Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design

144 EAAE no 35 Teaching and Experimenting with Architectural Design: Advances in Technology and Changes in Pedagogy

and even more challenged by structural hybrid forms generated by powerful compu-

tational tools.

A series of projects is discussed ranging from concrete structures with minimal

structural surfaces (F.Candela, H.Isler), timber and steel structures with organic

articulated forms and discrete pin-connected structural parts (N.Grimshaw, R.Piano),

free-forms with a skeletal approach basically relying on bending stresses (F.Gehry),

hybrid forms with emergent structural morphology (P.Testa).

Digital tools are used for digital representations (representation vs simulation)

of structure formations and connection details in order to enable understanding

of different systems, while digital databases develop structural and constructional

awareness substituting for a limited field experience.

In the design of tensile structures the substantial use of digital technology (yet

always next to traditional methods) in a broader and more profound way than in

other architectural typologies, has produced a particular professional environment

(multi-disciplinary approach), a singular working process (object oriented design) and

a differentiated product (highly customized manufactured architectural product with

an enhanced information component).^4

Fig. 4
Diversity of architectural languages in long span, large scale architecture – Yale Hockey Ring
in New Jersey, US by E. Saarinen, Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan by R. Piano, Experimental
Tower by P. Testa

Fig. 5

Studies on tectonics –

E.Boubari, A.Togrouzidou,

C.Vassis