A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Space Frames: An Alternative to the Architectural Cube
In architecture, the cube is ubiquitous. It is easier to produce architectural drawings of parallelepipedic buildings, but such buildings are not any better structurally, functionally or aesthetically than buildings based on the cross section of a honeycomb, for example. What is essential in the physical fabric of a building is that floors be horizontal and that floor plans be regular and orderly, lest the user become confused.
A space frame is a better structural matrix than a post-and-beam matrix. The problem for the architect is then, first, to make habitable spaces within a space frame, where all the columns are oblique. Secondly, since architecture is not merely the making of habitable spaces, the job of the architect is to make sure that his spaces fulfill the aesthetic as well as the practical needs of the users.
Space Frames: An Alternative to the Architectural Cube
In architecture, the cube is ubiquitous. It is easier to produce architectural drawings of parallelepipedic buildings, but such buildings are not any better structurally, functionally or aesthetically than buildings based on the cross section of a honeycomb, for example. What is essential in the physical fabric of a building is that floors be horizontal and that floor plans be regular and orderly, lest the user become confused.
A space frame is a better structural matrix than a post-and-beam matrix. The problem for the architect is then, first, to make habitable spaces within a space frame, where all the columns are oblique. Secondly, since architecture is not merely the making of habitable spaces, the job of the architect is to make sure that his spaces fulfill the aesthetic as well as the practical needs of the users.
Space Frames: An Alternative to the Architectural Cube
Gabriel, J. Francois (author)
International Journal of Space Structures ; 6 ; 287-295
1991-12-01
9 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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