Design Rationalization of Irregular Cellular Structures

Abstract

Complex geometries found in nature are increasingly used as images and analogies for the creation of form and space in architectural design. To be able to construct the resulting complex building forms, strategies to handle the resulting production requirements are necessary. In the example of a design project for a Japanese noodle bar, a strategy for the realization of an irregular cellular spatial structure is presented. In order to represent its complex geometry, building principles relating to foam are applied to transform and optimize the design, which is based on hexagonal, cellular compartments defining the different interior spaces. The principles are converted into software code and implemented into a digital design toolbox to be used within a 3D-modelling environment. Utilizing the tools within the redesign process made a rationalization of the cellular structures possible without sacrificing the desired visual irregularity. The toolbox also enables the extraction of the cell geometry to support the generation of production documents. The result is the dramatic reduction of production effort to realize the complex cellular structures by keeping a maximum of design flexibility and desired visual appearance.