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

Chilton, John; Chuang, Chu-Chun

Authors

JOHN CHILTON John.Chilton@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor Ofarchitecture & Tectonics

Chu-Chun Chuang



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. (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 Mar 28, 2024
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

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