Node design Final Node Designs

The nal structural design is the nishing part of the research. After the investigation on geometry had resulted in the tetrahedronal structure and the study on actuation has investigated on the elements could best be actuated, the angular transformations have been determined. This chapter has dealt with a few concepts for the node structure, which has lead to this nal result. Because of the large number of structural members which can be xed on the node and the small transformations in the connections to the nodes which are needed by the actuators, the ball concept is the most interesting one.

The most logical solution for detailing the node has been illustrated in gure 5.4.1. Prototyping this node has gained more insight in how this idea would actually work in practice. A steel node has been adjusted for this dynamic application by making larger holes and making the connection points of the rotatable structural elements. The result of this prototype is a very elegant node, in which the structural elements are able to rotate in the degrees of freedom as have been calculated.

Photos of the prototype, showing only the xed beams (left), the xed and moving beams (middle) and the inside of the node (right)

However, the bars of the structure do not rotate optimally in their connection points because there is a lot of friction. This is also necessary, because otherwise the bars could show unwanted rotations, whereby they would not point to the center of the node and the forces would go excentric. An alternative detail has been developed while thinking of better connection points. Hereby, the bars are connected to balls, which can be enclosed in the node like a ball- and socket connection. The advantage of this solution would be that the balls have got less friction, whereby a smoother rotation would be allowed. The disadvantage however of this solution is that forces would run excentric. Thereby, this solution is feasible only in the partially actuated bottom layer structure, as discussed in chapter 4. The difference of this structure

regarding the entirely actuated bottom layer structure is that it also contains four xed beams, able to keep the node on its position and handle the excentric forces. The solution for the entirely actuated bottom layer structure is feasible, however more complicated to detail and produce.

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Pop stages are getting more interactive; moving elements and video screens. When is the time for moving stages? Pop stages are getting more interactive; moving elements and video screens. When is the time for moving stages? Queensday 2011 at the

Queensday 2011 at the Museumplein, Amsterdam (30-04-2011)Museumplein, Amsterdam (30-04-2011)

Moulded end pieces Moulded end pieces Fixed connection Fixed connection Rotatable connection Rotatable connection Teon Teon Hole Ø 40 mm

Hole Ø 40 mm Steel bars, Ø50mmSteel bars, Ø50mm

The research on the node systems has been developed The research on the node systems has been developed separately from the development of the

separately from the development of the geometry andgeometry and dynamics. Hereby, some ideas for the nodes have already dynamics. Hereby, some ideas for the nodes have already been tested before the

been tested before the investigation on the investigation on the exact propertiesexact properties of the node had

of the node had nished. The general part of this nished. The general part of this chapterchapter focused on different concepts, which were all based on focused on different concepts, which were all based on (parts of) a sphere. The most

(parts of) a sphere. The most interesting concept was theinteresting concept was the ball concept, which is able to

ball concept, which is able to handle xed connections veryhandle xed connections very well as well as

well as well as dynamic connectiodynamic connections. Thereby it is ns. Thereby it is also a veryalso a very elegant design, which does not very obviously show the

elegant design, which does not very obviously show the detailsdetails which are necessary to connect the dynamic elements.

which are necessary to connect the dynamic elements. Prototyping the node has

Prototyping the node has revealed some interesting results.revealed some interesting results. The conclusion from chapter 4, dynamics, was that the entirely The conclusion from chapter 4, dynamics, was that the entirely actuated bottom layer structure was far more interesting to actuated bottom layer structure was far more interesting to develop. However, detailing the nodes offered some new develop. However, detailing the nodes offered some new insights. When comparing the details of both structures, see insights. When comparing the details of both structures, see

gure X and X,

gure X and X, the partially actuated structure has got somethe partially actuated structure has got some advantages because each node contains three dynamic advantages because each node contains three dynamic and four xed connections, whereas the entirely actuated and four xed connections, whereas the entirely actuated bottom layer has got ve

bottom layer has got ve dynamic and two xed connections.dynamic and two xed connections. Because the partially actuated structure has got

Because the partially actuated structure has got xedxed connections

connections, it , it matters less that forces would not run centricmatters less that forces would not run centric through the node.

through the node. Therefore, this partially actuated conceptTherefore, this partially actuated concept allows less complicated detailing, whereby the dynamic allows less complicated detailing, whereby the dynamic connections can be realised by balls which have got less connections can be realised by balls which have got less friction in rotating than the

friction in rotating than the shell-like componenshell-like components from thets from the entirely actuated structure.

entirely actuated structure.

The entirely actuated bottom layer

The entirely actuated bottom layer structure is realisable, butstructure is realisable, but contains more complicated details. Therefore, the

contains more complicated details. Therefore, the partiallypartially actuated bottom layer structure is a highly interesting actuated bottom layer structure is a highly interesting alternative although it offers less

alternative although it offers less freedom, less elegantfreedom, less elegant transformations and shorter structural members.

transformations and shorter structural members.

Fig. 5.4.1 Detail of the node Fig. 5.4.1 Detail of the node

structures are only the top of

structures are only the top of the iceberg. The projectthe iceberg. The project boundaries of this research were very helpful to focus on boundaries of this research were very helpful to focus on specic problems which were solved. These same boundaries specic problems which were solved. These same boundaries have also left a lot of aspects empty which can now be have also left a lot of aspects empty which can now be researched upon. Next to these issues, during the process also researched upon. Next to these issues, during the process also a lot of new possibilities showed up which could be developed a lot of new possibilities showed up which could be developed in a

in a later stadium. These possibilities mainly concern speciclater stadium. These possibilities mainly concern specic properties which the structure needs for specic purposes. The properties which the structure needs for specic purposes. The main important items for future developments are summed up. main important items for future developments are summed up. Building skin

Building skin

One of the main elements which was left out by the project One of the main elements which was left out by the project boundaries was the building skin.

boundaries was the building skin. A very A very extensive researcextensive researchh can be done on several aspects regarding the skin such as the can be done on several aspects regarding the skin such as the materialisation and its connection to the structure. The main materialisation and its connection to the structure. The main complexity of this research would be that the exible structure complexity of this research would be that the exible structure also needs materialisation which is able to handle curved also needs materialisation which is able to handle curved surfaces or planar elements which are exible connected as a surfaces or planar elements which are exible connected as a result of subdividing the

result of subdividing the curved surface into planar elements.curved surface into planar elements. Connection of the structure to the building

Connection of the structure to the building The geometry of the structure is designed as

The geometry of the structure is designed as being oatingbeing oating in the air,

in the air, which is of course not possible. The structure haswhich is of course not possible. The structure has to be connected to a

to be connected to a oor or vertical elements such as aoor or vertical elements such as a facade, a wall or columns. The rst case would be the most facade, a wall or columns. The rst case would be the most interesting to research upon, because this

interesting to research upon, because this structure would bestructure would be fully independent of other elements. A rst step can

fully independent of other elements. A rst step can thereforetherefore be taken by regarding the

be taken by regarding the maximal span of the structure. Thismaximal span of the structure. This will determine if a structure is able to stand by itself. If this is will determine if a structure is able to stand by itself. If this is not the case, columns or other vertical structural members are not the case, columns or other vertical structural members are needed. A very interesting eld for investigation lies in

needed. A very interesting eld for investigation lies in howhow these vertical members would best t to the

these vertical members would best t to the philosophy of thephilosophy of the structure.

structure.

evaluate on this project by further developing the

evaluate on this project by further developing the structurestructure towards a 1:1 mock-up. This nal stage has been approached, towards a 1:1 mock-up. This nal stage has been approached, but seemed too hard to reach within a research project of half but seemed too hard to reach within a research project of half a year.

a year. Application Application

It was very helpful for the research to not focus on a single It was very helpful for the research to not focus on a single application at once. Now this project has resulted in interesting application at once. Now this project has resulted in interesting conclusions

conclusions, these can be taken , these can be taken to higher grounds. Byto higher grounds. By confronting the structure with a

confronting the structure with a specic architecturspecic architectural design,al design, it will become clear what the product already has

it will become clear what the product already has got to offergot to offer and which points of attention have to

and which points of attention have to be explored to make itbe explored to make it feasible.

feasible.

One of the most interesting applications is that

One of the most interesting applications is that of temporaryof temporary structures

structures, pavilions and coverings. For the , pavilions and coverings. For the sake of thesake of the feasibility, applying this dynamic structure brings some feasibility, applying this dynamic structure brings some important properties along.

important properties along. Deployable structure

Deployable structure

One of the applications for which this system could be used One of the applications for which this system could be used is (temporary) single storey pavilions.

is (temporary) single storey pavilions. The dynamic structureThe dynamic structure is able to trigger people to visit the pavilion, whereby it can is able to trigger people to visit the pavilion, whereby it can travel all over the

travel all over the world. Because of the short-time period inworld. Because of the short-time period in which the structure stays on the same location, maintenance which the structure stays on the same location, maintenance can be done when traveling to

can be done when traveling to another location. To makeanother location. To make this eld of application more interesting, the structure should this eld of application more interesting, the structure should have to be moved without needing lots

have to be moved without needing lots of containers andof containers and trucks. Deployable structures are specically designed for trucks. Deployable structures are specically designed for purposes whereby they need to be able to contract in very purposes whereby they need to be able to contract in very small pieced and also extend into an enourmous structure. small pieced and also extend into an enourmous structure. A very nice examples of one of the earliest developments A very nice examples of one of the earliest developments of this kind of

of this kind of structures is the roof covering for the swimmingstructures is the roof covering for the swimming pool, developed by Escrig

pool, developed by Escrig Valcarcel Sanchez (1965). FurtherValcarcel Sanchez (1965). Further research can focus upon the possibilities and requirements of research can focus upon the possibilities and requirements of structures in terms of deployment.

Fig. 6.1.1 Roof covering for swimming pool Fig. 6.1.1 Roof covering for swimming pool

Escrig Valcarcel Sanchez (1965) Escrig Valcarcel Sanchez (1965)

two years ago in the spring semester of 2009 of the MSc1 Building Technology product design studio. From that project on, I wanted to research on this eld of innovation. When the time came to start the project in the spring semester of 2010 (MSc3 Materialisation studio) the subject has been introduced as a proposal for the course of 'the Future Evelop'. After

nishing my architectural graduation project at the end of december 2010, the research started.

During the development of the project, the time has passed rapidly. It was a very interesting process, in which I, fortunately, had very few ´downs´ a lots of ´ups´. In the beginning, I had to nd my way in researching. However, this was solved quickly when I was asked to stop writing and start puzzling. I think this was an important step; to let me be guided by the process of the research development, not trying to t ake too much control by myself.

was to develop on the node which has been developed in the MSc1 studio. Therefore, I also needed a geometry. The graduation research has however evolved differently, and focused for a very large part on the geometrical conguration and the effects on the structure and the nodes. The process has been highly interesting and I think that I would not want to change a single thing or decision. I can see a lot of opportunities for the results of this project. As the research is never nished, I regard these opportunities as being interesting elds for further research studies.

When I graduated for my previous study only three years ago, I had never expected myself to achieve this kind of highly interesting and innovative results. I am very grateful that I have got the opportunity to have achieved my ambitions.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50oUnyf0WMU/TXWw-3zYPNI/AAAAAAAAAo8/TK7q0ZeHV1o/s1600/1.JPG (08 May 2011)

p. 6-7 Wireframe render of 'The Cockpit', acoustical barrier in Utrecht (NL) (ONL, 2006)

http://www.architecture-page.com/assets/images/content/prj_onl_cock/pop1.gif (08 May 2011) p. 9 Photo of the BMW Ekris building in Utrecht (ONL, 2006)

http://www.centraalstaal.nl/websites/implementatie/mediadepot/md398.jpg (19 May 2011) p. 11 Photo of the double curved roof for the Great Court at the Britisch Museum (Foster, 2004)

http://english.dac.dk/db/larkiv/11921/british_museum_Nigel_Young_Foster_Partners_RGB.jpg (03 May 2011) p. 17 Double curved roof of 'My Zeil', shopping centre in Frankfurt (Fuksas, 2009)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/MyZeil_innen.jpg (11 May 2011)

p. 19 Fig. 2.1.1 Based on: Narayanan, Subramanian (2006) Space structures: Principles and practive, vol. 1 (Brentwoord) Multi-science, p. 17

p. 20 Fig. 2.1.2 Based on: Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 18

p. 20-21 Fig. 2.1.3 Based on: Ramaswamy, G.S [et al] (2002) Anaysis, design and construction of steel space frames (London) Telford, p. 201

p. 22 Fig. 2.2.1 Based on: Beranek, W.J. (2000) Krachtswerking deel 3: Vakwerken, standzekerheid (Delft) TU Delft, p. 303

p. 23 Fig. 2.2.2 Based on: Beranek, W.J. (idem), p. 310-311

p. 25 Fig. 2.3.3 Narayanan, Subramanian (2006) Space structures: Principles and practive, vol. 2 (Brentwoord) Multi-science, p. 780

p. 27 Fig. 2.4.1 Pottman, H (2007) Architectural Geometry (Exton) Bentley Insitute Press, p. 535 Fig. 2.4.2 Pottmann (idem) p. 539

Fig. 2.4.3 Pottmann (idem) p. 361 Fig. 2.4.4 Pottmann (idem) p. 561

p. 30 Fig. 2.6.1 Based on: Beranek, W.J. (2000) Krachtswerking deel 3: Vakwerken, standzekerheid (Delft) TU Delft, p. 309

p. 33 Top view on the Milan Fair (Fuksas, 2005)

  http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LMlTUAn8v_Q/SwwJNgOpzZI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/xkxkE5PsywM/s1600/fuksas4.jpg (27 April 2011)

http://www.archiportale.com/immagini/FileProgetto/immaginigrandi/32662_3.jpg?801,0828 (20 May 2011) p.72 Fig 5.1.1a (top left) Narayanan, Subramanian (2006) Space structures: Principles and practive, vol. 1

(Brentwoord) Multi-science, p. 118

Fig 5.1.1a (top right) Chilton, J. (2000) Space grid structures (Oxford) Architectural press, p. 33 Fig 5.1.1a (bottom) Chilton, J. (idem), p. 33

p. 73 Fig 5.1.1b (left) Narayanan, Subramanian (2006) Space structures: Principles and practive, vol. 1 (Brentwoord) Multi-science, p. 228

Fig 5.1.1b (right) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 228 Fig 5.1.1c (top) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 243 Fig 5.1.1c (bottom) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 244 Fig 5.1.1d (top) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 238 Fig 5.1.1d (bottom) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 239 Fig 5.1.1e (top) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 231 Fig 5.1.1e (bottom) Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 230 p. 79 Fig 5.2.4 Narayanan, Subramanian (idem), p. 230

p. 89 Fig. 6.1.1 Escrig, F, Valcárcel, J.P., Sanchez, J Deployable cover on a swimming pool in SevilleJournal of international association for shell and spatial structures IASS 37 (1996) n 120, gure 2 p. 41

Beranek, W.J. (2000) Krachtswerking deel 3: Vakwerken, standzekerheid (Delft) TU Delft Chilton, J. (2000) Space grid structures (Oxford) Architectural press

Engel, H. (1999) Tragsysteme; Structure systems (Ostldern-Ruit) Hatje

Makowski, Z.S. (1981) Analysis, Design and Construction of double-layer grid (London) Applied Science Publishers LTD Narayanan, Subramanian (2006) Space structures: Principles and practive, vol. 1 (Brentwoord) Multi-science

Narayanan, Subramanian (2006) Space structures: Principles and practive, vol. 2 (Brentwoord) Multi-science Pellegrino, S. (2001) Deployable structures (Wien) Springer 

Pottman, H (2007) Architectural Geometry (Exton) Bentley Insitute Press

Ramaswamy, G.S [et al] (2002) Anaysis, design and construction of steel space frames (London) Telford Schumacher, M.; Schaeffer, O.; Vogt, M.M. (2010) Move - Architecture in Motion (Basel) Birkhäuser Verlag AG

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