Symposium

Shape Control In Responsive Architectural Structures
Tristan d’Estrée Sterk
The Office For Robotic Architectural Media & Bureau For Responsive Architecture
www.ofram.com

Summary
Shape control within architectural structures is a natural extension to the practice of engineering and architectural design. The knowledge needed for this builds upon two well understood foundations: 1) the long existing knowledge that building performance and function are intimately connected to the shape of built spaces; and 2) the relatively new idea that embedded computational systems may be employed to control devices in useful and beautiful ways. When combined each type of knowledge can be used to further architecture and engineering at both theoretical and methodological levels.

Structural shape control is of major interest within architecture because it is the primary ingredient needed to produce building envelopes that change shape. Structural shape control also currently represents a major technological and methodological stumbling block for architects, posing many challenges that have theoretical and practical origins. Theoretically, responsive architectural structures demand a re-evaluation of existing notions of space making. Practically these systems demand a re-evaluation of construction and design methodologies across both engineering and architectural practice.

Biography

Tristan d’Estrée Sterk founded The Office For Robotic Architectural Media in June 2000. The office specializes in developing and applying responsive architectural technologies to produce buildings that change their shape and configuration dynamically.

In 2005 he was awarded first place in the Chicago Architecture Club, Emerging Visions Award for young architects in Chicago. His work has appeared internationally at the First and Second International Architectural Biennales, Miami Florida (September 2001 - 2003) and the XIII Architectural Biennale, Santiago Chile (October 2002), and the MCA of Sydney Australia (August 2005). In May 2003, he was awarded the Schiff Fellowship and his work was included within the permanent collection of architecture at The Museum Of The Art Institute Of Chicago.

Tristan is a graduate from The School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago. He is a former Associate Lecturer In Architecture from The University Of Adelaide, School Of Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Urban Design. He has worked in private practice in Boston, Chicago and London.