Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

223740

Computational design and construction of notch-free reciprocal frame structures

Nicolas MelladoPeng SongXiaoqi YanChi-Wing Fu

pp. 181-197

Abstract

A reciprocal frame (RF) is a self-standing 3D structure typically formed by a complex grillage created as an assembly of simple atomic RF-units, which are in turn made up of three or more sloping rods forming individual units. While RF-structures are attractive given their simplicity, beauty, and ease of deployment; creating such structures, however, is difficult and cumbersome. In this work, we present an interactive computational framework for designing and assembling RF-structures around a 3D reference surface. Targeting notch-free assemblies, wherein individual rods or sticks are simply tied together, we focus on simplifying both the process of exploring the space of aesthetic designs and also the actual assembly process. By providing computational support to simplify the design and assembly process, our tool enables novice users to interactivity explore a range of design variations, and assists them to construct the final RF-structure design. We use the proposed framework to design a range of RF-structures of varying complexity and also physically construct a selection of the models.

Publication details

Published in:

Block Philippe, Knippers Jan, Wang Wenping (2015) Advances in architectural geometry 2014. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 181-197

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-11418-7_12

Full citation:

Mellado Nicolas, Song Peng, Yan Xiaoqi, Fu Chi-Wing (2015) „Computational design and construction of notch-free reciprocal frame structures“, In: P. Block, J. Knippers & W. Wang (eds.), Advances in architectural geometry 2014, Dordrecht, Springer, 181–197.