This is a study based on the shelter designed by Renzo Piano for a Sulphur Extraction Facility in Italy. The structure is made of repeated triangular FRP shells that are connected along their edges to form a barrel-vault type structure. Folding makes the structure significantly more rigid while keeping the weight of the structure down. Each individual shell is light enough to be carried by a single person, making erection simple and quick without the need for cranes.
A fully parametric structure was modeled in Rhino + Grasshopper to allow for quick manipulation of the structure’s geometry for differing sites
Before doing any work on a computer, it’s always beneficial to understand the real physical structure – get a feel for what you’re working with. As in the above photos, a simple folded model made from paper went a long way in helping figure out how the geometry behaves as a parametric model. Hand sketches and details are the tools used to capture thoughts and assumptions.
The Grasshopper parametric definition was linked with the Salamander plug-in to define the finite element geometry and wind loading on the structure.
Left: Wind loading calculations for a hemispherical shape Right: Detail view on the wind pressure distribution over the barrel structure’s shape
