DOCSLIB.ORG

Tensegrity Structures and Their Application to Architecture

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tensegrity Structures and Their Application to Architecture Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture Valentín Gómez Jáuregui Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture “Tandis que les physiciens en sont déjà aux espaces de plusieurs millions de dimensions, l’architecture en est à une figure topologiquement planaire et de plus, éminemment instable –le cube.” D. G. Emmerich “All structures, properly understood, from the solar system to the atom, are tensegrity structures. Universe is omnitensional integrity.” R.B. Fuller “I want to build a universe” K. Snelson School of Architecture Queen’s University Belfast Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture Valentín Gómez Jáuregui Submitted to the School of Architecture, Queen’s University, Belfast, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MSc in Architecture. Date of submission: September 2004. Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture I. Acknowledgments I. Acknowledgements In the month of September of 1918, more or less 86 years ago, James Joyce wrote in a letter: “Writing in English is the most ingenious torture ever devised for sins committed in previous lives.” I really do not know what would be his opinion if English was not his mother tongue, which is my case. In writing this dissertation, I have crossed through diverse difficulties, and the idiomatic problem was just one more. When I was in trouble or when I needed something that I could not achieve by my own, I have been helped and encouraged by several people, and this is the moment to say ‘thank you’ to all of them. When writing the chapters on the applications and I was looking for detailed information related to real constructions, I was helped by Nick Jay, from Sidell Gibson Partnership Architects, Danielle Dickinson and Elspeth Wales from Buro Happold and Santiago Guerra from Arenas y Asociados. I would like to express my gratitude to Manolo García, Joaquín Sabina y Miguel Ángel Hernando, El Lichis, for their words and continuous support. I could not forget John Williams, who has been with me in every moment for so long. Everyone in this list is indebted –as I am- to some professionals as great and important as Javier Manterola, Avelino Samartín and Jörg Schlaich, who are contributing with remarkable works to the evolution and progress of engineering and, therefore, of architecture. Indeed, for me it has been an honour to be helped by them during the development of this dissertation. i Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture I. Acknowledgments I wish to thank the dedication of the professors who taught me during my primary schooling and later during my specialised education as an engineer in the Universidad de Cantabria, Université de Liège and Queen’s University Belfast. It is necessary to mention Prof. Javier Torres Ruiz in particular, who opened the gates of tensegrity to me when I knocked on the door of his office, which was never closed; and to Dr. Raymond Gilfillan, for their many useful suggestions, showing me some sources that I would never have been able to achieve, for checking the manuscript patiently, and for guiding me during all these months. I cannot forget the role of Roslyn Armstong and Ailbhe Hickey, who were ready to assist me at any time; their kind intentions are acknowledged. I also gratefully thank the following for their help in answering the questionnaires. The simplest way to thank them is to produce the impressive list below: Enrique Aldecoa Sánchez del Río Mª Elena Linares Macho Roslyn Armstrong Javier Manterola Armisén Sergio Cabo Bolado Almudena Monge Peñuelas Andrew Cowser Arturo Ruiz de Villa Valdés Ghislain A. Fonder Avelino Samartín Quiroga Carolina García-Zaragoza Villa Jörg Schlaich Jose Antonio Gómez Barquín Mike Schlaich Santiago Guerra Soto Javier Torres Ruiz Celso Iglesias Pérez Su Taylor Daniel Jáuregui Gómez Chris J. K. Williams Juan José Laso de la Riva I am, in particular, grateful to three more people who have had a major influence with their fruitful contributions: Mike Schlaich, from Schlaich Bergermann und Partner, the person responsible for the design and construction of the Tower of ii Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture I. Acknowledgments Rostock, who facilitated me with precious information about it, even giving me access to some of his articles still in press; Arturo Ruiz de Villa, who worked with the latter and so kindly explained to me everything about the calculations and design of this tower; and Bob Burkhardt, who has been collaborating with the computation of some of the new proposals exposed in this work and has generously shared everything he knows about tensegrity. Last but not least, I received invaluable help from Kenneth Snelson, the discoverer of the tensegrity structures. He has personally answered some of my questions and doubts about the origins of floating compression, replying to all of my endless e-mails and checking some of the chapters concerning his experience. During all my life, at the point where my own resources failed me, I had the support of my family and friends. “La murria aprieta con juerza”, as is said in my birthplace. Special thanks to Liona for helping me from her computer and sending me all the items that I required. And, especially, many thanks to my mother. For everything. I must sing with Serrat: “Si alguna vez amé, si algún día después de amar amé, fue por tu amor, Lucía”. Consequently, I must mention Julie. She has been for almost three years a very important part of my life; and for the last months, has helped me with this dissertation; she has been my left hand and, probably, some fingers of the right one. I started this acknowledgment quoting James Joyce, and, thinking of her, I finish with another cite from Araby: “My body was like a harp and her words and gestures were like fingers running upon the wires.” What are tensegrity structures, but beautiful harps in space? iii Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture II. Abstract II. Abstract Tensegrity is a relatively new principle (50 years old) based on the use of isolated components in compression inside a net of continuous tension, in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other and the prestressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially. The main aim of this work is to prove that it is possible to find some applications for such an atypical kind of structure, in spite of its particular flexibility and relatively high deflections. With this premise, an in-depth research has been carried out, trying to make the controversial origins clearer, as well as the polemic about the fatherhood of the discovery, the steps that followed the progress of the studies and the evolution until the present day. Some references about precedent works that have been important for the development of tensegrity structures have also been mentioned. Moreover, the continuous tension-discontinuous compression has also been shown to be a basic principle of nature; therefore, this work makes an effort to gather more information from various fields, other than Architecture, and to find out what the derivations of these phenomena are, especially in the so-called biotensegrity. In order to achieve the intended purpose, it is essential to understand the structural principles of floating compression or tensegrity, and to define the fundamental forces at play. Once this point is established, the characteristics of these structures are described, as well as their advantages and weakness when applying them to Architecture. iv Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture II. Abstract Many experts have been working for the past decades on the subject. Precedent and current works founded on tensegrity are presented in this thesis, distinguishing between false and true tensegrities; the definition is crucial to accept or refuse the legitimacy of using the term. Besides, an intense research on patented works tried to find out more feasible possibilities already invented. Finally, some proposals designed by the author are shown, as an illustration of the possibilities and potentials of tensegrity structures, rather than detailed drawings proposed for a real project. When looking at the bibliography, it might be noted that this research has been based on a large number of previous publications. This is because the dissertation also has the aim of serving as a guide to future investigators who could find useful references along with the sources cited. v Tensegrity Structures and their Application to Architecture III. Table of Contents III. Table of Contents I. Acknowledgements................................................................................................i II. Abstract................................................................................................................iv III. Table of contents ................................................................................................vi IV. List of illustrations .............................................................................................ix 1. Introduction 1 1.1. What is Tensegrity?.................................................................................. 1 1.2. Why a dissertation about tensegrity structures? ....................................... 2 1.3. What are the objectives of this work? ...................................................... 3 2. Background and History 6 2.1. The origins...............................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tensegrity Systems in Nature and Their Impacts on the Creativity of Lightweight Metal Structures That Can Be Applied in Egypt
    Design and Nature V 41 Tensegrity systems in nature and their impacts on the creativity of lightweight metal structures that can be applied in Egypt W. M. Galil Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University, Egypt Abstract The search for integrated design solutions has been the designer’s dream throughout the different stages of history. Designers have tried to observe natural phenomena and study biological structure behaviour when exploring creation within nature. This can happen through trying to follow an integrated approach for an objects’ behaviour in biological nature systems. Donald E. Ingber, a scientist, confirmed this by his interpretation of the power that affects cell behaviour. This interpretation was proved through physical models called “the Principle of Tensegrity”. It is an interpreting principle for connectivity within a cell that represents the preferred structural system in biological nature. “Tensegrity” ensures the structural stability arrangement for its components in order to reduce energy economically and get a lower mass to its minimum limit by local continuous tension and compression. The aim of this research is to monitor “Tensegrity” systems in biological nature with a methodology for use and formulation in new innovative design solutions. This research highlighted the way of thinking about the principle of “Tensegrity” in nature and its adaptation in creating lightweight metal structural systems. Such systems have many functions, characterized by lightweight and precise structural elements and components. Moreover, a methodology design has been proposed on how to benefit from Tensegrity systems in biological nature in the design of lightweight metal structures with creative application in Egypt. Keywords: Tensegrity, lightweight structure, design in nature.
    [Show full text]
  • TENSILE FABRIC ARCHITECTURE: the Process the Characteristics of a Tensile Fabric Structure Are Very Different Than Traditional Building Components
    TENSILE FABRIC ARCHITECTURE: The Process The characteristics of a tensile fabric structure are very different than traditional building components. Flexible and lightweight materials are placed in tension, or combination of tension and compression, to create shapes and designs not possible with traditional materials. The freedom of form is really only confined by imagination and site conditions; and is why tensile architecture is so embraced and utilized for large span roof systems, amphitheaters, and shade structures to provide texture and a unique eye catching element.. Complex curvilinear shapes are more affordable and achievable with fabric, which can be cost prohibitive to do with rigid materials. And, with an extremely high resistance to weather and environmental stress and ability to meet building code requirements, tensile fabric structures can last as long or longer. The Signature Team designs structures to meet the clients’ vision while incorporating the underlining requirements of the project. Working with an experienced company will streamline the entire design, fabrication and installation process, ensuring that the project is kept within the project budget. Our services include building from existing structure systems to designing new systems from ground up. The use of a flexible PVC membrane, cables and custom steel components allow for an endless array of shapes and forms available for a project. The drawings below are examples of tensile systems we have designed. Our team works on the forefront of every project to ensure the final success of the structure. We listen to the requirements and meet for a final design review prior to start of any fabrication. Taking a project from a conceptual design and review phase allows our clients the lowest estimates on final pricing, and reduces the unknowns from the start.
    [Show full text]
  • Kinematic Analysis of a Planar Tensegrity Mechanism with Pre-Stressed Springs
    KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF A PLANAR TENSEGRITY MECHANISM WITH PRE-STRESSED SPRINGS By VISHESH VIKAS A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2008 1 °c 2008 Vishesh Vikas 2 Vakratunda mahakaaya Koti soorya samaprabhaa Nirvighnam kurume deva Sarva karyeshu sarvadaa. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS page LIST OF TABLES ..................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES .................................... 6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................. 7 ABSTRACT ........................................ 8 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................. 9 2 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND APPROACH ................... 12 3 BOTH FREE LENGTHS ARE ZERO ....................... 17 3.1 Equilibrium Analysis .............................. 17 3.2 Numerical Example ............................... 19 4 ONE FREE LENGTH IS ZERO .......................... 21 4.1 Equilibrium Analysis .............................. 21 4.2 Numerical Example ............................... 24 5 BOTH FREE LENGTHS ARE NON-ZERO .................... 28 5.1 Equilibrium Analysis .............................. 28 5.2 Numerical Example ............................... 31 6 CONCLUSION .................................... 36 APPENDIX A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO THEORY OF SCREWS ............. 37 B SYLVESTER MATRIX ............................... 40 REFERENCES ....................................... 44 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ................................ 45 4 LIST OF TABLES
    [Show full text]
  • Computational Methods for Tension-Loaded Structures
    Arch. Comput. Meth. Engng. Vol. 11, 2, 143-186 (2004) Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering State of the art reviews Computational Methods for Tension-Loaded Structures Thouraya Nouri-Baranger Centre de M´ecanique Universit´e Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France E-mail: [email protected] Summary This paper deals with tension loaded structures made of coated woven fabric, cables and rigid frames such as mats and hoops. It describes in details a general framework for modelling and numerical simulation of their mechanical behavior. Several methods, developped in these last decades, are presented and compared. The principal particularity of these structures is that they derive their stiffness and their stability from the surface geometry and tensile stress field coupling. This particularity is combined with nonlinearities which can be due to possible large deflections, material law behavior and local instabilities due to wrinkling effects. In addition, a great number of design parameters must be taken into account in order to optimize the mechanical behavior of the structure. Therefore, the design and the analysis of such structure are complex and involve extensive computational costs. The principal steps of the analysis process are: form-finding, structural response of the structure to loads, cutting pattern and optimization. In this work, after a short description of the methods developed in this field as well as a critical comparison, new approaches are proposed. 1INTRODUCTION A growing number of architectural structures are today protected by fabrics that are ten- sioned over structures such as plywood, concrete and metal. The most significant membrane structures include the Haj Terminal at Jeddah (Saudia Arabia) whose roof extends over a 430000 m2 surface, the arenas of Nˆımes (France) and Zaragoza (Spain) and the Mil- lennium dome− in Greenwich (United Kingtom).
    [Show full text]
  • Bucky Fuller & Spaceship Earth
    Ivorypress Art + Books presents BUCKY FULLER & SPACESHIP EARTH © RIBA Library Photographs Collection BIOGRAPHY OF RICHARD BUCKMINSTER FULLER Born in 1895 into a distinguished family of Massachusetts, which included his great aunt Margaret Fuller, a feminist and writer linked with the transcendentalist circles of Emerson and Thoreau, Richard Buckminster Fuller Jr left Harvard University, where all the Fuller men had studied since 1740, to become an autodidact and get by doing odd jobs. After marrying Anne Hewlett and serving in the Navy during World War I, he worked for his architect father-in-law at a company that manufactured reinforced bricks. The company went under in 1927, and Fuller set out on a year of isolation and solitude, during which time he nurtured many of his ideas—such as four-dimensional thinking (including time), which he dubbed ‘4D’—and the search for maximum human benefit with minimum use of energy and materials using design. He also pondered inventing light, portable towers that could be moved with airships anywhere on the planet, which he was already beginning to refer to as ‘Spaceship Earth’. Dymaxion Universe Prefabrication and the pursuit of lightness through cables were the main characteristics of 4D towers, just like the module of which they were made, a dwelling supported by a central mast whose model was presented as a single- family house and was displayed in 1929 at the Marshall Field’s department store in Chicago and called ‘Dymaxion House’. The name was coined by the store’s public relations team by joining the words that most often appeared in Fuller’s eloquent explanations: dynamics, maximum, and tension, and which the visionary designer would later use for other inventions like the car, also called Dymaxion.
    [Show full text]
  • Brochure Exhibition Texts
    BROCHURE EXHIBITION TEXTS “TO CHANGE SOMETHING, BUILD A NEW MODEL THAT MAKES THE EXISTING MODEL OBSOLETE” Radical Curiosity. In the Orbit of Buckminster Fuller September 16, 2020 - March 14, 2021 COVER Buckminster Fuller in his class at Black Mountain College, summer of 1948. Courtesy The Estate of Hazel Larsen Archer / Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center. RADICAL CURIOSITY. IN THE ORBIT OF BUCKMINSTER FULLER IN THE ORBIT OF BUCKMINSTER RADICAL CURIOSITY. Hazel Larsen Archer. “Radical Curiosity. In the Orbit of Buckminster Fuller” is a journey through the universe of an unclassifiable investigator and visionary who, throughout the 20th century, foresaw the major crises of the 21st century. Creator of a fascinating body of work, which crossed fields such as architecture, engineering, metaphysics, mathematics and education, Richard Buckminster Fuller (Milton, 1895 - Los Angeles, 1983) plotted a new approach to combine design and science with the revolutionary potential to change the world. Buckminster Fuller with the Dymaxion Car and the Fly´s Eye Dome, at his 85th birthday in Aspen, 1980 © Roger White Stoller The exhibition peeps into Fuller’s kaleidoscope from the global state of emergency of year 2020, a time of upheaval and uncertainty that sees us subject to multiple systemic crises – inequality, massive urbanisation, extreme geopolitical tension, ecological crisis – in which Fuller worked tirelessly. By presenting this exhibition in the midst of a pandemic, the collective perspective on the context is consequently sharpened and we can therefore approach Fuller’s ideas from the core of a collapsing system with the conviction that it must be transformed. In order to break down the barriers between the different fields of knowledge and creation, Buckminster Fuller defined himself as a “Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Scientist,” a scientific designer (and vice versa) able to formulate solutions based on his comprehensive knowledge of universe.
    [Show full text]
  • Shape Finding Or Form Finding?
    Proceedings of the IASS-SLTE 2014 Symposium “Shells, Membranes and Spatial Structures: Footprints” 15 to 19 September 2014, Brasilia, Brazil Reyolando M.L.R.F. BRASIL and Ruy M.O. PAULETTI (eds.) Shape Finding or Form Finding? By Nicholas S. GOLDSMITH, FAIA LEED AP FTL Design Engineering Studio 44 East 32nd Street New York, NY 10016 [email protected] Abstract This lecture will discuss the differences in the design process between a shape finding and a form finding approach. It will examine historical traditions of both approaches and look at these methods in today’s design world. Examples of the work of FTL will be used as descriptive case studies to illustrate the different aspects of membrane envelopes including ETFE foil cushions, tensile membranes, and cable nets. Keywords: building membranes, acoustics, environmental, soap films, biomimetics, form-finding, shape finding, lighting, ETFE foil, PTFE glass, Frei Otto In the 18th century, naturalists started a movement which arose from a desire to understand the "universal laws of form" in order to explain observed forms of living organisms. Although it didn’t have much traction at the time, during the early 20th century pioneers such as D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson expanded these notions to create a modern understanding that there are universal laws which arise from fundamental math and physics and that reflect the growth and form in biological systems. Thompson worked on the correlation between natural forms and mathematical models and showed similarities between such things as jellyfish forms and drops of liquid. His book, On Growth and Form became an important way finder in the study of nature and the instrumental in the later emergence of the field of biomimetics1.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyrighted Material
    COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL c01.indd 12 12/9/2014 9:51:11 AM Building with hyperbolic lattice structures 14 The development of building with iron in the 19th century 14 The work of Vladimir G. Shukhov, pioneer of lightweight construction 15 The hyperbolic lattice towers of Vladimir G. Shukhov 19 Hyperbolic structures after Shukhov 23 Geometry and form of hyperbolic lattice structures 24 Principles and classification 24 Geometry of hyperbolic lattice structures 28 Structural analysis and calculation methods 32 The problem of inextensional bending 32 Principal structural behaviour 32 Theoretical principles for determining ultimate load capacity 38 Parametric studies on differently meshed hyperboloids 45 Principles of the parametric studies 45 Relationships between form and structural behaviour 50 Comparison of circular cylindrical shells and hyperboloids of rotation 50 Mesh variant 1: Intermediate rings at intersection points 50 Mesh variant 2: Construction used by Vladimir G. Shukhov 52 Mesh variant 3: Discretisation of reticulated shells 57 Summary and comparison of the results 59 Structural analysis of selected towers built by Vladimir G. Shukhov 60 Design and analysis of Shukhov’s towers 66 The development of steel water tanks and water towers 66 The water towers of Vladimir G. Shukhov 69 Development of structural analysis and engineering design methods in the 19th century 70 Calculations for Vladimir G. Shukhov’s lattice towers 70 Evaluation of the historical calculations 84 The design process adopted by Vladimir G. Shukhov 89 13 c01.indd 13 12/9/2014 9:51:11 AM Building with hyperbolic lattice structures Building with hyperbolic lattice structures began with the Russian the flow of conventional skilled craftsmen’s operations on site.
    [Show full text]
  • The First Rigidly Clad "Tensegrity" Type Dome, the Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina
    The First Rigidly Clad "Tensegrity" Type Dome, The Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina Paul A. Gossen, Dpl. Ing., P.E.1, David Chen, M.Sc.1, and Eugene Mikhlin, PhD.2: 1 Principals of Geiger Gossen Hamilton Liao Engineers P.C. 2 Project Engineer at Geiger Gossen Hamilton Liao Engineers P.C. Abstract This paper presents the first known "Tensegrity" type, Cabledome, structure with rigid roof built for the Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, a 13,000 seat athletic venue. Recently completed by the authors, the structure clear spans 99.70 m (327 ft.) employing a conventional rigid secondary structure of joists and metal deck. The structural design addresses cladding of the relatively flexible primary dome structure with rigid panels. The design combines the advantages of the Cabledome system with conventional construction. This project demonstrates the utility of tensegrity type domes in structures where tensile membrane roofs may not be appropriate or economical. The authors discuss the behavior, the unique design and the realization of this structure. 1. Introduction A number of long span "Tensegrity" dome type structures have been realized in the previous decade pursuant to the inventions of R. Buckminster Fuller (Fuller) and David H. Geiger (Geiger). These structures have demonstrated structural efficiency in many long-span roof applications. While these domes can be covered with a variety of roof systems, all the tensegrity domes built to date have been clad with tensioned membranes. As a consequence of the sparseness of the Cabledome network, these structures are less than determinate in classical linear terms and have a number of independent mechanisms or inextensional modes of deformation (Pelegrino).
    [Show full text]
  • Modelling and Control of Tensegrity Structures
    Modelling and Control of Tensegrity Structures Anders Sunde Wroldsen A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR Department of Marine Technology Norwegian University of Science and Technology 2007 NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology Thesis for the degree of philosophiae doctor Faculty of Engineering Science & Technology Department of Marine Technology c Anders Sunde Wroldsen ISBN 978-82-471-4185-4 (printed ver.) ISBN 978-82-471-4199-1 (electronic ver.) ISSN 1503-8181 Doctoral Thesis at NTNU, 2007:190 Printed at Tapir Uttrykk Abstract This thesis contains new results with respect to several aspects within tensegrity research. Tensegrity structures are prestressable mechanical truss structures with simple dedicated elements, that is rods in compression and strings in tension. The study of tensegrity structures is a new field of research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and our alliance with the strong research community on tensegrity structures at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) has been necessary to make the scientific progress presented in this thesis. Our motivation for starting tensegrity research was initially the need for new structural concepts within aquaculture having the potential of being wave com- pliant. Also the potential benefits from controlling geometry of large and/or interconnected structures with respect to environmental loading and fish welfare were foreseen. When initiating research on this relatively young discipline we discovered several aspects that deserved closer examination. In order to evaluate the potential of these structures in our engineering applications, we entered into modelling and control, and found several interesting and challenging topics for research.
    [Show full text]
  • Adaption of Tensile Architecture in Tropical Monsoon Climate
    International Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences volume 5 issue 1 pp. 08-19 doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.20469/ijaps.5.50002-1 Adaption of Tensile Architecture in Tropical Monsoon Climate Latifa Sultana ∗ Nazmun Nahar Architecture Department, Monad Architects, Dhaka, Bangladesh Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Abstract: This paper will thoroughly investigate the use and opportunities of tensile architecture, which can be applied in rain, wind, heat, daylight issues in the architecture of Bangladesh. As Bangladesh laid on Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the built form of this region prefers an open-type structure. Humidity and temperature always become an issue in this region due to the tropical monsoon climate of Bangladesh. These issues of environment follow the traditional Bengal architecture pattern. Furthermore, the contemporary architecture of Bangladesh respectively follows these significant characteristics of tropical monsoon climate. On the other side, Tensile Membrane Structure (TMS) has qualities to hold large spans, lightweight, translucency, aesthetic value, and flexibility. TMS and the traditional hut system of Bengal can be said as complementary to each other in this tropical monsoon climate of Bangladesh. Tensile membrane structure can be that element of contemporary architecture that can be adopted in this climate by satisfying all the primary issues of the tropical monsoon climate of Bangladesh. Tensile structure can be designed as lightweight roof shade, which is more similar with “Bengal hut” pattern of Bangladesh. Keywords: Climate, hut pattern, tensile structure, fabric Received: 06 November 2018; Accepted: 12 February 2019; Published: 08 March 2019 I. INTRODUCTION Moreover, Bangladesh is the deltaic pavilion of Southeast A. Background Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Buckminster Fuller and His Fabulous Designs
    GENERAL ARTICLE Buckminster Fuller and his Fabulous Designs G K Ananthasuresh Richard Buckminster Fuller was an American designer who created fantastic designs. His non-conformist creative design ability was augmented with an urge to realize the prototypes not only for practical demonstration but also for widespread use. His creations called for new vocabulary such as synergy, tensegrity, Dymaxion, and the eponymous Fullerene. He had G K Ananthasuresh is a design science philosophy of his own. He thought beyond the Professor of Mechanical design of artifacts. He strived for sustainable living in the Engineering and Coordi- global world long before these concepts became important nator of the Bioengineer- ing Programme at IISc, for the world to deal with. He is described as a comprehensive Bengaluru. His principal anticipatory design scientist. In this article, only his physical area of interest is optimal design artifacts that include two of his lasting design contri- design of stiff structures butions, namely, the tensegrity structures and the geodesic and elastically deformable compliant mechanisms, domes are discussed. which have applications in product design, Good designs bring a positive change in the world and the way we microelectromechanical live. And great designs remain unchanged for decades, or even systems, biomechanics of centuries, because nothing greater came along after them. Al- living cells, and protein though everyone enjoys the benefits of good designs, the process design. This is his third article for Resonance, of design itself is not understood by many because designing is an extolling the works of intensely creative and intellectual activity. Most often, great great designs appear to be realized as a flash of an idea, a radical new engineers.
    [Show full text]