Earth Shell Structures

  shell-structure  

Master's Course Architecture Research-Oriented Impromptu

We are actively researching thin-walled shell structures made of clay and with this impromptu we would like to inspire you for this.The potential of this construction method is obvious and not yet exhausted - clay is considered one of the most promising materials for the development of sustainable construction methods. We are particularly interested in thin-walled constructions, comparable to textile concrete construction.As with textile concrete, the combination of base material and reinforcement is crucial.For the reinforcement of these shells, we draw on our experience in light metal construction from thin sheets.

The special attraction of the technology lies in the combination of complex geometry and robot-assisted production on the one hand and the handicraft process of clay construction on the other.The task we set for you is to design and present an experimental building and a corresponding mock-up.The most promising designs of the mock-up will then be selected and pursued for realization. You are welcome to participate in this process within the framework of a research field.In advance, we will discuss with you the structural properties of shell structures and the relevant design parameters.Material-specific aspects that have a strong influence on the design parameters will be presented by us.To successfully complete the impromptu, you should enjoy creating and visualizing complexgeometry, for example with Rhinoceros or Grasshopper.

Objective:

Design and rendering of an experimental building and a corresponding mock-up.
The most promising designs of the mock-up will subsequently be selected and pursued for realization. You are welcome to participate in this as part of a research field.

Application: RWTHonline

Start: Dates will be announced soon.

Meetings: Dates will be announced soon.

Final Submission/Evaluation: Dates will be announced soon.

Tutors:  Alex Seiter M.Sc. &  Dipl.-Ing. Thorsten Pofahl

Examiner: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Trautz