ALTERNATIVE PROTOTYPE IN VERTICAL STACKING

Abstract

This thesis introduces (A) a new structural prototype for vertical stacking; and (B) an innovative methodology of design which brings into unison architectural concepts and rationality found in structural engineering. In many modern cities, the obvious solution to land constraint is to stack everything up! But the big question is: “How is the stacking done?” or “what structural prototype can we adopt? Currently, it often means piling the floor spaces one on top of the other – at the expense of spatial continuity, otherwise present in a large single-storey footprint. The stark reality is that when the domino system or the post-war construction systems are used, typically, monolithic floor plates are duplicated repetitively from ground level all the way to the top, with the different levels segregated from one another – giving rise to a system that inherently brings about vertical disjunction. In my thesis, by merging the spaces of different levels within a building into a single continuum, I have created a new structural prototype – thereby, re-defining the notion of vertical stacking, and giving rise to the different possibilities of achieving it architecturally. During my journey of inventing this prototype, I have also derived at a methodology for designing rarely used by architects. By using a structural analysis software, typically used only by engineers – right from the infant stage of the design process – rationality in structural engineering became the guiding principle in many of the decisions made. This methodology contrasts with the typical designing process in which many architects operate in, whereby structural consideration is only deliberated at a very late stage. In those situations, structural consideration is often delimited to merely the span and sectional sizing of structural members, downplaying the potential of what an innovative structure can otherwise achieve. During preparation of my thesis, to overcome my limited knowledge in shell structures, I researched deeply into existing literature. Countless nights of intense discussions over coffee with friends who are engineers also heightened my awareness of the technical possibilities of shell structures. In so doing, I aim to push forth the ideal that architectural aspirations and structural rationality should come together as one. In summary, for this thesis, I placed emphasis on the creation of a new structural prototype and the experimentation in designing process – rather than how the innovation might translate to become a fully-resolved construction blueprint. More than just concluding a masters programme, this thesis brought out my fascination with shell structures, possibly charting my professional development in the years to come.