A contemporary reinterpretation of Jorn Utzon’s material and technological innovations

Ole Egholm Pedersen, Niels Martin Larsen, Dave Pigram, Iain Maxwell

Publications: Contribution to conferencePaperResearch

758 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Standardisation and the use of repetitive production processes was a key determinant of achievable forms in the industrial paradigm, impressively displayed in the Sydney Opera House. Today, complex non-repetitive, yet readily achievable, forms can be designed using computational design techniques that explicitly embed structural, and fabrication logic from the beginning and which later enable the direct generation of instruction code for their accurate and efficient production via Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. This paper builds on the thesis that Utzon's approach - the consideration of technology as an integral part of the design process - can give rise to novel structures which take advantage of the new technological situation. Furthering earlier research by the authors[1] [2] [3], a method for constructing a hybrid grid shell structure combining timber and pre-cast concrete elements is proposed. The method is tested through the realisation of a pavilion in relation to the Utzon Symposium in Sydney in March 2014. The previous research shows how a grid shell structure of discrete concrete components can be produced with lasercut amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) templates. The casting method minimises the material use for templates in relation to customisation. This paper concerns realisation of a hybrid construction through integration of customised plywood components. Furthermore, the concrete construction is improved. Precision is improved through stabilisation of the template and modification of the geometry. Stability of the construction is achieved through new joint solutions. Reinforcement and joints are treated as a single element, thereby simplifying both production and assembly. In previous case studies scaffolding was a major task, and this aspect is minimised with the method described here.
Translated title of the contributionEn nutidig fortolkning af Jørn Utzons materielle og teknologiske innovationer
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2014
Number of pages11
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event4th International Utzon Symposium - University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Duration: 7 Mar 20149 Mar 2014

Conference

Conference4th International Utzon Symposium
LocationUniversity of New South Wales
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period07/03/201409/03/2014

Artistic research

  • No

Cite this