The structure of free-forms

Abstract

The current situation, characterised by an impressive advance of conceptual, design and construction techniques, together with an establishment of a digital culture, has led to the architectural development of the so called free-forms. This paper evaluates the diverse development of different types of free-forms, and the role of the structure in each case. Four conceptual approaches are considered to tackle the design of free-forms as a function of both the process of generation and the influence of the structure in its development: sculptural forms, forms of concurrent structural adaptation, forms of structural algorithmic generation, and parametric forms. Starting from this analysis, four issues are presented for discussion: the process of development of free-foms, the design approach considering the multiplicity of factors in current projects, the response and relevance of the structure in free-form architecture, and finally, the potential of digital architecture and the role of the structure in its development.