Ruled Based Construction and the Materialization of a Line in Motion

From the work of the Architect and Engineer Felix Candela on Hyperbolic Paraboloid surfaces for thin shell construction, the paper retraces how ruled geometries, generalized by a sequence of rotating lines, directly regulate procedures of construction for concrete formwork, made of straight timber elements. From the conception of three timber structures, The Pinch, Sweep and Warp, it is discussed how such geometrical principles are further explored structurally, materially and spatially. Finally, a series of subsequent physical experiments are put forward in search of new shell topologies, generated solely from a moving line described by time and movement. For the timber structures, sequences of changing wooden trusses capture the movement of a line to support ruled decks performing as new active grounds. The results are a series of three small scalesocial programs: a library, a play area and a roadsidemarketplace. They were each built with students and with the helpof a local timber workshop, developing constructionmethods for adapting highly articulated geometriesto simple traditional techniques. Situated at the intersection of teaching and research, experimentation and on-site construction, complex geometry and local craftsmanship, these design-build projects engage with full scale construction in difficult sites through experiential learning.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.Intl.2016.36

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

ISBN
978-1-944214-10-4