Extending Structure and Architecture
Studies in Structural Topology
Today’s computation tools enable structural designers to explore new topologies that may lead to new architectural forms and expressions. The lecture will review recent research at SOM in system definition and form finding and show how they might be realized in buildings.
Starting with Michell Trusses as the base line, various computational tools are used in this exploration. These tools include principal stress trajectories, evolutionary structural optimization, homogenization methods, virtual work/LaGrange Multiplier methods, variable topography and genetic algorithms.
Examples of how SOM has used these structural topologies in several recent proposals for tall buildings will be presented and discussed.
Presenter:
Stanford University
Tresidder Union Oak Lounge
April 17, 2008
4:30 P.M.
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