Haresh Lalvani 2020-2021

School of Architecture, Center for Experimental Structures

A collage of various architectural and design renderings from 2020-2021. The images include a series of layered structures, geometric patterns, abstract shapes, and 3D models. The designs range from curved and organic forms to more structured and repetitive patterns. The text

3D HYPER SURFACE: PHASE 3

This ongoing project, interrupted by covid, is in its last phase. Layers 2 and 1 are in fabrication and the foundation remains to be built. These last two layers provide a unique opportunity to rest our original intent of form-work free assembly of an asymmetric structural surface having continuously curved compound curvatures. To achieve this, we have added angled internal rods that penetrate several “fingers” of the alucobond parts in an alternating manner. The fingers interdigitate, like a jigsaw puzzle, to provide a continuous surface from parts, and the rods provide some assistance to the surface during assembly. Digital models of the two layers and assembly process (1-4), parts in progress and joining details for structural and accurate assembly (5-14).

A series of architectural diagrams depicting structural components of a building. The images show various stages of construction with a central pole supported by blue geometric blocks and frameworks. The diagrams highlight different design iterations involving structural reinforcement and modular blocks, progressing from simple to complex forms.

A 3D rendered geometric object featuring undulating surfaces in green, blue, and purple. The shape is fluid, with curves and cutouts, resembling an abstract, futuristic structure or sculpture. One side contains a circular hole, and the edges have interlocking notches, adding a sense of mechanical design.

A complex, layered architectural structure resembling an abstract, curving tower with multiple horizontal slats stacked vertically. The structure is supported by a central vertical pole and curves dramatically as it tapers downward. The background is solid black, emphasizing the form's intricate design and flowing curves.

Close-up image of two hands working on assembling interlocking pieces of a layered metallic structure.

A close-up perspective of stacked metallic components, with a rod-like element inserted through the layers, showing a precise fit and a clean, interlocking design against a black background.

A structured metallic form featuring interlocking layers meticulously aligned in a sweeping arc pattern. The polished metal surface showcases precise cutouts and markings, with clean lines radiating from the central curve. The image's dark background enhances the clarity and contrast, making the structure's engineering details more prominent.

A slender, elongated metallic component with a ribbed structure, narrowing towards the top in a gentle, upward curve. Two metal rods extend horizontally through the piece at specific intervals, securing the sections in place. The surface of the component features a series of numbered inscriptions, likely denoting the parts or layers involved in the assembly process. The entire form is set against a black background, highlighting the sleek design and precision of the structural layers.

A curved, layered metallic structure featuring multiple stacked elements, each slightly offset to create a gradual, flowing form. Two vertical metal rods pierce through the structure, stabilizing the layers in place. A numbered inscription is visible on the topmost layer, likely indicating part identification or assembly instructions. The component's smooth, aerodynamic curvature contrasts with the rigid, mechanical design of the rods. Set against a black background, the form appears sleek and engineered for precise functionality.

[Credits:]

Faculty Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Interns: Matthew Mitchell, William Vanderburg

Student Research Assistants: Earnest Maxwell, Quinten Oxender

Structural Engineers: LERA+ (Leslie Robertson Associates, NYC)

Consultant: Mohamad Fahan

Industrial Support: Milgo-Bufkin

CRYSTAL MORPHOGENESIS

Our work on symmetry-preserving transformations (1981) provided the starting point for symmetry breaking transformations presented here. This required the extension of early 3D (1-3) and 4D models (4-8) to 26D model (10) which leads to the systematic coding and gen- eration of asymmetric crystalline geometries (9,11,12,13).

Besides crystal morphogenesis, the model applies to shaping solar envelopes, asymmetric mass cus- tomized housing, gem-cutting and multi-layered multi-angled nano construction to give some examples. This project was developed in the con- text of an exhibit on natural form in a public set- ting and led to ideas about interactive 3D shape generators (8) and an AR implementation (6, 7).

This project was carried out during 2019-2021.

A 3D geometric visualization composed of cone-like structures made of small interconnected spheres. Each cone displays a repeating pattern of pastel colors—primarily pink, purple, and yellow—arranged in hexagonal segments. The cones are organized symmetrically, expanding in size from the center outward, with connecting lines between them, creating a sense of spatial depth. The structure appears intricate and mathematical, possibly representing molecular or geometric data in a visually engaging manner. Set against a white background, the image emphasizes the symmetry and complexity of the form.

A 3D geometric structure featuring a collection of interconnected hexagonal and triangular shapes composed of small spheres. The spheres form a grid-like network, with each hexagon and triangle exhibiting a consistent color pattern—primarily pastel pink, yellow, and purple—across the entire structure. The elements are arranged in a cascading, fractal-like design, increasing in size toward the center. The connecting lines between shapes suggest a molecular or data-driven model. The overall aesthetic is mathematical and complex, showcasing symmetry and spatial organization in a visually captivating way, set against a white background.

A complex grid diagram showing numerous cube-like structures connected by lines, arranged in a geometric progression. Each cube is divided into sections with varying colors such as red, blue, purple, and yellow. The positions of the cubes are labeled with coordinate sets (e.g., (1,0.1,0.25), (0.5,1.0,1.0)), representing some form of spatial or mathematical relationship. The lines connecting the cubes suggest an organized flow or hierarchy between them, and the entire structure has a symmetrical appearance. The diagram is set against a plain white background, emphasizing the clarity and organization of the interconnected cubes.

A geometric network of multicolored polyhedral shapes, each composed of red, yellow, and blue facets, arranged in a 3D lattice structure. The polyhedra are connected by thin lines and labeled with alphanumeric codes. The background shows a snowy urban park with trees, buildings, and a car in the distance, under a clear sky.

A 3D digital structure composed of yellow, red, and blue geometric shapes, connected by thin lines with binary labels. The structure appears superimposed over a snowy park scene with trees and a building in the background. The shapes are clustered in a pyramid formation, with numbers like 1005, 1100, and 5010 visible around the shapes, suggesting a complex data visualization.

A radial diagram consisting of numbers connected by lines extending from a central point. The numbers range from 1 to 26 and are color-coded in red, yellow, blue, and purple, arranged in a circular pattern. The diagram represents a symmetrical structure, with the numbers displayed in varying sizes and orientations, radiating outward in a sequence. The overall design resembles a colorful, abstract starburst against a gray background.

A 3D polygonal model displayed on a gray background, composed of red and blue polygonal surfaces. In the center, a white numerical string is overlaid, showing the values

A 3D geometric model on a gray background. The shape has multiple faces, predominantly red, with some purple and yellow edges. A set of coordinates or numerical values is displayed over the model in white text, reading

[Credits:]

Faculty Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Team: Che-Wei Wang, Ahmad Tabbakh, Kalliopi Economou, Shavari Mhatre

Student Research Assistants: Devanshi Agarwal, Jija Jadhav, Jonathan Hamilton (GAUD), Evan Hrysko

Industry Partner: Lalvani Studio

SEASHELL PIGMENTATION

The possibility of an exhibition on natural form at a museum led to the development of a seashell pigmentation model presented here (1-3). This represents one class of such patterns and is based on combinatorial color continuum, a single color existing in a continuum of shades, within a subdivided unit “cell” of a spiral grid. The 81 states from this continuum are mapped in 4D space (1,3) and applied to a marine mollusc of the genus Phalium (2). This project was carried out during the year 2019-20.

A grid of 3D shell-like models with varying orange and white striped patterns. Each model appears with its associated color scheme, represented by small square palettes below, showing different color tones. The shells differ slightly in texture and design, and some rows have blank spaces in the grid. Numerical values are also displayed below the shell models, indicating specific coordinates or data points.

A large grid showing various shells in different shades of brown and beige with unique patterns, arranged in a hierarchical tree structure. Each shell is accompanied by a small color palette and data label with coordinates. The shells range in texture and stripe or dot arrangements, with lines connecting them, indicating relationships or progression. The shells at the top are darker and more patterned, while the ones at the bottom are lighter and simpler in design.

[Credits:]

Faculty Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Assistant: Peter Van Hage

Industry Partner: Lalvani Studio

SPHERICAL PENTILES

Spherical Pentiles, part of the broader Curved Pentiles project, are an extension of the Pentiles system (1981-91) which represents a large class of 2D building blocks (tiles, bricks, units, modules) projected from 5D space. Of these, 3 tile shapes are shown with their 5D coordinates (1), as wooden tiles (2) and as spherical tilings (3) and as spherical structures (4). The project continues our long term interest in applications of higher dimensions.

[Credits:]

Faculty Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Student Research Assistants: Naini Bansal, Abhishek Thakkar

Industry Partner: Lalvani Studio