Gridshell

I have been researching gridshells with the aim of developing a streamlined script in Grasshopper. I use Kangaroo physics simulation engine and Karamba structural analysis plugin, to do form-finding and analysis of gridshells so that a designer can easily create a gridshell and optimise it based on the results of the analysis by varying the input parameters.

The method that I simulate digitally is based on the method used by Frei Otto and others for the construction of the Mannheim Pavilion, a large gridshell built in Mannheim, Germany in 1974 as a covered space for a garden exhibition. In the computer, the flat grid is first allowed to fall over chosen anchor points for the initial form-finding. The deformed grid is then anchored to the ground and allowed to relax into shape. Then the final grid shape is trimmed out and analysed in Karamba.

On the suggestion of my advisors, I moved on to applying it to a real-world design problem. The site is an outdoor area at College of Engineering at the University of Miami used by the Structure and Materials Testing Lab. The aim is to create a covering that gives shade as well as natural ventilation. I ran a few iterations using my code varying parameters such as the anchor points, push-up points, member size, and material. Since it is a long and narrow site, I have also been exploring anchoring part of the gridshell onto the existing building to give more clear space underneath.

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