Karamba3D.
In the following course units structural elements like beams, walls, slabs, trusses and gridshells will be investigated. Hands-on parametric examples will be used to develop an intuitive understanding of their working principles and potentials with respect to structural optimization. The aim is to show how these elements get assembled into engineering structures. Underpinned beams will be used to introduce the principles of prestressed structures and how they can be used to enhance the efficiency of building elements.
Parametric structural engineering necessitates not only a basic grasp of the underlying mechanical principles but also a toolbox of parameterization techniques. One course unit will therefore be devoted to the efficient set-up of Finite Element models via Rhino, Grasshopper and Karamba3D. Topology optimisation techniques and the application of genetic algorithms to structural optimization form an important part of our toolset. Examples will be used to highlight different possibilities of their application in early stage architectural design.
Stability often governs the design of slender structures. We will therefore take a look at the buckling mechanisms of beams and shells and how this connects to their vibration behaviour. We investigate the question of which parameters determine buckling failure and which measures help to avoid it.
Modern building materials like carbon and glass fibres feature high tensile strength. This raises the question as to how to make use of this property in the context of large span roofs and bridges. Corresponding building types will be investigated via parametric models.
Shells can efficiently span large spaces. One course unit will be devoted to thin concrete shells, their working principles and what overlap exists to the mechanical principles of arches.
The course concludes with a presentation of the participants’ digital structural models which they develop during the semester. The aim is that the participants apply the parametric structural analysis and optimization techniques in the context of their studio work.
During the course of this semester we will guide you through a series of lectures to explain ideas, theory and background of parametric structural design. We want you to achieve these goals:
parametric, structure, optimization, engineering, sustainability.
The purpose of the study is to investigate a potential solution for the increasing urban expansion in Cairo’s informal settlements.Could a timber lattice system growing vertically on the roofs of the urban context offer the programmatic growth needed for the community? With different architectural applications depending on the program such as residential, community facilities and … Read more
The focus of the project is to develop a new school for the city of Manchester. Much of the recent construction boom in the city has focused on high-cost luxury accommodation, leaving a gap in the provision of essential community amenities. Our proposal aims to address social concern by advocating for the establishment of a … Read more
The Makoko settlement in Lagos, Nigeria is a community that evolved from a fishing village and faces issues of inequality, housing shortages, informal settlements, gentrification, and inadequate infrastructure. The effects of climate change are likely to exacerbate these challenges, with more frequent natural disasters and rising sea levels affecting already vulnerable communities. Creating more equitable … Read more
The parametric exploration started from the structural node. A column connected to an inclined beam. Then, it was mirrored around a central axis generating an umbrella structural node. We explored multiple design expressions to arrive at the final version, the one marked with red. This structural node can be applied to a variety of given … Read more
Introduction In our project, we analyze a timber gridshell characterized by the use of doubly curved laminated timber beams. Inspired by the design of the Haesley Nine Bridges Clubhouse, we have integrated advanced computational and optimization methods such as form-finding, structural analysis, and multi-objective optimization. Our aim is to achieve a harmonious balance between the … Read more
Architectural Concept Located in the northern part of Italy in Trento, famous for timber construction, our site is perched atop a cliff at the city’s highest point. We initiated our project by focusing on tree construction, leveraging the terrain to our advantage. Structural Design Explorations In our quest for the optimal structural form, we explored … Read more
Introduction Nestled in the heart of Quito, Ecuador, this architectural Ecuador seeks to harness the sustainability and versatility of bamboo to create an innovative 2700 m² educational space. Encompassing vibrant classrooms, communal areas, and serene green spaces, the structure is both a sanctuary of knowledge and a beacon of ecological design. It invites students and … Read more
Our project is of a timber grid shell. It is a structure with the shape and strength of a double-curvature shell and uses timber instead of being a solid surface. The project is located in Samanes Park in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The typology was understood initially by looking at different boundary surfaces and support systems. Different … Read more
Introduction The site we are investigating is an abandoned Railway Network Factory and is located at the next to Makkasan Airport Link Station in Bangkok, Thailand. Initited as part of studio, we are looking at utilising a timber lattice structure to host programmes (i.e open market, civic gathering area) within the spaces as a cultural … Read more
In the dynamic field of structural design, efficiency has emerged as a central theme driving innovative solutions. Our recent venture in the structural design and optimization seminar delves into the intriguing concept of minimal surfaces applied to timber gridshell structures. But what exactly do we mean by minimal surfaces? Defined as shapes that require the … Read more
From historical times, dendriforms have been used as architectural inspiration earlier they were just used for bio replication ( i.e just for aesthetics ) but soon they were used as a prototype of biomimicry. Our study was based on one of such examples – the World of Volvo ( Image 1) where the biomechanics principles … Read more
Introduction Bamboo is considered one of the oldest materials used in construction, it has been widely used throughout history by many civilizations. Naturally growing in tropical regions such as South America, Asia and Africa. In this proposal, we explore the potential of utilizing bamboo in a modular manner to create a social housing in the … Read more
MaCAD 23/24 // ACESD Digital Tools for Structural Optimization Architectural System The Timber Ruled Surface system gives designers the ability to generate a structured yet organic form that adapts to the unique social and environmental context of the site. Use cases include multi-use additions to the empty concrete façades of large residential complexes, as well … Read more
Our project is an artisan market within a cultural centre in Srinagar, India. In our initial analysis of hygroscopic timber, we identified key factors influencing its behaviour. The bilayer structure, consisting of an active and a passive layer, allows panels to deform in response to moisture content changes. We also found a third locking layer … Read more
