Smooth Poly-Hypar Surface Structures. A new approach to design freeform surfaces by combining hyperbolic paraboloids |
T. Cao 2012 - 2019 |
The most well-known examples of ruled surfaces, hyperbolic paraboloids (hypar), can be seen as
prototypical examples for the integration of architectural and structural design by means of
geometry, due to the interplay of their structural and architectural properties. But up to now the
full potential of hypars as mediating geometry between architectural and structural design has
not been explored yet. This research will investigate the opportunities of using such prototypical
examples to introduce structural considerations into the design of a wide range of architectural
forms, owning to the geometrical fact that combinations of hypars can approximate all negatively
curved shapes. Based on this proposal, an operative method will be developed to allow multiple
interactions between structural efficiency and architectural forms starting from decisive early
phase of the design process.
last modified 30.10.2015