Digital Tectonic Optic

Digital Tectonic Optic:

The overall aim of this optic is to study the architecture through the optic of technology. By that, it means to create a fully unfold 1:1 scale model and let the architecture show you the art of three overall aspects: Material, Technic, form.

The point of departure was to optimize a beam of plywood and reduce material consumption, but still obtaining spatial stability and structural strength. We started out with a simple geometrical design space supported in a symmetrical order, which gave us a symmetric optimization.

During our development of the design space, we used Rhino, T-Splines and Solid thinking (3D modelling programme and a 3D engineer program)

Ready for the first Pinup:

We pushed it further in our next attempt. Placing the supporting’s in an asymmetrical system given us an optimization with a more clear view of how the construction forces move to the ground. And furthermore the asymmetrical supporting’s given 

us a diverse result with shifting direction in the structure and new spatial relations. 

The final result was put through another optimization in T-splines where the discussion of how much material could be removed without losing structural strength and stability was debated. 

Our final result indicates a rethinking when considering the fabrication of an aesthetic, visible, and individual truss in future buildings. With new technology and easier and low cost production, the production of individual trusses suddenly becomes possible in a near future.