Florian Rochereau Selected Projects & Personal Research 2012 - 2015
Selected projects : Novartis Research Campus | Shanghai, China Disneyland Pedestrian Bridges | Shanghai, China Qianhai Center Grand Canopy | Shenzhen, China Urban Planning Museum | Ningbo, China
Personal Research : Form Finding methods comparison and physical modeling Poly-Arcs fitting and optimization Cylindrical fitting and optimization Data visualization
Novartis Research Campus | Shanghai, China Architect :
KKAA | Kengo Kuma
Contribution :
+ Structural Design + Factory & Construction Spot Checking
Completion :
2015
Global 3D model for construction geometry definition
Glulam beams assembly in progress
Central building of the new Novartis research campus in Shanghai, the glulam structure is composed by a grid of 1300 x 300 mm beams, supported by 12 pairs of glulam V-Columns. The faceted roof geometry defined by Kengo Kuma was challenging in terms of geometry definition, invisible connection design and site installation. The roof is covered by sustainable and self growing green plants.
Deflection results under dead load
Deflection results under wind load
Deflection results under earthquake load
Glued-in-Rod Connection Inspection
The connection between the glulam beams of the roof structure are made of 24 glued threaded rods. This innovative type of connection has been chosed to meet the request of invisibilty from architects. The design has been following TRADA guidelines and tested in 1:1 scaled mockup for both load bearing and fire resistance.
Exterior view of cantilevering roof
Interior view of the cafeteria
Disneyland Pedestrian Bridges | Shanghai, China Architect : Contribution :
KNIPPERS HELBIG
+ Structural Design + Cable Form-Finding + Development of Engineering Tools and Spreadsheets for Vibration and Human Comfort Analysis + Development Design Drawing Package + Parametric 3D modeling
Completion :
2015
East Bridge, 3D Model for Construction Geometry Definition
Excel parametric definition for structural model generation
Grasshopper definition for geometry definition and reference 3D model for construction
Both Excel spreadsheets combined with VBA scripts and Grasshopper parametric definition were used to generate structural models in GSA and 3D geometry definition models in Rhino.
The use of parametric tools enabled to study many geometrical and structural variations in order to come up with the best solution.
Deflection results under dead load
Deflection results under assymetric live load 1
Deflection results under assymetric live load 2
1st global vibration mode : f = 1.18 Hz
2nd global vibration mode : f = 1.52 Hz
3rd global vibration mode : f = 2.53 Hz
Dynamique study was made following HIVOSS guideline. An excel spreadsheet and COM interface to link it with GSA was developped in order to set up the harmonique loads corresponding to each global vibration modes. According to HIVOSS guideline, our 2nd mode (f = 1.52Hz) is critical for human comfort level, two dampers have been set at specific positions to prevent excessicve vibrations. Those results have been checked and validated by several third-parties cheking engineers and by Tongji Univ Professors in Bridge design department.
Site visit after cable loading and scafolding realese
The world biggest Disneyland theme park in Shanghai is surrounded by lake where this pedestrian bridge stand on the side. The footbridge is composed by two decks which make it unique in terms of scale and structural challenges. The main box girder is supported by 34 hangers on it’s external edge, themeself supported by 110 mm diameter cables and two 18 m tall masts.
Qianhai Center Grand Canopy | Shenzhen, China Architect :
BENOY
Contribution :
+ Form-Finding, Form Shaping + Structural Design + Drawing Packages from Schematic Design to Tender + Visual/Performance Mockup + Tender 3D model
Completion :
2016
3D printed model for architectural and client validation
A complete form finding / form shaping process has been set from scratch. The edge perimeter of the canopy have been optimized for drainage and NURBS Surface was rebuilt as strarting point for modeling and structural analysis. Several options for the height and curvature of the shell structure were generated parametrically and discussed with BENOY to find the best compromize for both Architectural aspects and Structural performance.
Deflection results under dead load
Deflection results under wind load pressure
Deflection results under earthquake load
Design development drawings, main tree column geometry definition
Show close zoom of brackets for the parametric definition with vectors and plane Explain here that the canopy is covered by ETFE cushions
Orientation vectors for positionning of ETFE subframe
The canopy is covered by ETFE cushions with losange shapes. Because of the free form geometry of the reference surface, the positioning and orientation of each subframe bracket is unique and needs to be determined parametrically.
After finding the position of each brackets and the correspondings normals to the reference surface, the vector orientations of the brackets are optimized in order to align them on each 300 mm diameter structural profiles.
An exhaustive 3D model has been created for tendering process and discussion with contractors. The precision of the model enabled to estimate precisely the final cost of the project and study the worst case for feasibility validation.
X node 1:1 scale mockup with ETFE subframe
X node 3D model including ETFE subframe and Aluminum extrusion
Due to the free-form shape of the canopy, all of the 210 X-nodes connections have different geometries which create one more challenge for design, fabrication and installation.
In order to simplify the process, a parametric definition has been created to generate the exact and accurate geometry for each node, the profiles are laser cutted and assembled in factory to meet the precision requirements needed for the project.
Urban Planning Museum | Ningbo, China Architect :
PLAYZE
Contribution :
+ Geometrical Concept in cooperation with Architects + Geometry definition and Rationalization + Tender 3D model
Completion :
2016
Terracotta positioning on 3D model
Terracotta working points definition
Reference surfaces from architects
The futiristic shape of the new Urban Planning Museum in Ningbo will be wrapped by a terracotta ribbon composed by more than 28 000 tiles. The geometry, positioning and orientation of each tiles on the ribbon have been determined by an algorythm created in Grasshopper and Python. The initial concept from architects was adapted and optimized to standardize as much as possible the tiles fabrication process and the logistic on site.
Terracotta tiles positioning on surface ribbon, tender 3D model
The terracotta ribbon is characterized by those gradualy oppened and closed areas. The space between the tiles vary from 20 mm to 180 mm, creating lighting and shadow effects inside the building. The geometry of the sub-structure to support the tiles is hidden behind the tiles and become almost invisible from outside.
Steel sub-structure for tiles supports
Structural concept for tiles supports
Kink detail and geometry definition
Personal Research
Form-finding methods comparison and physical modeling
Form-finding with Particle Spring method using Grasshopper + Kangaroo plug-in
Form-finding with Force density method using GSA
This research compares different form finding methods using different sotfwares for computation and physical mock-up. This study’s target is to understand in depth different form-finding methods and apply them on real projects. Finding the natural shape of a prestressed cable network or a tensionned fabric implied also researchs on material properties and mathematics.
Next step for development : + Extend to others form-finding methods
Poly-Arc fitting and optimization
This algorythm find an approximation and optimize the closeness of a poly-arc with a reference spline curve. This project has been initialized and developped to reduce production cost of bended aluminum louvers based on a free-form reference surface.
Next step for development : + Approximate spline with given range of arc radius + Compile a C# component for this algorythm
Cylindrical fitting and optimization
This algorythm find an approximation and optimize the closeness of a single curved panel with a reference double curved panel. This research is motivated by the increasing free-form shapes in today’s architecture. Rationalize double curved panels by finding the best single curved panel approximation is interesting not only for cost of production but also for manufacture process.
Next step for development : + Integrate an option for conical panel fitting + Compile a C# component for this algorythm
Data visualization
Max α = 22 degree
α = 0 degree
α α
Deviation angle from surface normal
Twist amount in X nodes connections
I trully beleive that having great ideas can only be usefull if you know how to show, explain and sell them. Those are two exemples of data visualization tools that are usefull for design, fabrication and cost estimation.
Next step for development : + Set of C# components for data visualization purpose
From a structural engineering background, I chosed to orient my career on Computational and Parametric Design, Geometry and Optimization. I believe this is the best way to put forward the holistic approach between Structural Engineering and Architecture through Research and Innovation.
Education Master Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering Engineering School “Mines - Douai�, France
Work Experience 2012 - 2015 :
RFR Group | Shanghai, China Structural Engineer, Parametric Designer
2012 :
RFR Group | Shanghai, China Structural Engineer (Intern)
2011 :
AS Architecture Studio | Shanghai Structural Engineer (Intern)
Languages French : Native English : Bilingual Chinese : Professional working proficiency
Professional Skills & Competences Structural Analysis - Oasys GSA - ETABS CAD and 3D modeling - Rhino3D - SolidWorks - AutoCad Parametric Design and Scripting - Grasshopper - Python - C# - Excel + VBA Graphic Design and Presentation - MS Office Suite - Adobe CS Suite
Contact :
Florian Rochereau florian.rochereau@gmail.com (+86) 139 1706 3843