Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design

Maria Vrontissi Department of Architecture, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece 141

What are these characteristics, inherent to the design of lightweight structures?

Weight being a primary consideration, issues of materials and structure become

critical. Structural efficiency and material performance are of key importance when

giving shape and form of simple or more elaborate geometry, restricting though the

degree of formal freedom that non-standard, free-form architecture has. Structural

engineer A. Palmer comments^2 : “In designing structural systems it is essential to be

aware of the relationship between structure and form: either the structure follows

certain physical characteristics such as the shape of the hanging chain or a minimal

surface [Fig. 2], or it is a system that relies primarily on bending as the load-carry-

ing mechanism.”

Furthermore, precedents of lightweight structures from the vernacular (adapting

to changing environmental conditions) or nature formations (withstanding signifi-

cant water and air forces) usually bring questions of adaptability, sustainability and

environmental economics to the design table.

The design process is object oriented, the design basis being the 3D model (physical,

digital, 1:1 scale mock-up). In the making process, manufacturing techniques are

vastly explored, while a construction approach is considered for detail customization.

Prefabrication systems are applied towards mass production.

Crucial to the design process from their very first steps, digital technologies have

gradually become a necessary tool to the design and making process of lightweight

structures, though always accompanied by traditional methods. Advanced simulation

techniques have been used to all their extent as a powerful design tool for form

queries to load analysis studies and material properties investigation.

Fig. 1
Lightweight structures – Dance Pavilion in Cologne, Germany by F. Otto, Los Manantiales Res-
taurant in Mexico by F. Candela

Fig. 2
Studies on lightweight structures design principles – ILEK, Institut for Lightweight Structures,
Stuttgart, Germany