Adjustable Casts

The design proposals Jørn Utzon completed for the structural resolution of t the Sydney Opera House (1956-57/completed1973), Kuwait National Assembly (1971-71/completed 1985)and Zurich Theatre (1964, unbuilt), examine the relationship between shape (structural profile) and material performance. Virtually, the roof modules of these projects consist of infinite numbers of structurally efficient profiles which are expressed through a geometric continuity. Using profile succession from ‘T’ to ‘’U”, among other combinations, Utzon explored the location of “material where it is structurally most useful” (M A Andersen 2014). These studies examine the analogue algorithm used by Ove Arup and Jørn Utzon to design the concourse beams (often called the “moment” beams) at the Sydney Opera House. The beam design is based on optimal material arrangement, in an attempt to unite form and structure: towards mid-span, where bending moment is greater, the beam cross-section assumes the shape of a “T” while the cross-section at the end conditions turns into a “U”. The surface geometry of the beam is defined by interpolating between these three conditions (U to T to U), resulting in a fluid, doubly curved geometry that ranges between these two shapes, thereby creating a ‘family’ of shapes.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.IntlP.2016.12

Volume Editors
Alfredo Andia, Umberto Bonomo, Macarena Cortes, Dana Cupkova & Vera Parlac

ISBN
978-1-944214-11-1