An organically shaped canopy built
by me for The Kingdom Center for the Arts, (Montville, Maine).
The deck was supplied by client, i built the canopy. Tarp is
30X50 ft heavy woven poly type. Frame uprights are #8 rebar with
#3 rebar strut reinforcement. Half inch cold rolled defines edges
and overall shape. The rebar was bent and welded in tree fashion.
Saplings are maple and oak, which bulge out the dual domes while
masking the artificiality of steel. Computer powered geometry,
(see below), was used for completing work with confidence, in
2 weeks time, with one assistant.
Following are some 3D models of
tents, all visualized in the excellent software: formZ,
(version 3.x).
First are three exploratory models
intended to capture the essence of a bird shape. These models
employ four spiraling edges where the integrity is maintained
by 1) steel rod (in the firstexample) and 2) by additional use
of struts along tensile members. The first four models were made
to explore economical construction methods and to predict the
effects through software.
The first example has tree saplings
(not shown) supporting and tensioning the tarp (also not shown)
The brown lines are #8 rebar (with #3 rebar struts additionally
reinforcing curves). The green tubes are schedule 40 pipe as footings
bolted to existing deck used as sockets for sapplings.
Next, above is a study of mechanical
means to strengthen the integrity of a spiraling edge, using struts.
The first 3 views in the picture above utilize "hidden line
rendering" to discover penetration points of the struts through
the fabric.
Next, above is a bird shaped study
which employs the spiral in an upward direction, more like an
arch.
Next, above is a minimalist study
of stitching two tarps together and draping diagonally. The intent
is to escape the look of the ordinary at minimum expense.
Below is a Nurbz model of a tent
manufactured by Eureka. It is actually an end section only, the
tent is named "Century". I found the Nurbz tool of formZ
very effective in this design, although the real tent uses horizontally
layered seams of tent material. This model could employ formZ's
"Section" tool to develop the seam positions.
Hire Bo for freelance achitectural modeling.
See model examples page.
I am available for designing, modeling,
building and consultation. My strengths are many years experience
with hands on construction contracting, comprehensive consulting
and intensive use of formZ software. Call 207-342-5796 (Maine,
USA, EST).
More
of Bo's curvilinear ideas rendered with powerful software.
More
of Bo's ideas for trade show structures.
Bo's
architectural concepts and consrtruction projects.
Bo's
installation art / celebration services.
Alda's
wedding flowers, click here.
Fabric
structure: visualized and built.
Note: These pages are placed in the public domain and are furnished "as is". The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of the concepts in this series. All authorities should be satisfied first, as might be required, by relevant laws, before any building proceeds.
Searching Synergy ....
.... Free Exchange of Ideas
Enersearch was incorporated in 1980 but never materialized financially. A synergy of concepts were developed and are reflected in the pages of this series. The synergy continues as a single handed effort of Bo Atkinson, in Maine, USA.
Email comments welcome ~~~~~~~ boa1@pivot.net
Tel : 207 342 5796 . . . (Maine)
index.html