Design of Concrete Tracery Trusses to Define Architectural Space

Abstract

Exposing the building's structure and using it to define space was frequently practiced in earlier eras, often giving rise to innovative structures that integrated with the architecture. Engineering is rarely used today, however, to achieve such results. This paper examines a recent project in which the integration of structure and space was an explicit goal, and discusses the design and construction of the exposed concrete “tracery” roof trusses used to achieve this end. There are significant structural, cost, and construction problems associated with this class of structures and these are discussed. Further, some of the key aspects of integrating structure and space, and of a design process that makes the design task practical are briefly presented.