ARC - Architectural Freeform Structures from Single Curved Panels

Complex freeform structures are one of the most striking trends in contemporary architecture. So far, design and manufacturing of such structures are based on digital technologies which have been developed for other industries (automotive, naval, aerospace industry). Architecture differs from these traditional target industries of CAD/CAM technology in many ways including aesthetics, statics, structural aspects, scale and manufacturing technologies. Manufacturing architectural freeform structures requires the segmentation into panels, which may be either flat, single curved or double curved. In the present research project, we investigate the problem of building architectural freeform structures from single curved panels. From the mathematical perspective, this leads to new semi-discrete surface representations called developable strip models, which constitute a link between smooth and discrete surfaces and can be studied with methods from differential geometry and computational mathematics. To meet the practical requirements, solid knowledge and large experience in architectural design and engineering is essential. Three partners joined to meet the challenges in this field:

Vienna University of Technology, an academic institution with deep fundamental knowledge in applied geometry and geometric computing,
Evolute, a high-tech research start-up specializing in geometric computing and consulting for architecture and manufacturing and
RFR, an established engineering office with world wide experience, specialized in non-conventional lightweight structures and with relevant experience in freeform design.

Project Acronym	ARC
FP7 Grant Agreement Number	230520
Start Date	2009-03-01
Duration	48 months
Project Funding	1.13 million Euro
Contract Type	Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP)

A summary of the results of ARC has been published in International Innovation* and can be read here.

*International Innovation is the leading global dissemination resource for the wider scientific, technology and research communities, dedicated to disseminating the latest science, research and technological innovations on a global level. More information and a complimentary subscription offer to the publication can be found at: www.researchmedia.eu