Introduction From the early part of the 20th century, A.G.M. Michell published an article that formulated a principle of material economy to optimize the weight of structures that would become the basis for future research in the field of lightweight structures. The diagrams shown would indicate a system of members in a network that followed the principal stresses of a particular loading condition. However, the parameters were based upon a system that was both homogenous and orthotropic. This research would prove to be the basis of multiple forms of structural research and its subsequent effect on architecture from optimization to understanding dynamic behavior. The engineer is increasingly looked to for achieving greater levels of intricacy, structural performance, and with the architect, joint conceptual rigor. Through new means of digital computation, the determination of forms, sizing of members, and elaborate calculations are no longer obstacles in the design of complex spatial organizations and the material applications to the finest detail. This publication is the result of a class taught by Professor Daniel Schodek in the Spring semester of 2006 at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. The class was organized toward the development of three themes: transformable structures, lightweight structures, and complex forms. Transformable structures were studied to introduce a non-static condition and the structural ramifications of mechanisms that permit fluid motion. In considering lightweight structures, the creation of longer spans utilizing less material was presented and subsequently tested. Finally, complex forms are the result off a number of architectural operations due to given programmatic, contextual, and technical demands of a given project that could develop into advanced structural solutions from freeform glass structures to hybrid systems of structural interdependence. Within these themes, new types of both architectural and engineering practices have emerged that has increased levels of collaboration and focused on research investigating the possibilities within new methods of construction. The line between the roles of the two professions has become less distinct and appears to suggest that it is mutually beneficial as a design strategy. From structural efficiency to spatial complexity, the practices and case studies presented within this volume illustrate forms of digital collaboration, analysis, and fabrication in projects ranging from small installations to large museums. - Jason Kerwin, author Table of Contents Transformable Structures Charles Hoberman Hyperbodies and the WEB Project Kas Oosterhuis Innovations in Cable-Net Structures Werner Sobek Engineering from Bling to Budget Hanif Kara Relating Form and Structure Harald Kroft Case Study: Beijing Olympic Stadium Martin Simpson |
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