Texas A&U Reciprocal Structure

Texas A&M Reciprocal structure is the outcome of a 3 day generative design and fabrication workshop which focused on interactive form finding of shells structures and their materialization using reciprocal frames. Emphasis was given on how to explore form finding beyond the analysis of forces by taking into consideration environmental parameters such as the sun position. The  form found shell  was informed by a traditional building system, that of reciprocal frames. Correlations between top down and bottom up design approaches were addressed through the use of both linear and non-linear design techniques. Participants were introduced into an integrated design workflow which includes set of programming and visual scripting and parametric tools namely:Processing (IGEO), Rhinoceros 3d, Grasshopper (Kangaroo, Ladybug, HoneyBee). This integrated workflow was used to design, analyze and evaluate different design alternatives based on their performance during the first two days. One design was selected for fabrication and assembly and wass installed in the studio space of the TAMU school of Architecture.

The goal was to teach students computational form finding and introduce them to an integrated design methodology , where analytical tools can be used along with generative ones for driving the design process and improving the design outcomes.  Another goal was to introduce students on how realistic constraints which relate to the site will be addressed (available material, geometry of atrium) can be used as design drivers which informed the selected structural system.

Lastly, participants had the opportunity to experience how such a methodology can facilitate the data flow from design to construction and inform the design outcomes.