Structural Morphology Workshop | International University of Catalonia

STRUCTURAL MORPHOLOGY WORKSHOP Torus4 Pavilion Barcelona, Spain. 2017

STRUCTURAL MORPHOLOGY WORKSHOP Torus4 Pavilion Nov – Dic 2017 School of Architecture International University of Catalunya Barcelona, Spain SMiA Research Group www.smia-experimental.com info@smia-experimental.com SMiA Magazine Editing Omar Avellaneda Barcelona, Spain 2017

STRUCTURAL MORPHOLOGY WORKSHOP

SMiA research group believes in an educational program that involves lots of hands-on experience. It is through activities such as laboratory and in-company work where students can learn and develop the skills they need to meet the challenges and demands of tomorrow's work place.

The main objective is introduce students to the conceptual and practical world of lightweight structures with the end goal of having the students develop their own lightweight-structural model that solves a real-world problem. They will gain an understanding of the behaviors of these complex structures using both physical models and software.

Comprehensive introduction to the subject of tensioned buildings, deployable structures, tensegrity, reciprocal and tree-form structures and enable students to develop an architectural proposal for a small tensed covering such as a tent, shade, or pavilion, etc.

The idea is to apply didactic strategies for comprehension and learning of design and structural concepts. Two different modes of application are implemented in classroom sessions and in structures workshop: First. a Theoretical class and Second. a Practical class.

SMiA Team.

We want to thank all the people who made this possible and the students who participated in this adventure. We hope to see you soon along the road of geometry and structures.

Especially to Carmelo Santana, for his collaboration and support in the Model Workshop. And Ana Cocho for giving us this fantastic opportunity to share our work.

Index Solids Theory Tensegrity Reciprocal Frame Structures Deployable Structures

Parametric Design Active Geometry Tensile Structures Torus4 Pavilion - deployable structure

Solids Theory The course began with an exploration of geometric solids and the relationship between them, such as with modules, repetitions, groupings, dualities, truncations, and subdivisions.

The course then continues into four topical areas, while alternating between the following: - First, a review of basic theoretical concepts, morphology, and geometry for each system. During this stage, students explore concepts and grow their understanding of these complex systems through trial-and-error, hands-on rapid prototyping using low-cost, easy-to-work-with materials such as paper, plastic, and wood.

- Second, more advanced, digital-tool-based process where students are able to explore possible configurations for each of the structural systems. Goals include, understanding stresses and forces, how the system will be closed, defining constructive details, development of membranes, and assembling the structure.

Tensegrity The tensegrity geometry is defined by the equilibrium of tensile and compressive forces.

The tensegrity geometry is characterized for having discontinuous compression bars, which remain in equilibrium by tensed cables. The balance is achieved because all the compression and tension forces are perfectly distributed, that is to say work jointly, where the structural form is guaranteed because finally the system is closed and auto-balanced, as Fuller had said “Islands of compression in an ocean of tensions�.

In this module students explore the different configurations of tensegritys from the simplest (twist) to the most complex. Students design a kit to assemble and disarm many types of tensegritys. Then they build models by replacing the cables with fabrics.

Reciprocal Frame Structures The reciprocal frame is a three-dimensional grillage structure mainly used as a roof structure, consisting of mutually supporting sloping beams placed in a closed circuit. Olga Popovic Larsen, Reciprocal Frame Architecture.

With the understanding of the theory of solids, students explore reciprocal transformations, the design of simple modules, and their repetition for the construction of a complex system. In the development of practices, students design reciprocal systems with sinclastic surfaces and anticlastic surfaces. Finally they make a proposal of covers.

Parametric Design As part of the design process and strategies for the exploration of new structural systems, digital tools are of great help. After constructing several scale models, explore the different options of groupings of modules, make tansformations and possible changes to the physical model, the students take the first steps in the digital parametric design.

With the use of Grasshopper and Rhinoceros version for students, basic configurations are designed, until designing more advanced systems of light structures.

Deployable Structures The morphology of deployable structures is closely related to the concepts of solid geometry, and this is the starting point of this workshop. Exploring the transformability and the search for appropriate geometries for a system of livability. The exploration of form is very important because of double curvature surfaces looking sinclastic and anticlastic systems straight bars as a container element solution The main objective of this workshop is introduce students to the conceptual and practical world of deployable structures with the end goal of having the students develop their own lightweight-structural model that solves a real-world problem.

This structural system is the one that will be used for the construction of the final prototype on a human scale.

Prototype The final activity is the construction of a complex deployable structure previously designed by the SMiA research group.

Specifically, the proposed design is part of the doctoral thesis of Omar Avellaneda, researcher of SMiA. The construction phase allow the students facing materials and tools and thus technological problems of a real architectural structure.

On the other hand, the group work in equipment and the processes of transformation of the material and the final assembly of the prototype, generate a dynamic of collective work.

All the works of transformation of the material were made in the Model Workshop of the school of architecture. UIC The students constructed a deployable structure dome with an area of approximately 36 square meters and 3 meters high.

Prototype The concept came from the need to create versatile, modulated spaces, with easy and fast assembly for different events. These constructive advantages are characteristics of the deployable structures and the motivation for the study and application of this type of structures, which generate benefits such as adaptability, flexibility and space transformation.

The Torus4 is a proposal as a place of rest and entertainment.

The idea is to have a structure easy to assemble, compact, and lightweight.

Wooden bars: Joins pvc Screws & Nuts:

168 96 450

Height: Area: Weight of an arch:

3 mts 36 mts2 7,5 kg Aprox.

Omar Avellaneda Arch.PhD Candidate. Researcher SMiA – LiTa. Polytechnic University of Catalonia

special guests

Natalia Torres Arch.PhD Candidate. Researcher SMiA – LiTa. Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Diana Peña Arch.PhD. Researcher SMiA – LiTa. Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Photo & Video

Stephanie Gayoso Audiovisual Producer SMiA

Students

Vuk Kljajic Teodora Todoranova Maria Amelia Pardo Cerrutti Nadene Indraj Allegra del Bono Venezze Aishath Zuha Lorenzo Bavelloni Marc Horta Veronica Tortato Aya Akbib MontsĂŠ Balle Nadine

Currently deployable and transformable structures are more common in architecture; the quick assembly, flexibility and lightness of materials, and easy transportability are the most important features of these systems.

The deployable structures with straight bars enhance these features, occupying little space as possible when the structure is closed.

SMiA research group

Structural Morphology Workshop Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Barcelona, Spain 2017