ISOMORPHIC
ARCHITECTURE
Cardiff Opera by Greg Lynn, BMW-
Pavilion by B. Franken
ISOMORPHIC ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION
Blobs or metaballs, or isomorphic surfaces, are amorphous objects constructed as
composite assemblages of mutually inflecting parametric objects with internal
forces of mass and attraction. They exercise fields or regions of influence, which
could be additive or subtractive.
The geometry is constructed by computing a surface at which the composite
field has the same intensity: isomorphic surfaces. These open up another formal
universe where forms may undergo variations giving rise to new possibilities.
WORKABILITY
Objects interact with each other
instead of just occupying space;
they become connected through
a logic where the whole is
always open to variation as new
blobs (fields of influence) are
added or new relations made,
creating new possibilities.
PIONEER
Greg Lynn is an
innovator in redefining
the medium of design
with digital technology
as well as pioneering the
fabrication and
manufacture of complex
functional and
ergonomic forms using
CNC (Computer
Numerically Controlled)
machinery.
In Lynn’s design approach, design context is a dynamic space of
communicating forces.
Lynn explains the changing dynamic motion in the context by referring
to the concept of
time.
mechanisms that Lynn uses to
express time in the digital environment which are analogy, re-
conception and construction
of a metaphorical relationship.
EVOLUTION
The concept of isomorphism in architecture has evolved over
time, reflecting changes in design, technology, and theory.
This concept highlighted architecture's ambiguous affiliation
with metaphysics, its status as an object and a
representation, and its relationship between nature and
technology
This evolution has led to a
rethinking of traditional
hierarchical relations within
architectural elements like
mass, interior, ground, and
surface articulations
THE EDEN PROJECT
NICHOLAS GRIMSHAW
GEODESIC
CONCEPT
The domes have a rounded shape with flowing contours, resembling
the natural forms found in the environment. The complex is dominated
by two huge enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that house
thousands of plant species, and each enclosure emulates a natural
biome.
EXPLORING FORM
AND DESIGN
Grim Shaw hit on the idea of soap bubbles. They adapt to any surface they
settle on. And, when two or more bubbles join, the line of the join is always
exactly perpendicular. Basing the ‘lean-to’ Biome structures on soap bubbles
was a perfect way to build on the uneven and shifting sands of the pit
Each dome has what’s
known as a hex-tri-
hex space frame with
two layers. The outer
layer is made of
hexagons , The inner
layer comprises
hexagons and
triangles bolted
together.
MATERIAL FUSION
The transparent ‘windows’ in each hexagon and pentagon
are made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE),
or ‘cling film with attitude’, as we like to call it. Each window
has three layers of this incredible stuff, inflated to create a
two-metre-deep pillow
Although our ETFE
windows are very
light they are
strong enough to
take the weight of a
car. ETFE can
transmit UV light,
and is non-stick and
self-cleaning.
BMW-THE BUBBLE
Franken Architekten GMBH
BMW-THE BUBBLE
The building of the BMW Pavilion at the International Motor Show in
Frankfurt represented a new direction in architecture, enabled the
architects to approach one step closer to the architectural visions of
the new age, the so-called mass customisation
ISOMORPHIC ARCHITECTURE
MATERIAL- TRANSPARENT ACRYLIC SHEETS IN DOUBLE CURVATURE
FACADE TYPE -SINGLE LEAF
USE - EXHIBITIONS, TEMPORARY
LOCATION- FRANKFURT AM MAIN , GERMANY
FORM FINIDING
The pavilion had to
have the form of a
real drop of water
.express the
condition of the
unstable
equilibrium
between internal
pressure and
surface tension
The architects utilized an animation program typically employed in the
film industry to simulate the merger of two water droplets.
The simulation commenced with the pristine shape of a single water
droplet, a form that can only be achieved in a vacuum and manifests as a
flawless sphere.
BMW Bubble
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-7643-8287-2_4#Abs1
MATERIAL
acrylic-glass plates were heat formed onto individually CNC milled
foam blocks. The substructure is based on orthogonal sections made
from sheet aluminum. An additional level of abstraction or derivation
to the mastergeometry was thereby introduced.
Introducing the
Glasshouse
"Introducing the Glasshouse International Centre for Music,
located in Gateshead, UK, designed by renowned architect
Norman Foster. It's a regional music center of international
standing, forming the heart of an ambitious project to regenerate
Gateshead's river frontage."
Isomorphic
Architecture
"In summary, the architectural concept of the Glasshouse
International Centre for Music is characterized by its isomorphic
(blob) architecture, where a single, unifying form houses multiple,
distinct functions, creating a harmonious and functional design."
Unified form
"The architectural concept is centered around a unified structure
with multiple auditoria under a single, flowing roof. This 'shrink-
wrapped' roof not only shelters the entire complex but also acts as
a major pedestrian route linking the Swing Bridge to the
Millennium Bridge."
Complex Geometry
“ Toroid Geometry of Glasshouse International Centre for Music]
Caption: "The complex toroid geometry of the building was
rationalized using specialized parametric modeling software,
allowing for the repetition and standardization of construction
elements. The roof encloses six concrete structures, including
three halls and three plant rooms.”
Connecting Spaces
"Each auditorium is conceived as a separate enclosure, but a
concourse along the riverfront links them together. The entire
complex is sheltered beneath the roof, which contains cafés, bars,
shops, and a box office, acting as a foyer for the auditoria and a
common room for the Music School."
Weingarten
Surfaces
Weingarten surfaces are characterized by a functional relation
between principal curvatures, simplifying surface paneling in
double-curved architectural skins through mold re-use
Optimization
Approach
An optimization method aligns curvature isolines to
contract the curvature diagram from 2D to 1D, revealing the
unknown functional curvature relation
K ISOLINES
H ISOLINES
Fabrication Advantages
Weingarten surfaces offer cost-effective fabrication by reducing
the number of molds needed for paneling,proportional to the
square root of the panels
Relation to Isomorphic
Surfaces
Isomorphic surfaces share geometric properties but differ in
parametric representations, akin to how Weingarten surfaces
simplify architectural paneling through shared geometric
characteristics
Innovative Design
Solutions
Computational design processes involving Weingarten surfaces
revolutionize architectural design by enabling efficient
fabrication techniques and exploring versatile shape spaces for
innovative architectural solutions.
CASE STUDY:
METABALLS
HEMASRI R
FORM FINDING AND
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN:
Metaballs aid architects in creating fluid, organic
architectural forms by adjusting parameters like
threshold values and blending functions. This enables
exploration of diverse design variations tailored to site
conditions, program needs, and aesthetics.
PARAMETRIC
MODELING AND
GENERATIVE DESIGN:
Metaballs in parametric modeling enable architects to create
adaptable architectural forms. By controlling size, position, and
blending, architects can respond to environmental factors. Case
studies could highlight metaballs' role in optimizing façade
systems, structural elements, or interior spaces for performance
and user experience.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS
AND OPTIMIZATION:
Metaballs aid spatial analysis and optimization in architectural design.
Architects use metaball algorithms to analyze spatial relationships,
circulation patterns, and daylighting conditions. By visualizing and
manipulating metaball representations, architects refine layouts to
enhance functionality. Case studies demonstrate metaballs' role in
optimizing floor plans, circulation networks, and site layouts for diverse
architectural projects.
DIGITAL
FABRICATION AND
CONSTRUCTION:
Metaballs aid in digital fabrication for architectural components.
Architects use metaball-based models to generate intricate surface
geometries, translated into fabrication data for CNC milling, 3D printing, or
robotic processes. Case studies highlight metaballs' role in fabricating
custom façade panels, structural elements, or spatial partitions, enabling
design expression and construction innovation.
