Rooted in nature: aesthetics, geometry and structure in the shells of Heinz Isler

Chilton, John; Chuang, Chu-Chun

Abstract

Reinforced concrete shells frequently constitute the most visible element of a building envelope. They dominate the architectural expression, yet the three-dimensional form is generally determined by the engineer according to its structural efficiency, rather than by the architect according to aesthetical considerations. This raises the question “Who is the author of the design?”

The design philosophy of recognised shell designers is introduced, specifically that of Swiss shell designer and “structural artist” Heinz Isler, who is considered to have had particular sensitivity to the aesthetics of his shells, rooted in his admiration of the natural world and derived by natural laws.

The Sicli Factory shell, 1968, is taken as a case study and is used to compare Isler’s design method with contemporary digital form-finding using the particle spring method.

It is concluded that there are advantages and disadvantages to both physical and digital modelling methods. Designers should be encouraged to explore with various approaches.

Citation

Chilton, J., & Chuang, C.-C. (2017). Rooted in nature: aesthetics, geometry and structure in the shells of Heinz Isler. Nexus Network Journal, 19(3), 763-785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-017-0357-5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 19, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Nov 1, 2017
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2017
• Deposit Date: Oct 25, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 1, 2017
• Journal: Nexus Network Journal
• Print ISSN: 1590-5896
• Electronic ISSN: 1522-4600
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 763-785
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-017-0357-5
• Keywords: Heinz Isler; Aesthetics of reinforced concrete shells; Sicli SA; Hanging cloth reversed; Particle spring system
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/902434
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00004-017-0357-5
• Additional Information: The final publication is available at link.springer.com via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00004-017-0357-5
• Contract Date: Oct 25, 2017