Frame and Form

In this second post of the miniseries on Arup Engineering (here the first) discuss the concept of integrated design architecture also known as total.

Kylesku Bridge Photo by itmpa

One of the great aspirations of Ove Arup was getting Total Architecture. According to the founder of the design office: “great things can be achieved when all design decisions have been considered equally and were integrated into a whole by a well-organized team”.

In Book Arups on Engineering There are many examples of the intention to integrate various disciplines in the final solution. An example of this is the essay by Bill Smyth and Jørgen Nissen (designer bridge over the Oresund)on the overall design of bridges. The text shows how the structural types to individual projects adaptadan.

For example, en el Western Bank Bridge en Sheffield cells are arranged as if the edges of a pyramid try to enhance the plasticity of the structure and encourage the feeling flow.

Sheffield Concourse photo of Paul Margari

Tristam Carfrae in his essay speaks of the need to combine the functional requirements of large halls with the desire of developers to clearly differentiate their buildings from other visually. This ability to exercise benchmarks in the urban landscape has to be evaluated in conjunction with other requirements.

Tristam years later participate in perhaps one of the best examples of integration of the design process Beijing National Aquatics Center. Built on the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, this building meets the lighting needs, temperature, acoustics and optimal use of materials through a solution that is closer to the organic.

The way in which this solution was obtained deserves its own post. The formula chosen ingredients are often the subject of comment in this blog. The concepts of Finding form, algorithms, new materials and biomechanics are present in the final solution achieved by Tristam and company.

National Aquatics Center in Beijing

In the next and last post of the miniseries on Engineering Arups talk about the trial today remains a source of inspiration for new and experienced professional. In the next post will explore the “Key Speech” Ove Arup they.