Algorithm-Aided Design and Analysis for the Comparative Models Study of Heinz Isler’s Shells

Heinz Isler, known as the most famous contemporary shell designer, has employed physical modelling techniques for studying and constructing concrete shell structures. The Swiss engineer's work has spread over 50 years of continuous activity (1954 to 2008/9). The innovation in Isler's work stands by the pioneering form-finding methods based on physical structural models (expansion, inflation and hanging) of thin membranes. The strategy was adopted for many of his experimental structures, like (i) the Wyss Garden Centre in Solothurn (1962); (ii) COOP Warehouse Wangen in Olten (1960) and (iii) Deitingen Slid Service Station (1968). In this document, the study focuses on the assessment of Isler’s Shells employing new technologies and strategies based on Algorithm - Aided Design. The design steps comprehend the reparameterization of Isler’s shells samples using Parametric Design techniques (geometry development in Rhinceros3D © + Grasshopper© add-on); the generative approach (parametric design + simulation) is conducted and achieved thanks to Alpaca4D©. The structural analysis relies on a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) carried on through the plug-in for Grasshopper© in Rhinoceros3D©. The results are retrieved to develop and validate the achieved results employing Alpaca4D© with a comparative model developed with the Karamba 3D© add-on and FEM-Design©, an advanced and intuitive structural analysis software.