Transformable Structures: Design Features and Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

Innovative building conceptions, that allow for the change of the building's shape and form, can offer advantages for certain types of applications compared to conventional structures. The conception, design, and realization of transformable building structures require the use of innovative building technologies, and the development of new analytical methods and procedures. Geometric complexity is usually a characteristic of the architectural expression of transformable structures, and their initial geometric configuration and representation is one of the earliest and most challenging phases in their design. A preliminary investigation with computer simulation and animation studies can help identify problems in their initial geometric conception.