Computational design of space-adaptive structures for post-disaster sheltering

Abstract

Earth is in a continuous state of revolution and evolution. These transformations are directed by self-organized mechanisms driven by the pursuit of a minimum energy state. With advancements in technology, it has become apparent that such systems can be observed at every scale of nature. Elements are interconnected through dynamic interscalar relationships, exhibiting emergent qualities. These systems exist in equilibrium and are inherently adaptive, constantly responding to changes by either resisting or accommodating them. Moreover, these principles are also evident in cultural systems. However, civilization has often been considered an antithesis to nature's inertia: whereas nature is balanced and in motion, humanity is progressive yet stagnant. Recent global catastrophes, intensified by broader patterns of climate disruption, have revealed the vulnerabilities of a static building culture, mostly its inability to adapt to environmental changes and forces. Combined with the environmental impact of construction and the depletion of material and energy resources, these shifts underscore the urgency of developing intelligent, resource-efficient design solutions. In parallel, cultural transformations are also prompting contemporary architecture to prioritize flexibility and reusability. Therefore, changing times require a changing architecture that can respond to changes. In the field of adaptive architecture, despite increasing interest and necessity, structural systems adapting to changes have not been clearly defined or widely established. Space-adaptive structures, within the scope of this research, are defined as adaptive systems capable of generating spatial configurations with altered qualities through reassembly and reconfiguration of their components. These systems require interdisciplinary collaboration between research fields such as structural engineering and computational design, supported by knowledge from kinematics and robotics. This shift also necessitates a rethinking of design and tectonics, as performative, dynamic, and interactive aspects become increasingly important in these structures. Computational design represents a significant milestone in understanding the complex behaviors of space-adaptive structures and allows us to design them, with a synchronous perspective that involves all the design possibilities. Design possibilities multiply due to the transformation capabilities of these systems. Through the component-system relations, distinct design characteristics of space-adaptive structures are analyzed and identified as reassembly, reconfiguration and response. Components of a space-adaptive structure are reassemblable parts that are designed for multiple assemblies and disassemblies. Connections between components are uniquely engineered to make multiple configurations possible at a variety of angles. Through reconfigurable mechanisms, structural arrangements can be modified without full disassembly, enhancing the response to changing demands. Thus, space-adaptive structures respond to internal and external stimuli as a system through reassembly and reconfiguration of their components. Methodology follows a research-through-design approach to investigate rule-based and case-specific architectonics of these three design characteristic. Three case-studies corresponding to three design characteristics are designed and analyzed in the scope of this thesis. The rule-based analysis focuses on the underlying geometry of the case-studies through shape computing and rules presented on graphs in 2D paper space. As such, positioning and pairings of the components are identified to create an understanding not based on objects or geometries, but instances of geometries repeated in different loops in different positioning with different pairings. Positioning and pairing of components create complex assemblies where components move together and are constrained against each other. Assemblies can be reassembled through these rules, whereas configuration and reconfiguration occur in the range of motion defined by the rules for each assembly and reassembly. The case-specific analysis investigates the instances of space-adaptive structures, defined by choices (materials, dimensions, detailing) and factors (environmental, structural, functional) and generated through these parameters. Cases are computationally designed and display a complete design-to-fabrication-to-adaptation workflow. The first design focuses on the reassembly aspect. It explores the possibilities of producing and generating a structural system composed of disassemblable and reassemblable components. These components are based on the most basic geometric form, the triangle, which also holds the potential to approximate free-form topologies through geometric discretization. Assembled through uniquely designed joints in three-dimensional space, these units form form-active structural systems. The design of these systems derives from the stress distributions, force flows, and material optimization embedded within these geometric elements. The second design focuses on the reconfiguration aspect. Reconfiguration in this project emerges from the simple mechanisms between components. Case-specific decisions were made based on the spatial relationship of the structure, its positioning within space and between different spatial conditions. In this case, planar elements are employed to define a space, while also transferring loads to the ground and maintaining both vertical and horizontal stability. The connection points between these structural components allow for rotations, relative to each other, enabling the global form to dynamically adapt to spatial transformations. The third design focuses on the response aspect and post-disaster sheltering. Post-disaster sheltering is an area where adaptability is especially important and required. In the aftermath of a disaster, massive transportation and deployment of shelters are required in the immediate timeframe. The structure employs a foldable mechanism that allows for easy transportation through folding into a package, rapid deployment through folding into a gridshell. Gridshell is a form-active structural arrangement where the structural behavior is based on axial transmission of loads made possible by the rotational freedom of its nodal connections and the rigidity of its geometric configuration. The is structure designed to able to respond to the environment by reconfiguring its components to an optimal stage. Structure gradually transforms into an interim stage through the reassembly of lightweight material cladding. This potential for incremental reassembly is achieved through vertical-axis connections at the nodes, allowing the structure to be incrementally upgraded into an intermediate stage for long-term sheltering. In conclusion, reassembly, reconfiguration and response are interconnected design aspects that offer effective solutions in the contexts where a structure is expected to be flexibly adapted to evolving environmental conditions, user needs, and temporal dynamics i.e., post-disaster sheltering. Designing structures that can be reassembled, reconfigured, and respond according to both environmental conditions and functional demands introduces a new set of architectural values. Within this value system, structural elements, material behavior, movement, and performance become important design elements. Therefore, space-adaptive structures are not only systems that respond to material, structural, and constructional requirements but also represent a new conceptual design framework and a tectonic culture. The relationship between the space and structure is redefined with these new core elements in a more adaptable and responsive manner. This research contributes to the understanding and development of adaptive, computational, and performative design methods capable of shaping the future of architectural thinking, design and practice.