Early Shape Morphing: The Metamorphosis of Polygons in Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Le Corbusier’s Firminy Chapel

Abstract

This paper first discusses the fundamental notion of shape morphing and morphing techniques. Then it sets out to introduce early applications of the notion in architecture. Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Spain and Le Corbusier’s Firminy Chapel in France are examined with regard to shape morphing. The examination seeks to cast new light on the significance of the two designs whose morphing method has become the legacy of an innovative characteristic of considerable contemporary architecture. © 2005, Architectural Institute of Japan. All rights reserved.