The Third Member
Instead of form finding through physics and simulation of gravity loads, our design took the reverse approach. We designed the form of our bamboo grid shell using digital tools, and then utilized a triangulated structural system that would stiffen to achieve the desired shape.
A typical grid involves only two directional members. This makes it difficult to accurately construct complex, curved forms due to deformation and shear stress. Triangulation makes it easier to construct double-curved shells and complex geometries. A triangulated structure can also greatly reduce deflections - especially in relatively domed areas of a surface, in comparison to an orthogonal grid
structure. The design tackled issues of structural deflection by allowing for a threshold of construction inaccuracy. Designing a flexible bamboo wire connection was integral for this to happen. The computer simulations and model images before the third member was added showed that triangulation was necessary to achieve the desired final bending shell form.
Date: Fall 2018
Program: Bamboo Pavilion
Design Team: Ethan Chiang, Jae Sok Suhr, Man Ho Tong, Cho Lok Man
Tutor: Kristof Crolla
ARCH5231: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
