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Digital Landscape

For some time now architects and engineers have used computer programs to model complex geometry and test the structural stability of their designs. Now, a computer program has been developed to actually generate novel forms with a structural integrity. The program, known as eifForm, developed by Kristina Shea, Lecturer in Engineering Design and a co-director of the Engineering Design Centre, uses inputs related to engineering and spatial performance, cost, and fabrication, to generate a number of innovative alternatives for structural forms.

The first full-scale prototype, a canopy/landscape installation which was designed using this programme, has recently been built in the courtyard of the Academie van Bouwkunst in Amsterdam.

"I believe this is the first architectural structure built where both the form and related structure were generated by a computer via design parameters and conditions rather than explicitly describing geometry," comments Dr Shea. "The programme generates new structural forms that intelligently respond to given design conditions, e.g. courtyard dimensions and buildable area (avoid the tree!), required heights for flow of people through the structure, and maximum strut length, using a combination of structural analysis and optimisation. It is very exciting to build one of the generated designs and be able to walk through it, as the resultant structures are often very different to those that have conventionally been thought possible. However, they offer new possibilities in difficult structural design situations or just creating interesting spaces." The built design has generated much interest and discussion in the architectural and structural engineering community about the place in design practice for these emerging tools.

The team, which supervised the design and construction, also included Neil Leach, (University of Bath); Spela Videcnik, 2001 Corus/BD Architect of the Year, and Jeroen van Mechelen of the Academie.

The design was constructed by students of the Academie, Dessau University and the University of Bath.The project was sponsored by Rodeca Systems.

For further information contact Dr Kristina Shea, T: 01223 32666.