Every structure is based on a geometry that comes from basic shapes.
Regular architecture is based on Platonic Solids like a cube.
Membrane strucures are based on a familiy of shapes named "Typology".
These shapes are not "designed" directly, they are a result of the essential double curvature and a result of the boundary conditions that are given by the designer. So all membrane forces are a natural result of the flow of the tension force. We can only build efficient and safe structures when we follow this principle.
As a kind of gift by the nature you can create beauty and harmonic architecture. If you combine the shpae with a light membrane you can create lightness and enrich our environment.
Our goal is to make Typologies and the relation to other shapes more comprehensive in order to find the perfect shape for your project.
The image by Dr. Philipp Jurewicz is only one sample print of the "Formfinder Ontology". In the future we will provide over 2000 shapes and projects.
The introduction of an arch in the surface is basically elegant. Only the flat edge disturbes the beauty a bit. It reduces the harmony of the force distribution and can lead to eg. water ponding.
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The Shape is inspired by the Frei Otto Dancing Fountain in Köln Germany. The edges are straight lines so it is completely differnt to the original structures by Frei Otto.
Elegant solution "eye". Edge cable in one piece, fastened to the mast.
Elegant solution "eye". Edge cable in one piece, fastened to the mast.
Air Inflated Structures get their shape by air which is locked in two layers. These structures are often used as modular systems like cushions.
The pressure of the air is distributed always as a kind of sphere. Therefore these structures are looking like balls, cylinder or torus. These shapes are often recognized as pleasing. The curvature is in most cases "synclastic".
Inflatable structural element.
Flat membrane doesn't have double curvature, suitable only for vertical structures as facade element.
Grid shell is a special structure type, based on forming an initial rectangular mesh.
