Introduction

The design of tensile structures for architectural or artistic purposes, the analogue and digital form-finding methods and the feedback loop established between them.

Description

Participants will learn about physical form-finding following the tradition of Frei Otto and ILEK and will correlate the learning with contemporary approaches of digital form-finding in Kangaroo physics engine. The participants will receive a basic introduction to digital tools (Rhino-Grasshopper-Kangaroo) emphasizing on physics simulation and dynamic relaxation, while theyl work in parallel with physical models for analogue form-finding (membranes-elastic textile). This hands-on approach will familiarize them with physical simulations, utilizing a parametric model not merely as a representational tool, but as a tool for real-time shape exploration that embeds the physical behaviour of membranes. It is a simulation of a relatively complex system which finds equilibrium when all the forces acting upon it are balanced.
Digital experiments will be carried out in Rhino, using Grasshopper and Kangaroo physics engine, to simulate tensile structures. The workshop will employ simultaneously physical and digital models of membranes.

Required Software

Rhino 5, Grasshopper, Kangaroo (latest versions) A detailed list with instructions and links for downloading will be given to participants prior to the workshop. Some familiarity with Rhino is welcome but not mandatory.

Tutors

Ioanna Symeonidou, Univ. Lecturer, Institute of Architecture and Media, Technical University of Graz

Ioanna Symeonidou holds a Diploma of Architecture Engineering with Honours from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in Greece and a Master of Science on Emergent Technologies and Design from the Architectural Association in London. Since 2010 she has been teaching digital media and studio courses at the Institute of Architecture and Media of the Technical University in Graz. She has led numerous international workshops worldwide (TU Graz, FAUP Porto, University of Patras, AUTH Thessaloniki, IHU Greece, CVUT Prague) and has won several awards for her design and research work. Additionally, Ioanna Symeonidou is an authorized Rhinoceros trainer from McNeel Europe.