Nature-inspired generation scheme for shell structures

Abstract

Although less researched and put into practice in the building environment, pure plate structures are to be observed frequently in biological structures. The 3-plate principle which is common in the morphology and growth pattern of natural systems is also found to be of a structurally optimum content when considered from a plate point of view. This is for instance the case of the sea urchin’s plate skeleton morphology, which served as biological inspiration for the recently built ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 at the University of Stuttgart. The current paper will focus on the 3-plate principle and its mechanical features, also presenting study models to analyse the structural characteristics and advantages of the principle. Along with the theoretical background, the paper will introduce the structural concept of the pavilion, as well as the analysis methods used for its design and engineering.