University of Tokyo - Department of Architecture

22(Tue), Aug. 10:00-
Lecture by Oversea Researcher
Current challenges in structural morphology

2023_0822_Poster_RomanMesnil

●Speaker
Dr. Romain Mesnil
Assistant Professor,
Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech, France

●Date and Time
August 22, 2023 (Tuesday) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
●Venue
E Lounge (E Block 2F), IIS, Univ. Tokyo
●Coordinator
Prof. Ken’ichi KAWAGUCHI, Univ. Tokyo

●Summary
The aim of this talk is to reflect back on the challenges for structural engineers and architects. The specific case of gridshell structures and glazed envelopes is studied in depth. Regarding design tools, we show interesting relationships between descriptive geometry, a drawing technique developed in the 1700’s, and conjugate curve networks on surfaces. Regarding optimization, we propose a novel point of view on optimization for load ‐ bearing capacity, and CAD ‐ based optimization for gridshell structures. The lecture will be concluded by the presentation of pavilions built to demonstrate the feasibility of the optimization workflow in a practical context.