Charlotte Moe 'Water Weights Controlling Form' by Christopher Pierce

Water Weights Controlling Form Technical Studies 3rd year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, Spring Term 2011

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Contents _ Site Information _ Analysing Columns / Composition of Structure _ Folded Structure _ Weight System - Stereo Static Model _ Form Finding _ Inverted Models _ Form Finding - Convertible Structures _ Transformation of Form _ Water Weights _ Water Weights - Chain Reaction _ String System _ Frame Work _ Water Weights - Transformation of Form

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Structural Elements Correlation between four structural elements: Structural form, String System, Weights and Frame Work

The transformation of the structural form dictates the direction of the string system, which is attached to the weights. The form according to its transformation points directs the length of the strings from the weights. The frame, from where the weights are suspended, is adjusted in height to follow the position of the weights. The formwork of the frame imitates the structural transformation of the form.

Structural Form String System

Frame Work

Weights

Chain reaction Transformation of form direct strings, which adjust weights in the frame, imitating the form

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Site Information 1.1 Site Plan Colònia Güell Village 1.2 Site Plan Colònia Güell Crypt 1.3 Crypt: Interior / Exterior / Tower 1.4 Site Conditions _ 1.5 Bell Tower _

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weather Cycle _ Calender of Religious Celebrations

Elevation of over ground structure / section through crypt

1.1 Site Plan Colònia Güell Village The village. Eusebi Güell, the industrialist

who founded the Colònia Güell in 1890, sought to create an industrial colony where the workers would have access to education, culture and recreation, and where they would live in single-family homes as opposed to the dense apartment blocks that were common in other such colonies.

The Crypt. In 1898, Eusebi Güell, a leading industrialist and patron of Catalan arts and literature, commissioned the architect Antoni Gaudí to design a church for the textile estate. In 1908, building work began. However, the ambitious project, which foresaw two naves - an upper and a lower – to be completed with various lateral turrets and a central dome 40 metres high, remained unfinished.

In 1914, the Güell family informed Gaudí that it would no longer fund the works in progress and Gaudí abandoned the project.

17 Train Station

Restoration. Promoted by the Colònia Güell Con-

sortium and financed by the Barcelona City Council and the Ministries of Culture and Promote, the current restoration of the church was planned and begun out by SPAL (the City Council Department of Local Architectural Heritage) under the management of the architect, Antoni González Moreno - Navarro.

13 Crypt of Colònia Güell

On the one hand, this project responds to the need to restore the original value of Antoni Gaudí’s work. Consequently, in addition to the usual restoration and conservation works, the elements added after Gaudí abandoned the project which detracted from it, were eliminated.

Former co-operative wine cellars 1920

Former purchasing co-operative 1900

Former secretary’s house - Health centre

Former convent 1891-1892 Municipal offices and senior citizens’ club

Saint Llois centre 1915-1917 - cultural centre

Unio athenaeum and Fontova theatre 1892

School and teacher’s house

Ca l’Espinal 1900 Private home

Former doctor’s house 1910 Private home

Water tank

Can Soler de la Torre i capella de la Mare de Deu dels Dolors 1692-1890

Ca l’Ordal 1894

Church (Crypt) 1908 - 1915

Parish hall 1917

Factory

Can Julia de la muntanya 17th - 19th centuries Old farmhouse and housing

Train Station

audi

G Walk of

From the start of its construction, the ensemble of the Colònia Güell’s urban core adopted the shape of a letter “L”, with the school and the church at either end and the factory at its bend. This structure may be considered the expression of an ideology that sought to create a model of society under an umbrella of paternalism, with an unquestionably productivist intention.

1 3 12 4 5 15 Factories

The Factory was a textile industry in the village of Colònia Güell. Its inhabitants, men and women and their descendents worked in the factory until its closure in the 1973 as a result of the crisis in the sector. Today the factory premises play host to companies from different economic sectors.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

9 8 7

School and teacher’s

Scale 1:100

1.2 Site Plan Colònia Güell Crypt The Symbolism of the church’s position within the colony. The church is raised up on a hill, set apart from the township, effectively crowning it: its vaults constitute a synthetic vision, crowning the life of the colony.

13 10

8 7

22 14

Ceiling plan

24 3

Ground Plan

1 Access

23 Roof Plan

View from the surrounding woods

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

1.3 Crypt: Interior / Exterior / Tower The village. Eusebi Güell, the industrialist who founded the Colònia Güell in 1890, sought to create an industrial colony where the workers would have access to education, culture and recreation, and where they would live in single-family homes as opposed to the dense apartment blocks that were common in other such colonies.

40 meters

The watchful temple must be erected, like the factory, in a place governed by different time: both order, with their shadows like the hands of a clock, the time of the town. The towers are competing with the height of the chimneys on the other side of the town.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Gaudí designed a utopian industrial community - Colònia Güell - outside the western borders of Barcelona. The aim of the colony was to create a healthy, hygienic, and family-friendly living environment for factory workers, where the Crypt was built as a place for worship. Today the architect Antonio Gonzalez has renovated the Crypt. He designed the roof as a platform to view the city and made it more tourists friendly.

r be em

Average Precipitation (mm), Wet Days (+0.25 mm), Temperature Min and Max., Average Sunlight (hours) No

Fe bru ary

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Weather diagram of Colònia Güell

Weather Cycle _ Calender of Religious Celebrations

January

1.4 Site Conditions

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Epiph any (R eis) o n Jan uary 6

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Summer Sun

30 Wind direction

arch

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M , in day

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Fe bru ary

January

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Average Sunlight (hours)

Fe bru ary

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10 July

N nts

April

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Th is e Da ce leb y of rat the ed De on ad No (D ve ia D mb er els D 2 ifu

October

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January

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October

April

60 70 80 90

April

Temperature Max.

Easter Monday, in March or April

Temperature Min.

October

pte

July

ary

rch

October

April

ony

h Ant on

te ep

Average Precipitation (mm)

Jun

Wet Days (+0.25 mm)

)

ars

ale

July

3 (i

Average Sunlight (hours)

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Au gu

Ju St.

ne 24

Sun path placed on top of the upper plan of Colònia Güell.

St. John on Ju

Sun path of Colònia Güell

Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29

July

Religious celebrations and festivals Catalans celebrate the standard holidays of the Christian calendar. Several summer festivals marked by fires and fireworks are also celebrated.

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The F ea Catato st of St. G eo nia’s p atron rge (Sant J saint, o on Ap rdi), ril 23;

oli nal h 11 r natio talan eptembe a C The da on S ia D La

January

Winter Sun day is

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

5 6 6 7 8 9 10 9 7 5 4 4

Temperature C Average Record Min Max Min Max

Discomfort from heat and humidity

6 7 9 11 14 18 21 21 19 15 11 8

- - - - - Moderate Medium Medium Moderate - - -

13 14 16 18 21 25 28 28 25 21 16 13

-2 -7 1 4 5 11 14 13 10 5 3 -3

23 21 24 28 32 35 35 36 32 28 25 21

Relative humidity Am pm

74 71 75 73 72 68 70 75 79 77 75 72

61 58 60 59 59 59 59 63 66 64 64 62

Average Precipitation (mm)

31 39 48 43 54 37 27 49 76 86 52 45

Wet Days (+0.25 mm)

5 5 8 9 8 6 4 6 7 9 6 6

1.5 Bell Tower

Elevation of over ground structure / section through crypt Site Plan

Section cut

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Analysing Columns / Composition of Structure 1.1 Columns of Colònia Güell Crypt 1.2 Unfolded Columns 1.3 Composition of structure

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Analysing Columns / Composition of Structure 1.1 Columns of Colònia Güell Crypt

Columns of Colònia Güell Crypt. Each column is tilted and angled in different directions. Almost none of them are in a 90 degrees angle.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Analysing Columns / Composition of Structure 1.2 Unfolded Columns

Selected area to position structure

The columns are unfolded and laid out in a circle according to its angle from the crypt. Almost none of the columns are standing in a 90 degrees angle.

Texture of unfolded columns

Unfolded columns with outline of columns

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Analysing Columns / Composition of Structure 1.3 Composition of structure

Composition of structure according to the column plan of the ColĂ˛nia GĂźell Crypt. The structures are located according to the reflection points from the columns.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Selected part of the crypt where the structures are positioned

Folded Structure 1.1 Folds _ linked to the breaking points of the laser cut mesh drawing 1.2 Combining folded structure _ Joints and layers 1.3 Testing of material _ number of layers _ form

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Folded Structure 1.1 Folds _ lare created to the breaking points of the laser cut mesh drawing

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Folded Structure 1.2 Combining folded structure _ Joints and layers

Folded downwards Folded upwards

Each layer if folded and the different parts are being pushed up or down in order for them to join together.

Joint 1

Joint 2

Joint 3 The layers are joint together in 3 places. Joint 1: is fixed. Joint 2: slides into each other is flexible. Joint 3: The green parts folds around the corner of the lifted red part in the layer below.

Each layer is joint together after the openings have been folded.

Testing flexibility of folded structure 1

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Testing flexibility of folded structure 2

Folded Structure 1.3 Testing of material _ number of layers _ form

The size of each layer is scaled and vary through out the structure.

Model 1: Paper is too weak and the joining parts are not precise enough.

Model 4: Plain paper with no scoring drawings. Folds are made on the side of the model.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Model 2: Paper is too weak and the joining parts are not precise enough compare to its size.

Model 5: Thin paper with scoring drawing. The joints are more precise to create a correct form.

Model 3: Same paper as number 2 but half size. The strength of the paper fits to the size of the model.

Model 6: Plain paper, Joint 1 is folded and creates a wider form.

Weight System - Stereo Static Model 1.1 Construction of inverted model 1.2 Inverted model with mirrored image 1.3 Weights are used to balance form 1.4 Gaudi _ Harmony - Disharmony 1.5 Gaudi: Weights keeps the strings in place when the frame moves

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weight System - StereoStaticModel 1.1 Construction of inverted model

Chain reaction: It took Gaudi 10 years to complete the inverted model. Every time he had changes to the shape, he readjusted the whole model. Any minor change of the model would travel through from top to bottom of the structure.

Liberation of form: The model is a hyper connected world, where everything has been reduced to almost nothing. The materials has disappeared. Only string, weights and canvas bags are enclosing nothing but air.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weight System - StereoStaticModel 1.2 Inverted model with mirrored image

Plan of interior of the crypt.

Hanging chain model

On the ceiling is placed a board with a plan of the church is marked out. Fixed to the points that represent pillars or angles of walls are strings suspended.

Inverted mirror image

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weight System - StereoStaticModel 1.3 Weights are used to balance form

Chain with equally distributed load

Chain with more loads on the left side

Straight chain Chain divided in two Load 1

Load 1

Load is added in the centre

Load 2

Two Loads are added on each side

Load 3

Two loads are added on each side

Load 4

Two Loads are added on each side

The chain becomes unbalanced when the load is taken of from one side.

Hanging chain creates a centenary arch when load is added

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Hanging chain creates a centenary arch when load is added

Unload 1

Unload 2

Unload 3

The chain becomes unbalanced when the load is taken of from one side.

Weight System - StereoStaticModel 1.4 Gaudi _ Harmony - Disharmony

Harmony

Stereo

Combining form relating to solid forms having three dimensions relating to a three-dimensional effect, arrangement

Static

ORIGIN late 16th cent. (denoting the science of weight and its effects): via modern Latin from Greek statikē (tekhnē) ‘science of weighing’ ; the adjective from modern Latin staticus, from Greek statikos ‘causing to stand,’ from the verb histanai. Sense 1 of the adjective dates from the mid 19th cent.

Model A system or thing used as an example to follow or imitate

Each point and weight is necessary to create a whole harmonised structure

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Disharmony

Weight System - StereoStaticModel 1.5 Gaudi: Weights keeps the strings in place when the frame moves

Flexible framework

Weights are keeping the strings in place.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form Finding _ Inverted Models 1.1 Model testing _ Mirrored image 1.2 Form finding _ using strings to control form 1.3 Form finding _ adding numbered division of position of strings 1.4 Form finding _ Using string from two opposite directions to get more control of the form

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Inverted Model

Inverted model 2 Hanging model

1.1 Model testing - Rising of model - mirrored image

Inverted model 1 Hanging model

Mirror

Inverted model

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Inverted Model 1.2 Form finding _ using one set of strings to control the form

Model test 1

Model test 2 String in one direction

String in one direction

Model test 3

Mirrored image, photograph taken into the mirror. Interest in how the inverted form would be arranged.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

By attaching strings to each layer of the object, the structure would be a suspended structure.

Inverted Model 1.3 Form finding _ adding numbered division of position of strings

Equally distribution of strings to find a system to control the form

Close up image of weights 1: To make the form flexible, weights are used to fold up the structure.

Level of weights

Close up image of weights 2: The weights are adjusting themselves according to the rest of the weights.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Circles are added to the frame to control an equally distribution of strings to find a system of controlling the form. The circles are also holding the strings in place.

Inverted Model 1.4 Form finding _ Using string from two opposite directions to get more control of the form Test model 1

Use of strings on one side

Use of strings on two opposite sides

Primary strings

Secondary strings

Primary strings Open structure

Model image 1: Form can now be controlled from two opposite directions

Open structure

Secondary strings

Test model 2

Secondary strings Primary strings

Closed structure

Model image 2: Form can now be controlled from two opposite directions

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form Finding - Convertible Structures 1.1 Masque de Fer open-air theatre _ convertible roof by Frei Otto. 1.2 Convertible roof structure _ Built on the historic site in Bad Hersfeld 1959 1.3 Testing _ Control of open and closed structure 1.4 Adjustment of frame panels_ Panels are moved around to change the form of the structure 1.5 Adjustment of frame _ Panels are moved around to find the optimal position 1.6 Weights _ added to the structure to balance the suspended model

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form - Convertible Structure 1.1 Masque de Fer open-air theatre _ convertible roof by Frei Otto.

The roof skin is suspended by cables at 16 points - each cable has its own traction cable and winch

External mast is centrally gathering the roof skin.

Convertible structure Masque de Fer open-air theatre with convertible roof.

Convertible roof for multi- media stadium.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form - Convertible Structure 1.2 Convertible roof structure _ Built on the historic site in Bad Hersfeld 1959

Convertible roof, Bad Hersfeld, by Frei Otto in 1959 A convertible roof structure was built on the historic site, which did not affect the spatial impression of the church.

The roof of the Rothenbaum Centre Court in Hamburg/Germany covers spectatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stands and playing arena in a free span of c. 102 metres. The roof structure, which is based on the spoked wheel, comprises a permanently covered outer area as well as a convertible inner area of approximately 63 m diameter, which represents an opening roof area of 3000 square metres. The inner roof can be opened or closed within a few minutes without interfering with the match in progress.

Transformation, Stage 1- 6

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Rothenbaum Centre Court in Hamburg , by ASP Schweger

Form Finding 1.3 Testing _ Control of open and closed structure

Open structure

Open or closed form is controlled by the direction of the strings

Open or closed form is controlled by the direction of the strings Secondary strings Secondary strings

Diagram 1 of variation of form from open structure to closed structure

Closed structure

The secondary strings are moving direction to change the shape, while the primary strings are holding up the

The structure open and closes according to the direction of the strings.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form Finding 1.4 Adjustment of frame panels_ Panels are moved around to change the form of the structure

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form Finding 1.5 Adjustment of frame _ Panels are moved around to find the optimal position

Panels are moved around to change the form of the structure. Each panel needs to correspond to each other in order for them to generate space for the form. Other wise the strings will interfere too much and the form will be ruined.

Generated forms nr. 1 - 6

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Form Finding 1.6 Weights _ added to the structure to balance the suspended model

Position of frame

Weights were added to the construction of the structure. The weights made the modelling flexible, as all the weight would adjust themselves if just one weight changed weight.

Plan of crypt

Framework: The frame was initially designed according to the plan of 1/4 of the crypt.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Transformation of Form 1.1 Form Finding _ From closed form to open form 1.2 Form Finding _ according to wind directions 1 1.3 Form Finding _ according to wind directions 2

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Transformation of Form 1.1 Form Finding _ From closed form to open form

Stage 1

According to the direction of the strings, the form changes form being completely closed to the widest form. Stage 1: Front strings are all directed to the same point. Stage 2 and 3: the strings are gradually spread out. Stage 4: The strings are positioned in the widest position with reference to the frame.

Plan view of frame

Stage 4

Stage 1: Front strings are all directed to the same point.

Stage 3

Stage 2

Stage 2: The strings are gradually spread out.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Stage 3: The strings are gradually spread out.

Stage 4: The strings are positioned in the widest position with reference to the frame.

Transformation of Form 1.2 Form Finding _ according to wind directions: 1

South

Top

Top view

Front

Bottom

Front

Bottom

Position of camera

South - East

Bottom view

Elevation

Top

East

Top

Front

W S

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Top view

Bottom

W E

Elevation

W E

Bottom view

Transformation of Form 1.3 Form Finding _ according to wind directions: 2

North - East

Top

Front

Bottom

Front

Bottom

Front

Bottom

North

Top

North - West

Top

W S

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Top view

W S

Elevation

W E

Bottom view

Water Weights 1.1 Principles _ Balance and Weights 1.2 Explanation _ Model Experiment 1.3 Test Model _ Adding load to the form 1.4 Test Model _ Adding water to the weights

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights 1.1 Principles _ Balance and Weights

The load is equally distributed to the four opposite sides. The framework is made circular because the forces are going towards each other when load is added.

Pulleys are added to the construction to make a smooth transition when the strings are moving.

When the load is equally distributed to the four different directions, the weight should move t the same time and reach the same height.

Balance of weights

Weight L = Weight L

Load in weights

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Load in the centre

Movement of weights Balance of weights will control the height of each structural elements.

Water Weights 1.2 Explanation _ Model Experiment

Model testing of water weight load. Water is added the water tank to the level, which the weights should reach. The water runs through the tubes and eventually fills the weights with water and they slowly reaches the bottom ground while the centre structure rises to the top.

Weights are added to the form in the centre. Close up image

Water tank with four tubes leading water to the weights.

Water tank

Weight are added to the form in the centre. Top view

Model testing of water weight load Tap to control level of water

Weights are distributed around the centre to get an equal distance.

Framework

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weights

Tubes leading water to the weights

Water Weights 1.3 Test Model _ Adding load to the form

Balance of weights

Weight = Weight

Step 1

Load is added to the central piece to balance the weights around it.

Step 2

Step 5

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Step 3

Step 6

Step 4

Step 7

Water Weights 1.4 Test Model _ Adding water to the weights

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Diagram of water balance

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Chain Reaction 1.1 Chain reaction _ Load is only added to weight A 1.2 Chain reaction _ Adding water to 1 weight to create chain reaction

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Chain Reaction 1.1 Chain reaction _ Load is only added to weight A

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

B B

A A

Step 5

Load is added to weight A, which are linked to weights B and C. as weight A, B and C goes down, the weights in the opposite side goes up in the same order.

Step 7

Step 6

C B

A A

C A

C B

C C

Diagram of chain reaction

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

B A

Water Weights - Chain Reaction 1.2 Chain reaction _ Adding water to 1 weight to create chain reaction

Layer 1

Layer 2

Layer 3

Height of weights

1 layer - Weights at the same level Level before water is added

3 layers - Weights at the same level

Highest point, where most water is added

5 6 2

Chain reaction Weight 1 is connected to weight 2 and 3.

As weight 1, 2 and 3 goes down, weight 4, 5 and 6 goes up. No water is added

7 4

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

String System 1.1 Naum Gabo, Harmonised form _ Equal distribution of string creates form 1.2 JesĂşs Rafael Soto, Harmonised form _ Movement of strings 1.3 Strings _ Primary and secondary strings 1.4 Primary and secondary strings _ Second division 1.5 Model Test _ Primary and secondary strings 1.6 Model Test _ Primary and secondary strings 1.7 Frei Otto, Olympia Stadium Munich

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

String System 1.1 Harmonised form _ Equal distribution of string creates form, void or solid Naum Gabo, sculptures, nylon and acrylic

Equal distribution of strings

The strings are arranged with in equal distribution to create a harmonised form.

Equal distribution of strings

The strings creates a solid form

The Soto sphere in Caracas

Linear Construction No. 1 1942-3

The void becomes the form

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

The void becomes the form

String System 1.2 Harmonised form _ Movement of strings _ Creation of form, void or solid JesĂşs Rafael Soto, Installation. Convertible frame change the position of the strings, which creates the form.

Strings creates the form

Convertible frame

Movement of frame change the position of the strings, which then change the red form.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

String system 1.3 Strings _ Primary and secondary strings

Point 1

Point 2

Open structure

Hyperbolic paraboloid structure.

Primary strings

Secondary strings

Point 1 Secondary strings

Secondary strings

Closed structure Secondary strings

Two primary strings holds up the entire structure. Point 2

Primary strings

The two primary strings holds up the entire structure, while the secondary strings are moving direction to change the shape. When the Secondary strings are attached again to the frame, then the primary strings will move. There will be tension in two opposite directions which holds up the structure. The layers will create the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid structure.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Closed structure

The secondary strings are moving direction to change the shape, while the primary strings are holding up the structure.

String system 1.4 Primary and secondary strings _ Second division To the primary strings there are attached a secondary string which pool the primary string in a closed position. The weights are holding up the structure, while the strings can be adjusted at the same time. The weights from the secondary strings are heavier then the primary weights in order for them to pool the load in the new direction.

Primary strings

Primary strings Secondary strings

Open structure

Primary strings

Secondary strings

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Secondary strings

Closed structure

String system Model Test 1.1 1.5 Model Test _ Primary and secondary strings

The primary weights are holding the structure in an open form

Secondary weights. Primary weights rise to follow the secondary weights

Load direction to pool the primary strings

Closed structure - Structure after the secondary load is added.

Closed structure - Structure before the secondary load is added.

Load 3

Load 2 Load 1

The primary weights rises when load is added to the secondary weights.

Stage 1

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Stage 2

Stage 3

String system Model Test 1.2

Secondary strings

1.6 Model Test _ Primary and secondary strings

Primary strings

Joining points

Joining points Primary strings

Secondary strings

Primary strings

Secondary strings

Primary strings Closed structure - Structure before the secondary load is added. Close up image of model.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Closed structure - Structure after the secondary load is added. Close up image of model.

Frame Work - Suspended Cable net structure and mesh systems 1.7 Frei Otto, Olympia Stadium Munich

The cable net structure are suspended from two opposite directions, where the mesh from the membrane follows the direction of the tension forces.

The centre of the cable net structure are being attached to a central column to hold up the structure.

Cable net structure

Different curves in cables

Olympia Stadium Munich, by Frei Otto

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Different types of meshes used as cable nets

Frame Work 1.1 Frame Design _ Designed according to form of central structure 1.2 Form of Frame _ Follows form of central structure 1.3 Composition of four different parts of the frame work 1.4 Snowdon Aviary, London Zoo by Cedric Price 1.5 Details of pulleys and weights _ in the making 1.6 Weights in frame _Vary in length according secondary string 1.7 Weights in frame _Variation in length dictated by the form - Right side frame 1.8 Weights in frame _Variation in length dictated by the form - left side frame 1.9 Frame Work - Movement of Weights - Left and right side frame.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Frame Work 1.1 Frame Design _ Designed according to form of central structure

Frame for Primary Strings: Left side

Frame for Secondary strings

Frame for Primary Strings: Right side

T T

The form and the height of the frame, is following the structure, from which the strings are attached. In order to control the form in a correct way, the framework need to imitate the desired form.

T B

B B

B B T

T B

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Frame Work 1.2 Form of Frame _ Follows form of central structure The form and the height of the frame, is following the structure, from which the strings are attached. In order to control the form in a correct way, the framework need to imitate the desired form.

Frame for Primary Strings: Left side

Frame for Primary Strings: Right side

B B

B B T

T B

Frame for Primary Strings: Left side

Frame for Primary Strings: Right side

Frame for Secondary strings

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Frame Work 1.3 Composition of four different parts of the frame work

Elevation 1.1

Elevation 2.2

Elevation 2.1

Plan of frame work Elevation 1.2

Perspective drawing of frame structure 1

Two opposite frames

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

All four different frames

Composition test of frames

Frame Work 1.4 Snowdon Aviary, London Zoo by Cedric Price Materials: aluminium castings, stainless steel forgings and lightweight welded mesh. A net is enclosing the structure of tension cables, which are being help by a steel framework in compression.

V shape in steel hold the cables in tension.

V shape in steel hold the cables in tension. Steel frame in compression

Steel frame in compression

Tension cables

The rectilinear structure are anchored on the ground at the corners.

The netting is attached to tension cables that run length-wise in the rectilinear structure. They are anchored on the ground at the corners by assemblies of tetrahedral (four-face) tubular compression structures. The ‘roof’ consists of a pair of crossover cables running along the apex of the enclosure, also length-wise. It is supported by pairs of tubular steel columns, each pair forming a giant ‘V’, which hold the cables in tension. The cable/net structure of the whole is clearly expressed though the use of steel compression members and cables in tension.

The frame acts in two opposite directions to hold the strings in tension.

Perspective drawing of frame structure

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Frame Work 1.5 Details of pulleys and weights _ in the making

Pulleys in the making

Weights in the making The pulleys are designed so they turn in two different directions. The actual wheel spins with the string and the whole pulley spins when the string change direction.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weight can be added at the bottom of each weight.

Frame Work - Weights 1.6 Weights in frame _Vary in length according secondary string

The weights closest to the secondary strings, will be pulled the longest distance, and therefore the strings vary in length according to its distance to the secondary string and its weight.

B B

A B

A Frame Left

A Distance to secondary string and weight

Frame Right

Frame Left

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Frame Right

Frame Work - Weights 1.7 Weights in frame _Variation in length dictated by the form - Right side frame

The weights closest to the secondary strings, will be pulled the longest distance, and therefore the strings vary in length according to its distance to the secondary string and its weight.

A B

B A Frame Left

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Distance to secondary string and weight

Frame Right

Frame Work - Weights 1.8 Weights in frame _Variation in length dictated by the form - left side frame

The weights closest to the secondary strings, will be pulled the longest distance, and therefore the strings vary in length according to its distance to the secondary string and its weight.

A B

B A Frame Left

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Distance to secondary string and weight

Frame Right

1.9 Frame Work - Movement of Weights - Left and right side frame.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Transformation of Form 1.1 Movement of structure _ Water weights are directing the strings, which direct the form. 1.2 Explanation of system _ Weight A starte the movement of the structure 1.3 Explanation of system _ Movement of Weight A 1.4 Explanation of system _Movement of weights diagram 1.5 Film: Water Weights Controlling Form 1.6 Transformation of form, series 1_ weights on the left side of the frame 1.7 Transformation of form, series 1_ view from below 1.8 Transformation of form, series 1_ weights on the right side of the frame 1.9 Transformation of form _ Front view 1.10 Transformation of strings _ Primary Strings and Secondary strings 1.11 Transformation of strings _ Movement of form direct the strings position 1.12 Movement

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.1 Movement of structure _ Water weights are directing the strings, which direct the form.

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.2 Explanation of system _ Weight A starte the movement of the structure

Weights go down when the form change position

Weights go up as water is added to weight A

Form starts to move as weights on the right side change position

A Weights left side

Water tank

1 Weight A starts the movement of the system. Weight A goes down when water is rising from the water tank.

Water level 6 5 4 3 2 1

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Weights right side

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.3 Explanation of system _ Movement of Weight A

4 1 Water level

2 Water level

3 2 3 Water level

4 Water level

1 5 Water level

6 Water level

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.4 Explanation of system _Movement of weights diagram

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Transformation of Form 1.5 Film: Water Weights Controlling Form

Chain reaction Transformation of form direct strings, which adjust weights in the frame, imitating the form

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Transformation of Form 1.6 Transformation of form, series 1_ weights on the left side of the frame

A B

B A Frame Left

View point

Frame Right

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Transformation of Form

1.7 Transformation of form, series 1_ view from below

8 6 2 35 4 7

A B

B A Frame Left

View point from below

Frame Right

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water Weights - Transformation of Form

7 6

8 1

1.8 Transformation of form, series 1_ weights on the right side of the frame

A B

B A Frame Left

View point

Frame Right

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.9 Transformation of form _ Front view

Transformation of connecting point between primary and secondary strings

1.1

Movement of string and position of form

1.2

1.5

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

1.3

1.7

1.4

1.8

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.10 Transformation of strings _ Primary Strings and Secondary strings

Position of form

Movement of secondary strings

Primary strings Secondary strings

1.1

1.5

1.2

1.6

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

1.3

1.7

1.4

1.8

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.11 Transformation of strings _ Movement of form direct the strings position

Primary strings Primary strings Secondary strings

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Water weights - Transformation of Form 1.12 Movement

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Research and Inspiration

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Alexander Calder - Mobiles - Balance

Venzuela Pavilion 2000 Hanover

JesĂşs Rafael Soto, Instalation - Strings

Naum Gabo, Sculpture with nylon strings

Shanghai Expo Building, by SBA GmbH 2010

Convertable roof, Bad Hersfeld, by Frei Otto in 1959

Masque de Fer open-air theatre with convertable roof.

Tensile fabric installation by Jens J. Meyer in Mainz, Germany.

outdoor installation by architects Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues

Light weight structure test by Frei Otto

Joint between fabric and structure

Suspended tensile structure

Frei Otto, Olympia Stadium Munich

Joint to hold two crossing cables

Suspended cable net structure

Different cable curvatures

Tensile structure by Norman Foster, London Festival

London Zoo Aviary by Cedric Price

Grid of cable net structure

Rothenbaum Center Court in Hamburg , by ASP Schweger

Roca Parks Transit Center, by FTL Design Studio

Detail of Shanghai Expo Building, by SBA GmbH 2010

Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam by Ben van Berkel

Position of end points in tensiles structure, test, by Frei Otto

Technical Studies, 3rd Year, Charlotte Moe, Unit 9, AA School of Architecture 2011

Mesh systems for suspended cable net structures