Abstract

“New methods of structural design for large, expressive architectural forms” by Allan McRobie (University of Cambridge) and Marina Konstantatou (Foster+ Partners and University of Cambridge) This talk describes the mathematical approaches taken by engineers to the conception and design of large, expressive architectural forms. Differential geometry provides the basis for the shell theories used to calculate the stresses within membrane structures. Although this is traditionally framed in the language of classical tensor analysis, more modern approaches using exterior and other algebras are beginning to gain interest. In parallel, recent research into James Clerk Maxwell’s papers on structural mechanics – which emphasise the dualities inherent in projective geometry in 3 and 4 dimensions – has led to deeper understandings of the geometric foundations of structural equilibrium. Together, these approaches provide powerful tools for guide the structural design of large architectural pieces, ranging from the architectural forms of Frei Otto of the 1970’s to the more recent cable net sculptures of Janet Echelman. Examples will also be given where structural designers, by virtue of their appreciation of the beauty of the underlying mathematics, have been able to transcend the traditional role of being providers only of strength and stability, allowing then to move towards richer forms of creative collaboration.