Structurae

Form-finding: The Interaction force of geometry.
For cable- and membrane-structures the process of form-finding is an indispensable and integral part of the design-process. For the realization of other types of structures the idea of form-finding was, until now, not well established in the design-phases. Due to the existence of bending-stiffness in such structures the geometry will be usually preset and not found. The advantages of form-finding, however, can be used for a multitude of structures. Besides a general discussion about different approaches and the method used by schlaich bergermann und partner, several examples will be shown for the possibilities and advantages of this method. This rarely discussed approach extends the area of application and allows a significant increase in efficiency, which is useful in a competition as well as in the design development phases. The advantages of form-finding will be presented on realized projects of the last years.