Research

Natural structures perform and reproduce themselves with deformation. From the first design approaches, in a very intuitive attempt of understanding, they show and teach us about how to understand the function of structural systems…

The methods of topology optimization have been developed for economic reasons – minimizing the material input for structural systems.

Hornet nests can be described as single-material housing structures, where different elements with different geometries and different physical requirements are all constructed from one material.

The exoskeleton is probably one of the most fascinating structures found in nature. The development of natural „structures“ can be directly studied looking at the development of the skeleton.

„Literal and phenomenal lightness: lightness, logics and aesthetics“ was the title of the paper I was happy to present at this year’s IASS conference at MIT.

The development of load paths in space is a relevant common work process in the interaction of architecture and engineering. In our common conceptions, we search for strategies of load-bearing structures merging the disciplines involved. In the development of optimized load paths in space, this study „from volume to grid shells“ has been carried out.

Pioneers such as Pier Luigi Nervi have taught us how to design structural systems following load paths. Until today, even if we have the most effective methods available, we rely on the studies of our precedents.

Ever since the building of the Pantheon, double curved structures have been a continuous subject of study in structural engineering.
Our natural role models range from diatoms to mussels – scaling their principles up to wide-span enclosures shows us ways to design and construct them.

This work sets out to look for objective and subjective decisions in the design of structural systems. The postulate is to claim that the design of structural systems is not a purely objective design process, but also subject to personal design decisions.