Matthias Rippmann

Interactive Vault Design

This paper presents a new computational framework based on Thrust Network Analysis (TNA) for the design of funicular structures. Fast and robust solving algorithms enable the interactive exploration of these constrained structural systems. By giving explicit, bidirectional control over the internal force distribution and overall geometry to the designer, free exploration of these statically highly indeterminate systems is made possible. The equilibrium of funicular compression networks is represented by reciprocal diagrams, which visually express the force dependencies between different parts of the structure. By modifying these diagrams in real-time, the designer is able to explore novel and expressive vaulted geometries that are blurring the difference between shapes associated to typical compression-only forms, obtained e.g. with hanging networks, and freeform surface structures. The power of this framework for design is demonstrated by a user-friendly software implementation, which has been used to design and build a freeform, thin-tile masonry vault.

New Design and Fabrication Methods for Freeform Stone Vaults Based on Ruled Surfaces

Thin concrete and steel grid shells show elegantly how shell design is used for contemporary freeform architecture. Their natural beauty is coupled to an inherent efficiency due to minimal bending, result from their good structural form. Thanks to digital form finding tools, streamlined planning processes and automated fabrication, the technical and economic difficulties to design and build those structures, especially grid shells, decreased significantly [1].

Automated Generation of Knit Patterns for Non-developable Surfaces

Knitting offers the possibility of creating 3D geometries, including non-developable surfaces, within a single piece of fabric without the necessity of tailoring or stitching. To create a CNC-knitted fabric, a knitting pattern is needed in the form of 2D line-by-line instructions. Currently, these knitting patterns are designed directly in 2D based on developed surfaces, primitives or rationalised schemes for non-developable geometries. Creating such patterns is time-consuming and very difficult for geometries not based on known primitives. This paper presents an approach for the automated generation of knitting patterns for a given 3D geometry. Starting from a 3D mesh, the user defines a knitting direction and the desired loop parameters corresponding to a given machine. The mesh geometry is contoured and subsequently sampled using the defined loop height. Based on the sampling of the contours the corresponding courses are generated and the so-called short-rows are included. The courses are then sampled with the defined loop width for creating the final topology. This is turned into a 2D knitting pattern in the form of squares representing loops course by course. The paper shows two examples of the approach applied to non-developable surfaces: a quarter sphere and a four-valent node.

Structural Stone Surfaces: New Compression Shells Inspired by the Past

Much of our architectural heritage today is built out of unreinforced masonry. It is often unclear why historic masonry structures still stand when conventional analysis tools have predicted their failure. In order to ensure the safety of these existing structures, there is an acute need for innovative tools that can accurately analyse their stability. Associate Professor Philippe Block, Tom Van Mele and Matthias Rippmann of the Block Research Group, part of the Institute of Technology in Architecture at ETH Zurich demonstrate how computational form-finding methods and design tools for masonry structures that stand in pure compression, such as arches and vaults, make it possible to design expressive and efficient surface structures that can be built with very little or low-quality material. By studying the techniques of medieval master builders, the Block Research Group has also developed new ways of building with masonry, enhanced by current construction and fabrication technologies. These new tools and reinvented construction methods can be applied in different contexts: for instance, by studying the structure of Gothic cathedrals, they manage to dramatically reduce the use of materials in office construction.