2. Introduction Structural Principles Leaning barn. Some forms
are inherently weak: Squares Rectangles Rectangular solids Other
forms achieve stability quite naturally: Triangles Pyramids Arches
Cylinders Domes Spheres 3. Introduction Structural Principles Types
of structures. Post and lintel A horizontal beam (lintel) is
supported by columns (two posts.) Arch - An arched bridge can span
approximately four times the distance and support more weight than
a flat beam bridge. Truss - An extremely sturdy structure is
created when triangles are repeated to form an extended
configuration. Shigeru Ban. Paper Bridge. Remoulin, France. 2007.
4. Structural Economy Efficient Form There is not a particle to
spare in natural structures. Ralph Waldo Emerson Extremely tall
towers use efficient vertical trusses and guy wires to connect them
to the ground. Radio transmission tower near Houma, Louisiana. 5.
Geodesic domes rely on a web of triangles, spreading the load
evenly and efficiently throughout the entire structure. Buckminster
Fuller. Biosphere of Environment Canada. 1967. Montreal, Quebec,
Canada. Structural Economy Efficient Form 6. Tension is the force
that stretches. Pulling each end of a rubber band places it under
tension tension acts to expand. Compression is the application of
pressure. If you stand on a stack of books, squeezing it downward,
it is being compressed. Can you recognize which kind of force is
acting on each of the elements in this sculpture? Tension and
Compression Physical Forces Santiago Calatrava. Bou. 2007. Palma,
Spain. 7. Tension and Compression Physical Forces Spider webs are
only under tension. They work because the silk has high tensile
strength the ability to be stretched without failing Stone,
concrete, and wood have low tensile strength. Spider web. 8.
Tension and Compression Physical Forces In suspension bridges, such
as the Brooklyn Bridge, the steel cables are under tension, and the
stone towers are under compression. In this way, all suspension
bridges find their equilibrium. Brooklyn Bridge. John A. Roebling,
designing engineer. New York, NY. 9. Joinery Structural Connection
Joinery refers to how parts of a form are held together, how
elements are attached. One of the challenges of the designer or
artist is to find the appropriate method for the task at hand.
Nails, screws, staples, bolts Rivets Clamps Binding Tape Adhesives
Welding Soldering, brazing Heat-sealing Mechanical splicing Ben
Franklin Bridge. Philadelphia, PA. 10. Joinery Structural
Connection Woodworkers utilize many kinds of joints: miter, spline,
dovetail, tongue and groove, and dado are just a small selection.
Some joints require glue or epoxy, and some can do without. Richard
Deacon. Kiss and Tell. 1989. Epoxy, plywood, steel, timber, 5' 9 13
x 7' 5 x 8' 10 13". Collection, Arts Council of Great Britain,
London. Woodworker fitting dovetail joint. 11. Transformers
Collapsible and Expandable Structure Form is not simply a static
mass; it can be collapsible, expandable, inflatable, and foldable.
These transformations are usually a result of function or
efficiency, as illustrated by the decoy that can be disassembled
for easy carrying. Blue Heron decoy. Assembled, right. A rendering
of the decoy unassembled, left. 12. Transformers Collapsible and
Expandable Structure The toy pictured is not simply an amusement,
but the sphere employs ingenious folding mechanisms that have led
the designer to major projects involving rapidly deployable tents
and adaptive buildings with roofs that open and close and facades
that retract. Portable dwellings such as tents, igloos and huts,
are a necessity for nomadic people or traveling events.
Raumlaborberlin, Art and architecture collective. Portavilion 2010:
Rosy (the ballerina). Hoberman Sphere. Toy. Expanded and contracted
views. Chuck Hoberman, designer. Plastic, 9"30".
