Nearly minimal how intuition and analysis inform the minimal surface geometries in the pure tension pavilion

Abstract

The topic of form-finding for minimal surfaces (surfaces with the minimum amount of surface area connecting between fixed boundary conditions and a mean curvature of zero) is not new, nor original. Historically this has been done through the discovery of intensive equations that could calculate mathematically minimal surfaces, or through dynamic physical models such as Frei Otto's seminal soap film experiments, which have the property of adjusting to find a “minimal surface.” Engineers and mathematicians have had a long legacy with these highly efficient and amazingly elegant forms. More recently the emergence of computation within the world of architecture has enabled novel form-finding solutions through coding. However, our interest lies not in the mathematics and coding that computation has enabled, but rather computation as a catalyst for a material intuition. It is through the emergence of visual programming and physics-based engines in associative modeling have enabled designers, rather than mathematicians, engineers and programmers, to simulate physical and material forces in a visual and intuitive manner. This paper focuses on the application of tool, exploration of technique and subsequent development of an informed design intuition for generating “near” minimal surface structures in the design, development and construction of the Pure Tension Pavilion. In short, we will examine how the Rhino 3D plug-in for Grasshopper along with accompanying physics engine Kangaroo was utilized to explore the development of an intuitive design process for form-finding, informing geometric articulation, and rationalizing the structure into buildable components.