Symposium

The HybGrid
Jordi Truco Calbet
Universitat Internacional De Catalunya
http://www.hybgrid.com

Summary
The aim of this interdisciplinary project has been the design of a system/process able to generate multiple and non-predetermined shapes. For this purpose it is necessary to design a physical system (phenotype) able to articulate; but it is also important to design a digital parametric system (genotype) linking the multiple spatial necessities to their multiple formalizations.

Phenotype: The physical system bases its formal articulation on the property of elastic deformation. As biomimetics engineering points out, this kind of deformation increases the shaping possibilities in a simple and economical way and also keeps the endurance properties that are characteristic of material continuity. This system is not a mechanical system performing via universal joints; instead, it is based on elastic properties of materials such as polymers and fibre-composites.

The production method is quite simple. There doesn’t exist any differentiation in the physical conformation of the grid during the production process. Instead, the system can later generate formal and structural differentiation by changing the relative distances between these strips.

Genotype: The different programmatic and spatial necessities are transferred to the phenotype by means of parametric control through the software.

Within this frame, the actual form of the artifact is not any longer the product of the personal and unidirectional view of the architect, but it is directly informed by the system that makes it possible.

The system generates shape, and each generated shape is different depending of the special necessities that are required.

The notion of form finding doesn’t stop in the building but remains after the building. It is not only how to design the artefact but also how to evolve it. In a way, this expands the traditional idea of form finding into a dynamic idea. The critic of architectural form is not built on the actual achieved shape but in the dynamic infinite shapes within a method-process of design.

Project Biography
HYBRIDa is an Architecture research studio which is involved in using new technologies as a method for design including computation systems, using parametric and associative software, Data Driven Production and research into material technologies. This year the studio has been awarded the AHRB (Arts and Science Research Fellowship supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Board, Arts Council England and the Scottish Arts Council.) to develop the phase 02 of a project called the HybGrid. This project it is in the field of real time responsive architectures. We are developing a dynamic and adaptable structure by exploring digital and physical geometry prototypes.

For this proposal HYBRIDa has established a research collaboration program among the following university departments and companies.

• The University of Reading, School of construction Managment and Engineering, Centre for Biomimetics, UK.
• UDG, Universitat Politecnica de Girona, Spain
• UDG - CIMEP, Centre per a la Innovaciò en Materials Estructures i Processos ,
• UDG - eXit, Departament d' Enginyeria de Control_Sistemas Intelligents.
• ESARQ_UIC, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.
• INGENIA, centre d’aplicacions i tecnologies.