ARCH599

Description:
In this course we focus on the design of free form shell structures. We use parametric design to analyze the form found geometries into reciprocal frames which is a mutually supported structural system. Reciprocal frames are chosen because it is a traditional yet complex building system which can achieve more geometrically intricate shell structures by not reducing complexity through standardization but by enhancing element differentiation. On a global level the focus of this course is to investigate how can we improve the structural behavior of large span shell structure by adjusting is global geometry. On a local level the focus is how to provide reciprocal frame units that have variable permeability based on their position on the shell sturcture in order to satisfy requirements set by the program. We test our design approach by applying for the design of a hangar structure at the Incheon Airport in Korea.