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In contrast to conventional numerical methods that are dependent on predefined forms before any analysis can be executed, this research explores geometry of forces as the catalyst for design, analysis and optimisation of structures. New insights gained from historical investigation of the evolution of graphical methods that led to the founding of graphic statics, will be integrated into a flexible and robust computational framework capable of handling complex geometries of polyhedral force diagrams. In combination with innovative representation and user interface strategies, this research will develop an interactive computational environment to enable designers to approach structural design problems in a variety of new ways that are simply not possible with existing, form-dependent tools. Most importantly, this research not only introduces designers to unprecedented force-driven structural design spaces, but also provides the necessary computational tools and means to explore those design spaces in an unbiased and interactive manner to discover new and previously unimaginable structures.
This research is a continuation of the research project "Three-dimensional polyhedral reciprocal diagrams."
This research was applied to the structural design and fabrication optimisation of the project MycoTree.