Author(s): Emmanouil Vermisso, Marco Mandra, Juanita Bernal & Sitki Sipahi
The design proposals J酶rn Utzon completed for the structural resolution of t the Sydney Opera House (1956-57/completed1973), Kuwait National Assembly (1971-71/completed 1985)and Zurich Theatre (1964, unbuilt), examine the relationship between shape (structural profile) and material performance. Virtually, the roof modules of these projects consist of infinite numbers of structurally efficient profiles which are expressed through a geometric continuity. Using profile succession from 鈥楾鈥 to 鈥樷橴鈥, among other combinations, Utzon explored the location of 鈥渕aterial where it is structurally most useful鈥 (M A Andersen 2014). These studies examine the analogue algorithm used by Ove Arup and J酶rn Utzon to design the concourse beams (often called the 鈥渕oment鈥 beams) at the Sydney Opera House. The beam design is based on optimal material arrangement, in an attempt to unite form and structure: towards mid-span, where bending moment is greater, the beam cross-section assumes the shape of a 鈥淭鈥 while the cross-section at the end conditions turns into a 鈥淯鈥. The surface geometry of the beam is defined by interpolating between these three conditions (U to T to U), resulting in a fluid, doubly curved geometry that ranges between these two shapes, thereby creating a 鈥榝amily鈥 of shapes.
Volume Editors
Alfredo Andia, Umberto Bonomo, Macarena Cortes, Dana Cupkova & Vera Parlac
ISBN
978-1-944214-11-1