Centre Pompidou- Metz, France Architect : Shigeru Ban
lResource
The building is programmed for three large exhibition and gallery spaces, auditorium, theatre and a central forum. The structure is derived based on the program. The built and structure are physically and conceptually indistinguishable. A structural module is rigorously deployed throughout the project – the roof canopy surface – structural complexity enables its unique and expressive architecture. Timber is explored to its maximum strength.
- Timber are used to break free from the rigidity of wood and to achieve flexibility and looseness in design
Design Process - Timber gridshell roof lForm
derivation of the roof - Computational process
Bending condition: Single curve Hence timbre strips were extracted.
Flat timber log
lModularity
explored in design process to achieve the form
3 types of modules following the same system but having the following 3 different nature of timber segments.
Straight members
Single curvature bent
Double curvature bent
Inspiration for the Gridshell roof structure
The membrane divided into grid in the model for construction.
Structurally balanced by concentrating the mass removed from the negative and added as layers on the strips.
Chinese hat as an inspiration for its intricate interwoven structure.
The form of the roof generated based on the plan reference and cutouts of the galleries.
Z- axis is - ax
X
Z- axis X-
Z- axis
s
axi
Y-a x
is
Each module is made up of 3 timber segments made of glulam timber
Triple layered module of timber.
Bending condition:Double curvature
Why is hexagonal geometry designed for a 3 axis system ?
Y-a x
is
Concrete blocks rotated on an axis protruding out.
Based on the principle of interlocking, a grid was derived that interlocks in 3 axis Hexagonal plan as a reference for the shape of roof.
Since its a 3 axial module, each module is interlocked in all the directions hence every member is in uniform tension. Based on the principle of interlocking, a grid was derived that interlocks in 3 axis
Such interlocking modules make up the form derived, hereby testing the tensile properties of timber to the fullest.
Construction Process - Assembly Each member is prefabricated and assembled on site
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Technology plays a vital role in prefabrication process
There are 3 major stages in the project and sub stages within them. 1) Assembly of individual segments
Pre-stressed bolts
2) Formation of gridshell structure
3) Installation of Tensile membrane on the gridshell system.
In the same nature of assembly, all modules having different curvatures are assembled forming it a lattice grid structure which is entirely in uniform tension.
The final structure was constructed by joining the grid shell with the pillars made of the same system and fixing a tensile membrane on the structure.
1
Timber block
4 Timber segments
1) Process of pre-fabricating each timber segment - CNC Process
5) Timber segment added on the gridshell as a binder
Timber segment
6) Metal rib structure on the gridshell for Tensile membrane
Gridshell
Metal rib CNC Milling- each timber segment is cut and milled. Then after bent and
distressed bolts are fixed onto that member.
2) Joining 2 individual timber segments - Vertical joining
Structure to support metal rib for the PTFE membrae The CNC milled segment acts as a binder on the gridshell and connector between the timber gridshell and the tensile membrane.
The fabric is placed on the metal rib structure which is the last in construction process.
4) Prestressed bolts-CNC and timber blocks fixed on the system
Detail as in process no. 6
A timber block acts as a connector between 2 timber segments.
3) Joining 2 segments through metal plate - Horizontal joining
The bolts are subracted, milled and used for junctions.
Final locking on bolts
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Curvature of the shell joins the vertical system of columns to tranfer the load of roof.
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Conclusion
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In this project technology plays a vital role in the form derivation and while arriving at the construction process. Technology is used as a tool to achieve precision in a complex geometry system. The entire geometry is intricated such that the process, system and resources are interrelated and used to their maximum capacity. Since the form is through technology, the project cannot be independent of that and technology is used at each step in the process of this gridshell system for it to function. Technology is important in the design field to get rid of form derivation constraints and simplification of complex execution process.
Grooves are made through CNC and metal plate is inserted on each segment.
Bibliography
Plan
Joinery between 2 segments through metal plate.
Applied Technology
Even on bendings, metal plate joins junctions acting as an absorber of all forces.
Rectanguar timber blocks fix the movement of system in all directions.
Research papers : Production phases and market for timber gridshell structures : A state of the art review by Marzieh Ghiazinasab. l Centre Pompidou – Metz: Engineering the roof- Ben Lewis, BEng (Hons), CEng, MIStructure l Integral Computational Design: Synthesizing Computation and Materialisation in Architecture -Institute for Computational Design, Stuttgart University l Fabricate : UCL Press- Bob sheil / Ruairi Glyin / Achmin Menges l Shigeru Ban complete works 1985- 2010 by Jodidio Philip
Charvi Patel | UI0315