Bridging the Gap by Studio BÄNG Designed using Rhino and Grasshopper

Article source: Studio BÄNG

Thinking about a modular, quickly deploy- able and adaptable bridge design a quite complex shape based on parametric design strategies and digital fabrication methods was developed. We started to parametrize points in X, Y and Z direction at relevant areas of a bridge in Rhino Grasshopper. Four points at the beginning and the end of the bridge and four in the middle. These 12 parametrized points give the opportunity to steer the crosssection of the bridge at three important areas. Based on these points the defi nition creates three frames one for each end of the bridge and one in the middle.

Bridging the Gap

• Architects: Studio BÄNG
• Project: Bridging the Gap
• Location: Weimar, Germany
• Software used: Rhino and Grasshopper

Bridging the Gap

All frames first get connected and the resulting four- point polylines triangulated to get the base of the load bearing framework for each side of the bridge. The triangles get offsetted according to the irradiance of the sun and then moved in direction of their normals. By lofting the two resulting curves a rigid and complex looking shape occurs. The most important benefit of parametric design and digital fabrication is the optimization of the whole design process.

Bridging the Gap

Modularity, the optimization of the construction time as well as saving material were the main goals beside designing a nice looking bridge during the whole design process. We inserted an unfold of the generated bridge model that arranges the single sheets space optimized for the laser cutting mashine. This was done with the Grasshopper plug-in Rhino Nest. Furthermore we added holes to the connecting seems of each panel to be able to screw them together in the end. The last part inserted into the definition was an angle calculating component. By this all angles in the construction are measured to give them to the electronic press brake.

Bridging the Gap

After getting the laser cutted and electronical press braked elements from the factory the only thing we had to do by hand was to close the 16 elements by screws. this took one hour for the 1:5 steel model. After closing the elements the modules are ready to be transported up to the site where the bridge shall be situated. two guys are able to connect the parts with screws in less than 2 days. The whole construction of the 1:5 scale model took five hours. After setting up the bridge a steel grating is inserted to serve as the floor.

Model

Model

Model

Development of Structure

Possibilities

Tags: Germany

Categories: Bridge, Grasshopper, Rhino

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