Riccardo La Magna

Fibrous structures: An integrative approach to design computation, simulation and fabrication for lightweight, glass and carbon fibre composite structures in architecture based on biomimetic design principles ☆

Abstract In this paper the authors present research into an integrative computational design methodology for the design and robotic implementation of fibre-composite systems. The proposed approach is based on the concurrent and reciprocal integration of biological analysis, material design, structural analysis, and the constraints of robotic filament winding within a coherent computational design process. A particular focus is set on the development of specific tools and solvers for the generation, simulation and optimization of the fibre layout and their feedback into the global morphology of the system. The methodology demonstrates how fibre reinforced composites can be arranged and processed in order to meet the specific requirements of architectural design and building construction. This was further tested through the design and fabrication of a full-scale architectural prototype.

From Nature to Fabrication: Biomimetic Design Principles for the Production of Complex Spatial Structures

In the current paper the authors present a biomimetic design methodology based on the analysis of the Echinoids (sea urchin and sand dollar) and the transfer of its structural morphology into a built full-scale prototype. In the first part, an efficient wood jointing technique for planar sheets of wood through novel robotically fabricated finger-joints is introduced together with an investigation of the biological principles of plate structures and their mechanical features. Subsequently, the identified structural principles are translated and verified with the aid of a Finite Element Model, as well as a generative design system incorporating the rules and constraints of fabrication. The paper concludes with the presentation of a full-scale biomimetic prototype which integrates these morphological and mechanical principles to achieve an efficient and high-performing lightweight structure.

Form-Finding and Design Potentials of Bending-Active Plate Structures

This work presented investigates the form-finding and design potentials of bending-active plate structures. Using two reference projects from the recent past, the authors present different design methodologies that either follow a geometry-based or integrated approach. A closer look at the newly accessible tools for digital form-finding and analysis reveals their increasing importance for the design process. In order to better demonstrate their potential, the authors present three case studies, which each separately enhances the integrated approach and in combination indicate the existence of a much larger design space of bending-active plate structures.

Tailoring the Bending Behaviour of Material Patterns for the Induction of Double Curvature

Cellular structures derive their macro mechanical properties from the specific arrangement of material and voids, therefore geometry is the main responsible for the peculiar mechanical behaviour of these classes of metamaterials. By varying the geometry and topology of the pattern, the mechanical response changes accordingly, allowing to achieve a wide range of properties which can be specifically tailored and adapted to the needs of the designer. In this paper, the bending behaviour of certain classes of cellular structures will be discussed, with the specific aim of achieving non-standard deformations. The main objective of the research focuses on the ability of inducing double-curvature in flat produced patterns as a by-product of elastic bending.