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This master thesis by Victoria Plate explores the aesthetic and structural qualities of a space frame system in the design of an Industry Museum in Gothenburg. It investigates how the integration of architectural intentions with structural solutions can create flexible and beautiful spaces, focusing on the role of joints and modular components. The findings culminate in a conceptual prototype that emphasizes the spatial potential of the space frame structure while addressing the challenges of complex building programs.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
58 views78 pages

255804

This master thesis by Victoria Plate explores the aesthetic and structural qualities of a space frame system in the design of an Industry Museum in Gothenburg. It investigates how the integration of architectural intentions with structural solutions can create flexible and beautiful spaces, focusing on the role of joints and modular components. The findings culminate in a conceptual prototype that emphasizes the spatial potential of the space frame structure while addressing the challenges of complex building programs.

Uploaded by

Kaviya Sankar
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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S PA C E F R A M E M A N I A

Recognizing the Beauty of Structures

Master Thesis by Victoria Plate


Chalmers School of Architecture
Department of Architecture and Engineering
Supervisors Erica Henrysson / Jens Olsson
Examiner Morten Lund
S PA C E F R A M E M A N I A
Master Thesis Spring 2018
Author Victoria Plate

Chalmers School of Architecture


Department of Architecture and Engineering
Program Architecture and Urban Design
Supervisors Erica Henrysson / Jens Olsson
Studio Matter Space Structure
Examiner Morten Lund
4
Abstract

This thesis sets out to investigate the aesthetic qualities of a public building - an Industry Museum located in Gothenburg. The
structural building system. The focus has been to explore the spatial design is focused on an exhibition path showcasing a time-line of
potential of a three-dimensional truss, a so-called space frame. The the industrial history. The projects is concentrating on a fragment
ambition throughout the process has been to unify spatial ambitions of this program in order to elaborate on the qualities to different
with structural solutions in order to achieve architectural qualities spatial configurations possible within in the space frame structure.
embedded in a well-performing structure.
The findings result in a conceptual building prototype, emphasising
The application of space frames in architecture followed a the structural system and its integration with the exhibition path.
development of modular building systems. It started in an The exhibition path determines the organization of the space and
explorative era in the 1950s that led up to more built projects in the supporting functions are fitted around the path to make up
the following decades. As more advanced techniques have been a building. The meandering walk moves through a variation of
developed, more complex systems with tailored solutions have spatial configurations, showcasing the architectural opportunities
become the norm. The field is still advancing as the demand for of the structural morphology.
large scale structures and optimised techniques continue to grow.
Concluding that the building-structure was successfully used as
In designing a space-frame the connecting element, the joint, is the a tool to build up the architectural concept - by using an iterative
fundamental component - setting the parameters and logic of the process of refining the structure in several steps to create a space
system. The investigation on the joint and the connecting members where the architectural intentions are integrated with the structural
has been made using wood, instead of the conventional steel solutions, coherent with the program it contains. However, this
frame. This thesis recognizes the structures modular capacities, investigation is limited to a fragment of a program. If a more
investigating a flexible joint enabling the structure to re-assemble complex program would have been taken in to account this might
and rebuild in new configurations. become a more challenging method.

The project developed through an iterative process combining A final conclusion is that the space frame can be a spatially
drawing, physical modelling and digital modelling. The intriguing structure and through making use of its purely structural
investigation departures from the project hypothesis; that a building elements beautiful and potentially flexible spaces can be achieved.
structure can be used as a tool to create an architectural concept.
A building program puts the claim through test by proposing a

5
Table of Content

5............. Abstract 38.............Building Structure in Scale 1:5


40.............Building Structure in Scale 1:2
Introduction/ Discourse
Investigations/ Timeline
10.............Claim
11.............Intro 43.............Transforming the Regular Tetrahedron
12.............Theory 44.............Focus of Investigations
45.............Equal tetrahedrons
References/ Background 48.............Flipped and stretched tetrahedrons
54.............Using slabs for pre-tension
17.............Alexander Graham Bell 56.............Stretched tetrahedrons in smaller scale
18.............Konrad Wachsmann
19.............Anne Tyng & Louis Kahn Proposal
20.............Historic Diagram
22.............Development of Space Frames 59.............Exterior view from Frihamnen
23.............Characteristics of Space Frames 60.............Section of final prototype
25.............Space Frame Scale Overview 62.............Joint
26.............Large Scale 64.............Soft Wall Addition
27.............Medium Scale 66.............Interior Views
28.............Small Scale 68.............Section of Timeline
29.............Combined Scales 70.............Plans / Isometric drawing
30.............Summary 72.............Entrance Level
73.............Level 2
Investigations/ Joint 74.............Level 3
75.............Level 4
34.............Examples of Joint Connections
35.............Development from the Mero-joint 76 Conclusion
36.............Prototype 1 77 Bibliography
37.............Prototype 2

7
8
Introduction/ Discourse

9
Claim

This thesis investigates if a buildings structure can be used as a tool to build up


an architectural concept, where the construction of the building is coherent with
its atmosphere, functions and the program that fills it.

10
Intro

The structural typology of a space frame has great architectural potential


beyond its structural abilities. It’s light, rhythmic and spatial interactive. It can
be assembled in endless ways, allowing many different confugurations to grow
out of the same system. This project combines the structures tectonic qualities
with its flexible abilities to develop a building where architectural intentions are
unified with structural solutions.

Definition Space Frame:

The space frame is a three dimensional truss, a lightweight structure of


interlocking members forming a geometric pattern. The members are organised
in open building blocks of polyhedral units. The project focuses on the simplest
polyhedral unit, the tetrahedron (pyramid shape) consisting of six members
meeting in four points (Sandaker et al. 2011).

(Sandaker et al. 2011)

11
Theory

Load bearing and space enclosing element

To understand structures in an architectural context, they can


be described as having a dual function. They provide strength
and stability as well as architectural space with certain qualities
(Sandaker, 2011). This project investigates structures contradict-
ing nature and seeks opportunities in the duality.

Structure

Object Space

Mechanical Function Spatial Function

Science Technology Utility Contextuality Iconography

Diagram explaining structures duality (Sandaker, 2011)

12
“poetic of construction.. emphasising the expressive potential of
structural techniques..”
Emphasising the architectural values of a structure relates to the discourse on
tectonics, it can be defined as the expressive potential of construction or as the
scholar Kenneth Frampton (1995) puts it “poetics of construction”. The term
can also be understood in a wider meaning as structural elements have possible
values beyond its initial purpose of carrying loads.

“Tectonic derives from the word tekton (Greek in origin) meaning carpenter or
builder… Later the term got a poetic connotation, referring to artisan working
in hard materials… The term would eventually aspire to an aesthetic rather
than technological category”.

“expressivity arising from.. constructional form in such way that the result
expression could not be accounted for in terms of structure and construction
alone.”

“Similar combinations of structure and construction could become the occasion


for subtle variation in expression… Given expression may be at variance with
either the order of the structure or the method of construction. But when the
structure and construction appears to be mutually interdependent the tectonic
potential of the whole would seem to derive (from the eurhythmy of its parts and
articulations of its joins).”

Quotes from Studies in Tectonic Culture (Frampton, 1995)

13
Theory

“..simplicity and complexity of the structure as something


inseparable.”

Repetition of constructional elements can be a method of developing interesting


architectural space. Inside the limitation there is a freedom to explore the
different possibilities, enabling the simple components to build up a complex
unit.

“In his own house Can Lis on Mallorca, Jorn Utzon worked with a very
simple constructive principle exploring it’s many variations giving every part
of the house and it’s construction its own character. This way of working with
architecture creates a strait forwardness in the appearance of the building
enabling the observer to understand the simplicity and complexity of the
structure as something inseparable.” (Madsen, 2008)

14
“.. allow the building to be part of a greater cycle of resources..”

The space frame is a modular system; it provides an opportunity to develop


the constructional elements in detail. The few standardized elements can be
carefully design, and mass produced. This also provides an opportunity to
design the ability to de-construct and re-assemble the components, to provide a
longer life span of the elements as they can be re-used in new constructions.

“.. A construction must likewise be evaluated by their ability to allow the


building to be part of a greater cycle of resources, such as ability to dissemble
construction by the end of use in order to have materials recycled and reused in
new constructions.“(McDonough , 2009).

15
References/ Background

16
Alexander Graham Bell
Tetrahedral Kites
Nova Scotia, 1902-1908

Early examples of Space Frames were put together


by the inventor Alexander Graham Bell in the
beginning of the 20th century, during this time
“Space Frame” was not yet a concept or an
elaborate system. Bell multiplied stable polyhedral
units into structures, creating large and lightweight
structures, so lightweight that they were actually
used for making kites (Arbuckle, 2018). Fig 2: Floating kite built of tetrahedral cells

The open structure enables a transparency, as


one can perceive the structure in multiple layers.
This shows the structures capacity as the small,
lightweight components make up a strong unity when
they act together.

Fig 1: Alexander Graham Bell kisses his wife Mabel Hubbard


Gardiner Bell inside a tetrahedral framework.

17
Konrad Wachsmann
American Air Force Aircraft Hangar
California, 1951

This aircraft hangar is an example of an early


application of space frames in architecture and is
displayed to demonstrate the theme of simplicity and
complexity (Dpr-barcelona, 2010).

The structure is simple, based on regular repetition


of identical elements. However, there is a complexity
created by the configurations of the elements, making
the lightweight components act as a strong unit. One
can perceive the simplicity in the regular repetition
following a geometric grid. One can also perceive a
complexity as this grid is multi-layered, making the
small parts into one structural mass.

18
Anne Tyng & Louis Kahn
City Tower
Philadelphia 1952-1957

“Inhabiting Structure” is a phrase borrowed from


this reference project, a proposal of an futuristic
office building in Philadelphia (Architectuul, 2018).

The outer boundaries of the structure define the


framework of the building. Within the space frame
- voids constitute the spatial configuration of the
interior. Dimensioning the structural elements
makes the structure inhabitable and gives the voids
unconventional but all the same room-like qualities.

19
Historic Diagram

Alexander Graham Bell, He experimented Vladimir Shukhov Shukhov Anne Tyng, Elementary School Anne Tyng, Louis Kahn
with compositions of octahedral and Tower, Moscow, (1920-1922) Buck’s County, City Tower Philadelphia (1952-1957)
tetrahedral units in to structures (1903-1908) Model of roof framing (1950-1951).

Konrad Wachsmann, American Air Force


Aircraft Hangar, California, (1951)
Exploring Space Frames:

1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950

Inhabiting structure: Modernism


Constructivism
MONUMENTAL REDUNDANCY ARTISTIC APPROACH TO STRUCTURES IRREGULAR SYSTEM
Stéphen Sauvestre, Eiffeltornet (1889) Yakov Chernikhov, Composition No. 28 (1925-1933). Constant Nieuwenhuys, New Babilon (1959-1974)
Constructivism, a form of Modern architecture in the Models and sketches on an anti-capitalist city. Example of an irregular
Soviet Union in the 1920s and early 1930s. system that grows wild.

20
Constant Nieuwenhuys, Cedric Price, Kenzo Tange, Expo 70 Festival Buckminster Fuller, Thomas
Two Towers (1959) Aviary at London Zoo (1961) Plaza Osaka (1969-1970) C. Howard, Car showroom in

Shoei Yoh,Oguni Dome in Kyushu Foster + Partners


Buckminster Fuller, Ray Rewal, Hall of Nations,
(1988). Curved timber trusses in a Hearst Tower (2006)
Standing on octet truss space-frame structure built in
space grid in cedar wood.
TC Howard of Synergetics (1959). reinforced concrete (1972)

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Late Modernism /Structural Expressionism/High Tech


PLUG-IN SUPER EXPOSED
Yona Friedman, Spatial City (1960) & Cedric Price, Fun Palace (1959–1961) Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, Centre Georges Pompidou (1971-1977)
Plug-in to structure, rather than using the structure as the space enclosing system. Not only is the structure incorporated in the building experience but other
technical installations as well.

21
Development of Space Frames

The development of space frames mainly followed two trends; joining techniques were developed further. This was mainly an
materials and production techniques in the wake of the industrial experimental era that led up to more built projects in the following
revolution and mathematical techniques being developed to decades. As more advanced techniques have been developed, more
descried and predicts structural behavior. A range of various truss complex systems with tailored solutions have become the norm. This
formations where developed, eventually leading up to the three- is still where the field is advancing, as the demand for large scale
dimensional structure of a space frame, also referred to as space structures and optimised techniques continue to grow.
grid or space truss (Chilton, 2000).
This thesis departure from the earlier usage of space frames in
Some of the earliest examples of Space Frames were put together by architecture recognizing the advantages of a modular building
the inventor Alexander Graham Bell the early 20th century, prior to system and inspired by the experimental attitude of that time.
the established concept of a three-dimensional truss. Nevertheless,
Bell multiplied stable polygons into structures, creating large and
lightweight structures, proving the efficiency of this structural
configuration.

The application of space frames in architecture followed the


development of modular building systems, with the Mero- system
as a pioneer. In the 1950s- and 1960s Space Frames were widely
explored in architecture, at this time building systems and

22
Characteristics of Space Frames

Advantages Disadvantages

- Load sharing capacities - Cost


All the elements contribute to the load carrying capacity, unlike a It’s often an expensive structure, especially when it’s used for shorter
planar beams or trusses. Loads distributed evenly throughout the spans where simpler structural types are reasonable in dimension.
structure and to all the supports.
- Erection time
- Robust Connecting all the members in building the system can take long time
It is a redundant structure; it has more support than needed, if one or a on site, especially if the joints are complicated.
few elements break the structure will still stand.
- Fire protection
- Modular Components As the structure consists of thin elements with a lot of surface area, this
Modular systems provide flexibility, the structure can be extended or fire resistance can be short. However the redundancy in the structure
reassembled elsewhere. The modularity also provides an opportunity can prolong the whole structures to collapse in case of fire.
to carefully design the components, as the system can be made of few
elements that are mass produced. (Chilton, 2000)

- Lightweight
Its lightweight due to several reasons; the loads are distributed
throughout the structure and the structural bars have relativity short
length and they are axial members. These factors enable the structural
bars to slim down in dimension.

23
Investigations/ Scale

24
Space Frame Scale Overview

25
Large Scale

26
Medium Scale

27
Small Scale

28
Combined Scales

29
Summary

30
31
Investigations/ Joint

32
33
Examples of Joint Connections

Mero Unistrut Unibalt NS Space Truss

Space Deck Triodetic Oktaplatte Nodus

34
Development from the Mero-joint

When designing a space frame the joint is the


fundamental component. It keep all the members
in place and it distribute the loads evenly trough
out the structure as well as directing the forces
to the connecting members. The joint allows the
connecting bars to work as axial members, which
result in slimmer dimensions making the structure
lightweight.

This thesis focuses on a wooden space frame, instead


of the conventional steel frame. This is possible
because wood have the same structural abilities
as steel in terms of handling both in tension and
compression.

Making a joint entirely in wood would be a fixed


connection as the fibres would be glued together;
therefore this project proposes a wood and steel
hybrid making possible a threaded connection.

Reference of a threaded steel Reference from Oguni Dome by Yoh Section cut of proposed joint, where
connection; the standard Mero KK Architects, steel joint connecting both the connected members and the
Node. wooden bars with steel plates. joint is wooden, supported with steel
plates.

35
Prototype 1

skala 1:2

36
Prototype 2

37
Building Structure in Scale 1:5

38
39
Building Structure in Scale 1:2

40
41
Investigations/ Timeline

42
Transforming the Regular Tetrahedron

43
Focus of Investigations

The investigation grounds itself in the project


hypothesis; that a building structure can be used
as a tool in building an architectural concept.
A program puts the claim through test using
a building proposal of a public building - an
Industry Museum located in Gothenburg. The
design is focused on the space of an exhibition path
showcasing a time-line of the industrial history.
Concentrating on a fragment of this program, in
order to elaborate on, and explore, the qualities to
different spatial configurations.

44
Equal tetrahedrons

Starting with a like sided tetrahedron, it has steep


angles or flat surface. Not supporting a comfy
walking angle.

45
Angled tetrahedron

Stretching some members to get an inclination,


it supports the path the modular system is
compromised

46
47
Flipped and stretched tetrahedrons

The structure is flipped and stretched to get an


appropriate inclination. But the as the horizontal
members are stretch they are more sensitive to
bucking and have to be heavily dimensioned.

48
49
Flipped and stretched tetrahedrons

50
51
Flipped and stretched tetrahedrons

52
53
Using slabs for pre-tension

Testing out pre-tension, were the horizontal members


work only in tension, using the slabs to push out the
structure and horizontal wires tie it together.

This structure requires a lot of wires to stabilize, not


leaving much usable space. It is also a building quite
difficult to erect and not so robust.

54
55
Stretched tetrahedrons in smaller scale

Back to the prior system but smaller in scale,


lowering the length of the horizontal members. This
system also proved to be more flexible, enabling a
greater variation of spatial configurations.

56
57
Proposal

58
Exterior view from Frihamnen
59
Section of final prototype

60
61
Joint

Steel-plates are connected to the wooden bars and


screwed in to the joint, connecting to a hollow steel
core embedded in supporting wooden parts. The
wood fibres are directed towards the force of the
connecting members. A

Plan view

62
Section B Section A

63
Soft Wall Addition

This proposal shows textile interior walls that softly


follow the shifting directions of the structure. The
draping contrasts the sharpness of the structure
and contributes to the experience of a lightweight
structure. The visitor can hint multiple layers of the
structure deeper into the building.

The facade is a system called ETFE, it is inflated


plastic cushions that are fitted outside the structure.
This is also a soft material that both contrasts the
sharp contours of the building and easily follows the
shifting boundaries of the structure

64
65
Interior Views

66
67
Section of Timeline

68
69
Plans / Isometric drawing

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Entrance Floor
70
Roof

Textiles walls enclose the space highlighting the shifting directions


shaped by the structure.

Roof Structure
Wooden walls divide the space in the short direction of the building,
were the structure allows planar divisions.

The facade is a ETFE system of inflated plastic cushions, following


the angled contours of the building.
Level 4

The timeline, an exhibition pathway around the building.

Level 3 Entrance hall, open space with variation in celling height where were
you have a good visual
connections.

Large exhibition hall, big exhibition space connected to the entrance


hall and the timeline.

Level 2

Small space with a view, a smaller space in three levels but without
only connected to the entrance hall. This could for example be
programmed as a restaurant or café.

Entrance Level Blackbox, a large enclosed space without daylight that could be used
as a lecture hall for example.
Facade

Large private space not integrated with the exhibition spaces. This
could for example be used for office space, conference or educational
space.

71
Plans

Entrance Level

72
Level 2

73
Plans

Level 3

74
Level 4

75
Conclusion:

The conclusions drawn from the research is that a building structure can be
used as a tool to build up an architectural concept - by using an iterative
process of refining the structure in several steps to create a space where the
architectural intentions are integrated with the structural solutions, coherent
with the program that fills it. However, this investigation is limited to a fragment
of a program. If a more complex program would have been taken in to account
this might become a more challenging method.

To summarise; a Space Frame is a spatially intriguing structure and through


making use of its purely structural elements beautiful and potentially flexible
spaces can be achieved.

76
Bibliography

Books: Web sources:


Chilton, John. 2000. Space Grid Structures. Architectutral Press. Arbuckle, Alex Q. Bell's tetrahedral kites [blog]. Retrieved from http://
mashable.com/2016/02/10/alexander-graham-bell-kites/#Tk6pNco1a8qJ
Frampton, Kenneth. 1995. Studies in tectonic culture. Cambridge; Mass. (2018-01-22)
MIT Press.
Architectuul. City Tower. Retrieved from http://architectuul.com/
Madsen, Ulrik S. 2008. Robust Arkitektur – arkitektur som en aktiv del af architecture/city-tower(2018-03-14)
organisationers identitetsskabelseproces. Chopenhagen; The Royal Danish
Academy of Fine Arts, School of architecture publishers. Dpr-barcelona (2010-01-29). Konrad Wachsmann [blog]. Retrieved from
https://dprbcn.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/konrad-wachsmann (2018-01-
McDonough , William. 2009. Cradle to cradle: remaking the way we make 22)
things. London; Vintage.

Sandaker, Bjorn N. Eggen, Arne P, Cruvellier, Mark R. 2011. The


Structural Basis of Architecture. Routledge.

Sandaker, Bjorn N. 2007. On span and space: exploring structures in


architecture. Taylor & Francis.

77
A Special Thank You to:

Breakfast Club
&
Erica, Jens, Morten

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