12:00 | OCEL V PRAXI VE SVĚTĚ
Professor Helmut Pottmann | TU Wien
Architectural Geometry
Advances in the Rationalization of Architectural Freeform Structures
The speaker will address ongoing research in Architectural Geometry which aims at the computation of new types of digital models meeting the requirements of architecture regarding feasibility of construction/ manufacturing, structural properties and aesthetics. This process, sometimes referred to as rationalization, requires a close cooperation between architect, geometry consultant, structural engineer and construction companies. It is highly dependent on the type of skin (transparent or opaque), the chosen material, manufacturing technologies and the relation between panels and underlying supporting structure. The topics to be discussed include novel types of skins and supporting constructions from linear elements (planar panels and straight supporting beams), and curved elements (in particular, cylindrical and more general ruled panels). The presented concepts and techniques will be illustrated at hand of solutions for a number of architectural projects by Asymptote, Bellini Architects, Zaha Hadid Architects and others, which have recently been achieved by Evolute, a spin-off company of the speaker’s research group.
About speaker
Helmut Pottmann, born 1959, studied mathematics at Vienna University of Technology where he received his PhD in 1983 and the habilitation in geometry in 1986. Between 1988 and 1992 he held faculty positions at the University of Kaiserslautern, Purdue University and the University of Hamburg. Since 1992 he is professor of geometry at Vienna University of Technology and head of the ‘Geometric Modeling and Industrial Geometry’ research group. In fall 2008 he accepted an offer to become director of the Geometric Modeling and Scientific Visualization Research Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia. His research interests are in Applied Geometry and Visual Computing, most recently in Geometric Computing for Architecture and Manufacturing. He has co-authored two books (one on Architectural Geometry) and more than 170 refereed articles. Helmut Pottmann is also Scientific Director of Evolute GmbH.
Selected projects
YAS Island Racetrack Hotel, Abu Dhabi (architects: Asymptote, structural engineering: Schlaich-Bergermann, construction: Waagner-Biro). Geometry consulting concerned the optimization of a quadrilateral mesh with respect to fairness and compatibility with an arrangement of macro-triangles (bold) which has been necessary for structural considerations.
Cagliari Contemporary Arts Center (Zaha Hadid Architects). Feasibility study based on a rationalization employing ruled surfaces. Large areas can be covered by ruled surfaces, a fact which also simplifies the underlying supporting structure (Fig. 2.1). Certain negatively curved areas can be represented by smoothly joined strips of ruled surfaces (Fig. 2.2).
Fig. 2.1
Fig. 2.2
About Evolute
Evolute GmbH, founded in February 2008, is a spin-off from the research group of H. Pottmann. The foundation of the company is motivated by a strong need of geometric computing expertise in contemporary architecture. In order to better exploit the potential of the developed technologies, Evolute is also performing research and consulting on manufacturing technologies which are related to those used in architecture. Clients and research project partners of Evolute include FibreC GmbH, Fraunhofer Institute of Production Technology, ModuleWorks GmbH, Redesco Progetti Srl, RFR, Waagner Biro Stahlbau AG and Zaha Hadid Architects.
