INSTRUCTOR: Lalvani
UA Pratt Institute School of Architecture

Topological Surfaces

Topology has attracted much attention in recent years within architecture and provides a starting point for exploring new ways to shape architectural space. This project will deal with the physical realization of new classes of topological surfaces as part of ongoing faculty research. The underlying theory will be presented. Students will construct physical models, beginning at a small scale and (possibly) leading to a larger scale construction at the Center. The project requires good model-building skills.

Max 5 students; 3-4 credits.

Course Requirements:

Active participation on weekly basis. No mid-term or end-term projects or exams.

Bibliography:

Architecture and Science, ed. Guiseppa Di Christina, AD books, Academy-Wiley, 2001.

Organic Approach to Building, eds. Deborah Gans and Zehra Kuz, AD, 2003.

Programming Culture, ed. Michael Silver, AD 2006.

Topological Picture Book, George Francis, Springer, 2007.

Structure in Nature is a Strategy for Design, Peter Pearce, MIT, 1978

Websites/journals per class discussions, e.g. www.indiana.edu/~minimal/toc.html