Patterned Grid-shell

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore various possibilities in grid-structures by introducing atypical line geometries and examine its feasibility in a built environment. The proposition is derived from the larger purpose of adapting native design characteristics in modern built environment. Focusing on the Asian context, one of the essential characteristics of their traditional architecture, lattice patterns, is taken as an inspiration and a reference to be explored in the project. Grid-shell is an emerging building typology in contemporary architecture due to its unique features in terms of lightness and abundance of natural daylight. In modern construction technology, there is an advancement in the method of fabrication and its applicability in complex curved forms. However, its surface character remains very similar in various context. Therefore, it is important to explore how the surface can be more vibrant and can improve the overall experience if space with different geometries. The main research focuses on developing a method to generate such patterns in a parametric workflow, design grid-shell with it and examine their structural performance. The literature research focuses on three topics, 1) Variation and complexity of traditional lattice patterns and different ways to generate them in the parametric environment, 2) Types, designing methods and construction techniques of grid-shell structures, 3) Multi-objective optimization method to optimize the overall material quantity of structures. The development of this method is carried out by first selecting structurally suitable lattice patterns and developing them in a parametric workflow. The structural performance these patterns is investigated gradually from small flat surfaces to large span complex forms with multiple shell surfaces; this investigation is carried out simultaneously with the development of grid-shell generation workflow. The final results for all the patterns are documented and compared to draw conclusions for general structural behavior if these patterns. Finally, the methodology to optimize the material quantity for any patterned grid-shell is used to compare selected sample patterns. As a final outcome it validates the usability of the collected information regarding designing and analyzing patterned grid-shell for future design and research exercises.