ARC

Architectural Freeform Structures from Single-Curved Panels

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Complex freeform structures are one of the most striking trends in contemporary architecture. So far, design and manufacturing of such structures are based on digital technologies which have been developed for other industries (automotive, naval, aerospace industry). Architecture differs from these traditional target industries of CAD/CAM technology in many ways including aesthetics, statics, structural aspects, scale and manufacturing technologies. Manufacturing architectural freeform structures requires the segmentation into panels, which may be either flat, single-curved or double curved. In the present proposal, we investigate the problem of building architectural freeform structures from single-curved panels. From the mathematical perspective, this leads to the new semi-discrete surface representations, which constitute a link between smooth and discrete surfaces and can be studied with methods from differential geometry and computational mathematics. To meet the practical requirements, solid knowledge and large experience in architectural design and engineering is essential. Three partners joined to meet the challenges in this field: (1) TUW, an academic institution with deep fundamental knowledge in applied geometry and geometric computing, (2) Evolute, a high-tech research start-up specializing in geometric computing for architecture and manufacturing and (3) RFR, an established engineering office with world wide experience, specialized in non-conventional lightweight structures and with relevant experience in freeform design.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Some of the most striking freeform architectural structures rely on combinations of single-curved panels, often of glass. Novel mathematical tools are paving the way to a new generation of freeform designs.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Design of such complex architectural facades conventionally exploits digital technologies developed for other fields such as the automotive industry and industrial design. However, the fundamental requirements of the two applications differ substantially due to differences in materials, loads, aesthetics, scale and manufacturing methods.

EU-funded scientists developed dedicated software within the scope of the project 'Architectural freeform structures from single-curved panels' (http://www.geometrie.tuwien.ac.at/ARC/ (ARC)). The mathematical methods rely on a new type of surface representation between smooth and discrete called developable strip models. The team has combined this work with extensive investigation of glass panels and their properties during processing and after.

ARC partners were invited to apply techniques to the prestigious project building the Eiffel Tower Pavilions on the first platform of the Eiffel Tower exploiting a double-curved glass facade. Insight provided by ARC researchers played an important role in achieving a cost-effective and elegant solution. ARC technology was also utilised in the design of a curved glass facade for the Arena de Sao Paulo in Brazil that hosted the opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The field of architectural geometry is booming, as witnessed by an increase in participants at the biennial conference from 130 in 2008 to 400 in 2012. ARC was proud to sponsor the 2010 and 2012 conferences. Comment: unfortunately, bform will not get started; we currently discuss another company, but cannot yet write about it.