Frame and Form

Combining chemistry, mathematics and architecture, but mainly based on the rhythms and patterns observed in nature, Cecil Balmond leads us in the exploring of new forms and structures.

Cecil Balmond - H_edge - (c) ARUP

Since year 2000 and Advanced Geometry Unit, a research unit of Arup formed by a team of professionals such as engineers, mathematical, programmers, architects and artists, conducting a work between the research, the project and the quasi-artistic creation.

His collaborations with some of the biggest names in contemporary architecture start at the gestation of forms. Using his own words, his work goes beyond the simple generation of innovative geometries, by pushing the limits of engineering.

Serpentine Gallery - Cecil Balmond & Toyo Ito - (c) Freewebs

Using mathematical algorithms, he generates geometric patterns that allow the construction of highly diverse and flexible structures using a small number of simple elements, allowing a high level of prefabrication and industrialization. His collaborations with Toyo Ito, and Alvaro Siza for the Serpentine Gallery are a good example.

Serpentine Gallery - Cecil Balmond & Alvaro Siza - (c) SSerpentine Gallery

Cecil Balmond, in his frequent collaborations with Rem Koolhaas, has made such significant works as the Seattle Library and the impressive CCTV building in Beijing.

Seattle Public Library - Cecil Balmond & Rem Koolhaas - (c) arcspace

In the Pedro and Ines footbridge, in Coimbra, he designed with Adao da Fonseca a bridge with large asymmetric cantilevers that (un)meet at the center, causing a discontinuity in the floor of the structure. In its multicoloured handrail, we would emphasize the use of triangular patterns of glass, as in his earlier work.

Pasarela Pedro & Inês - Cecil Balmond & Adam Fonseca - (c) mime

His latest project is at the University of Pennsylvania, a footbridge over the railway which connects two parts of the campus. This steel structure, emphasizes the application of an elegant reciprocal frame, forming a semi-closed section - due to enforcement of rail safety - but with sufficient transparency to allow the function of viewpoint for the campus.

Weave Bridge - Cecil Balmond - (c) Arup

Nowadays, Mr. Balmond is probably the best-known structural engineer alive, inside and outside the engineering world, This indicates a great capacity for understanding the needs and challenges of today's market. Besides judging the quality of his work or conceptual argumentation, it certainly seems relevant the way he works, opening new horizons in the world of structural design.