Author
Xavier Tellier, Cyril Douthe, Olivier Baverel, Laurent Hauswirth
Abstract
The shape of a complex freeform architectural envelope is usually generated by methods such as NURBS that offer a great design freedom, but that do not take into account fabricability. This often leads to higher than expected building costs. In this article, we present how a forgotten family of surfaces-namely, surfaces with planar curvature lines-can be used for a rationalized design of gridshells. We propose a discrete model of these surfaces, that enjoys properties that simplify the fabrication of all the elements of a gridshell: beams, nodes, and cladding panels. We propose an intuitive generation method, that allows a real-time exploration of the entire family of surfaces with planar curvature lines. Finally, we show how this method can be used to design a great variety of envelope shapes. Figure 1: Surfaces with planar curvature lines. Left: The HippoHaus in Berlin [1], revisited as a junction of five patches with planar curvature lines. Right: A building roof, with mesh edges aligned with a façade.
