The Structural Optimization seminar course is intended for exploration of structural design and experimentation is highly encouraged. Basics of scripting in C# and python will be shown to enhance workflows.
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 grid-shells 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.
Parametric structural engineering necessitates not only a basic grasp of the underlying mechanical principles but also a toolbox of parameterisation techniques. One course unit will therefore be devoted to the efficient set-up of Finite Element models via Rhino, Grasshopper and Karamba3D. Examples will be used to highlight different possibilities of their application in early stage architectural and structural 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. Building in the current times, one needs to question what, how and why do we construct. Therefore emphasis will be made to assess the embodied carbon footprint of all the structures that we design, optimising the designs for reducing their impact on the environment.
This course is intended for exploration of structural design and experimentation is highly encouraged. Basics of scripting in C# and python will be shown to enhance workflows. 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 optimisation 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:
KEYWORDS
Parametric, structure, optimisation, engineering, sustainability, collaboration, automate
Concept The concept of our proposal seeks to integrate into a building a residential program implemented with the incorporation of nature, creating ecosystems where people and nature can coexist. People Nature Ecosystems Structurally speaking, we wanted to transfer the general concept of the project to the structure by adopting sinuous geometries that respond simultaneously to … Read more
SITE PLAN & ANALYSIS STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS The building has a total footprint of about 50 meters per 37 meters. The typical grid is of 8.4m, and becomes smaller towards the edge of the slabs. The core is centered with the grid and it is of about 16,8m x 12,6m. It occupies about the 12-15% of … Read more
Concept The architectural concept is based on creating a data center that expands over time, following a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) approach. At the core of the design is a superstructure, populated by smaller modular data halls. These are supported by a service program that includes operational spaces, storage, and MEP systems, particularly … Read more
Computational Structural Optimization: A Case Study of High-Rise Integration Through Parametric Design When approaching the structural design of complex high-rise buildings, computational optimization becomes an invaluable tool in achieving both efficiency and architectural vision. In this post, I’ll walk you through a fascinating case study of how we utilized Karamba and Grasshopper to optimize a … Read more
Concept Our project reimagines the modular design of the Nakagin Capsule Tower for modern sustainable architecture. We’ve created a parametric adaptable building system featuring: This design allows for easy customization and future updates, extending the building’s lifespan while minimizing environmental impact. Our approach combines the visionary ideas of Metabolist architecture with contemporary sustainable building practices. … Read more
ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT DECOMPOSITION | TOP DOWN APPROACH FUNCTIONS We have followed a top down approach for the creation of an algorithm that creates buildings that adapt to different climates and serve mostly to residential use. The algorithm starts dividing the plot into subplots using an optimized Voronoi segmentation, which are then arrayed and scaled in … Read more
Project Overview This structural analysis and optimization focuses on a studio project designed as an office and industrial hybrid typology housing creative industries, such as architecture studios and robotics fabrication labs. The building is generated through an aggregation process, resulting in variable building heights that generally fall within high-rise parameters. The structural system consists of … Read more
Urban landscapes are constantly evolving, with existing buildings often requiring new functions, sustainable upgrades, and modern aesthetics. In the IAAC’s course on structural optimization, our studio project, “Parasite,” embodies this transformative approach by exploring the potential of hybrid construction methods and adaptive reuse. Our goal was to breathe new life into existing reinforced concrete structures … Read more
INTRODUCTION In an era where architecture must balance aesthetic expression with structural efficiency, parametric design and computational tools have emerged as transformative forces. Our project explores a mixed-use commercial building, seamlessly integrating advanced structural systems to achieve a dynamic, functional, and visually compelling design. By utilizing Karamba3D for structural analysis and optimization, the project redefines … Read more
Our generative building is a mixed-use typology with height ranging from 4 to 12 stories. The primary design focus is to create a transformable and adaptable structure that can respond seamlessly to changing functional needs. To achieve this, the building incorporates lightweight, recyclable, and circular materials, paired with modular connection elements that allow for easy … Read more
Architectural Concept Development Optimization of the Structural Elements with Galapagos An optimization is performed in Galapagos with Karamba3D to minimize the maximum displacement of the structure. The parameters being optimized include the steel truss cross-section, defined by its diameter and wall thickness, the truss height, and the slab thickness. Life Cycle Assessment of the building
