The technical studies submission for the design thesis explores the concept of long span vaulted roof structure in its environmental and structural performance.
The environmental setup is tested by the design of roof openings for light and ventilation. The openings are developed according to the sun penetration and internal lux levels achieved during the year, assessing the potential for minimum apertures for maximum results. Rather than designing for optimization’s sake, the project explores the potential of the penumbra in light levels achieved only in an opaque interiors by the careful manipulation of orientation and angular clerestory openings.
The vaulted structure is rationalised in terms of load stresses within the vault network and column grid. By using catanery chain models the load distribution and outward thrusts is understood in relation to the weak points and means to stabilize the structure: via thickening of column and adding loading to the vault segments. The timbrel vaulting technology is brought into the project as means to develop a fully cohesive compressive structure, emphasising the role of the passive structure rather than a hierharchy of materials or composite.
The Indoor University becomes a testing ground for the combination of passive environmental strategies and passive structural regimes by use of cohesive compression.
Special thanks for their invaluable support and contribution to:
Javier Castañon (AA TS Diploma Master)
Philip Cooper (CARL – Cambridge)
Markus Graubohm (EWTH – Aachen)
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