Haresh Lalvani 2022-2023

School of Architecture, Center for Experimental Structures

A collage featuring various geometric designs and structures. The top-left section showcases a complex wooden and metal framework resembling a deconstructed architectural structure. To the right, a series of four abstract, twisting geometric forms in grayscale against a black background. Below these, there are three spherical designs with grid patterns composed of interlocking shapes. At the bottom, six images display a woven bamboo-like structure in various stages of creation, progressing from a conical shape to a flattened disk. On the far right, the text

3D HYPER SURFACE: Phase 3

In this continuing project of constructing a 3D one-sided minimal surface comprising six “layers” (Layers 1-6) of laminated contoured alucobond pieces, space relocation required disassembly and reassembly of Layers 3 and 4 and led to improvements in achiev- ing dimensional accuracy of assembly. New construction features (cross-bars, internal rods) were introduced. Free-standing walls required tension attachments to the outer walls. Layers 1 and 2 are ready for assembly. This will be followed by development of the foundation plate and on-site installation sequence.

An abstract, curved wooden structure supported by a metal framework with clamps and wood beams for support, resembling an experimental architectural form or art installation in progress.

A technical drawing showcasing a structural design, where various lines and arrows point to numbered components (1, 2, 3) near a green curved section. The drawing features labels on the right-hand side (A, B, C) and appears to indicate points of tension or load in the structure, with some red arrows suggesting directional forces.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Interns: Matthew Mitchell, Quinten Oxender

UG Research Assistants: Tron Le, Dillon Marlow

Consultant: Mohamad Fahan

Industrial Support: Milgo-Bufkin

CURVED PENTILE SURFACES

A new type of brick (tile) construction requiring variable gaps provides a way to build compound curved surfaces with positive and negative curvature using identical flat non-standard bricks (tiles). Spheres using a 72-degree rhombus from our Pentiles set (n=5 case) are our starter examples (spheres, cylinders, saddles) for more complex space- filling curved surfaces. Variable gaps bypass the mathematical limitation of 60 (or 120) identical tiles with no gaps permitted to cover a sphere. Works of Guastavino and the structure of viruses have been inspirational.

A wireframe geometric structure consisting of interwoven arcs and grid patterns, creating a spherical form. The lines crisscross in a delicate, layered manner, converging at central points to form a complex yet symmetrical web of curved and straight segments.

Four geometric patterns arranged in a 2x2 grid. The top two images show cube-like shapes composed of wooden tiles arranged in a diamond pattern. The bottom two images depict black diamond gridlines on a white background, creating a mesh-like structure. The gridlines in both bottom images extend in different perspectives, providing a sense of depth.

A photo showing two variations of a curved, grid-like structure. The top half features a physical model made of wooden square tiles arranged in a grid, forming a concave surface. The bottom half shows a digital rendering of a similar curved surface with white square tiles, presenting a clean and smooth finish.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

UG Research Assistants: Tron Le, Dillon Marlow, Rithika Vedapuri, Emma Xu

BAMBOO X-POD: PHASE I

Bamboo X-POD, an expandable structure for rapid deployment of an emergency shelter for climate refugees, is being prototyped using bamboo and bio-fibers. It deploys from a 2D to a 3D spatial structure using structural methods of deployment which include spacers, hinged arches, scissors-devices or cables. Hygroscopic forming, like wetting and drying, show promise. Scaled prototype studies used small diameter reeds with bio- fiber connections. Bamboo X-POD is a sequel to its metal precedent X-POD138 (2014) and part of the broader X-Bamboo expanded structure.

A dome-shaped frame constructed from thin, evenly spaced bamboo or cane material. The structure has a woven appearance with strips secured by white tape at regular intervals. The design features a circular base that tapers towards a smaller opening at the top, creating an open, airy form.

A semi-circular bamboo or cane frame structure with an open top, tapering towards a smaller opening. The woven framework is secured with evenly spaced white tape, creating a light and airy design. The curvature of the form gives it a natural, organic appearance, with parallel bamboo strips wrapping around the dome-shaped structure.

A semi-circular woven bamboo structure with a wide base tapering into a smaller, angled top opening. The bamboo strips are bound together with white adhesive tape at regular intervals, creating a light, open framework with a slanted form. The natural color of the bamboo enhances its organic shape and design.

A woven bamboo structure with a slanted circular design, featuring thin bamboo strips arranged in concentric layers. The strips are secured with white adhesive tape at regular intervals, giving the structure an airy, geometric pattern. The base is wider, tapering upwards into an offset, open top, emphasizing its organic yet intentional form.

A circular, flat bamboo structure, meticulously woven in concentric layers. Thin bamboo strips are held together by white adhesive tape at consistent intervals, forming a precise, minimalist design with an open center. The repetitive pattern of the bamboo strips creates a visually appealing, geometric structure that lies flat against the surface.

Two hands, one at the top and one at the bottom, are holding a dome-shaped bamboo structure. The bamboo is arranged in a lattice pattern, with intersections tied together by white strings at each crossing point. The structure is flexible and lightweight, with a natural, handwoven appearance. The photograph focuses on the intricate craftsmanship, with the hands gently manipulating the curved framework.

A bamboo framework in a circular shape, composed of thin bamboo rods connected at intervals with twine and knots. The structure appears lightweight yet sturdy, with intersecting points held together by taut rope. The lighting emphasizes the natural texture and curvature of the bamboo, creating a soft and warm aesthetic.

A minimalist bamboo structure consisting of two concentric rings of thin bamboo rods connected by knots and twine at evenly spaced intervals. The circular form creates a simple yet elegant geometric design, with the bamboo rods slightly curving to form the shape. The lighting enhances the natural, organic material and the handcrafted details of the bound joints.

Close-up of natural fiber rope tightly wrapped around several thin bamboo sticks, serving as a binding to hold the structure together. The background is blurred, emphasizing the detailed texture of the rope and bamboo.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

UG Research Assistants: Tron Le, Guiben Zheng, Dillon Marlow, Tianyi Wang, Anna Kondrashova

FRACTAL RULED SURFACES

We continue our explorations of 3D hyperstructures using robotically wire-cut modules to build periodic, non-periodic and asymmetric curved surfaces. We show two examples of space-filling surfaces (n=6 case) based on the pentagonal prism and the icosahedron using cells of the diamond lattice. Their 3D cells, saddle hex panels (p=6 case) and cell clusters are shown with thin wire-cut foam panels and its modules. All bounding surfaces of all modules are ruled surfaces. Precedents of ruled surfaces include the works of Gaudi, Candela and Calatrava.

A series of four geometric, twisting forms displayed against a black background. The sculptures vary in shape, from more subtle bends to

A series of four geometric, twisting forms displayed against a black background. The sculptures vary in shape, from more subtle bends to more exaggerated twists, creating dynamic silhouettes. The smooth surface of each form captures light and shadow, emphasizing the curvature and sharp edges. The progression of the shapes suggests a gradual transformation or exploration of twisting geometries in three-dimensional space.

Two wireframe geometric models with grid-like structures showing complex surfaces. The upper model displays a twisting shape with red lines intersecting through its center, highlighting the structural flow and orientation. The lower model features a similar shape with green directional lines, showing another angle of the twisting surfaces. The shapes appear to be part of an exploration of non-Euclidean geometries, where planar grids transform into flowing, curved forms, creating a dynamic interplay between flatness and curvature.

Abstract 3D mesh with black grid lines, creating a network of curved and angular surfaces. The composition consists of complex intersections and smooth transitions between shapes, featuring contrasting light and shadow effects throughout the structure.

Smooth 3D mesh composed of curved and angular surfaces, shaded in gradients of black, white, and gray. The grid structure highlights intersections and transitions between the undulating shapes, creating a dynamic sense of depth and movement.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Intern: Ahmad Tabbakh

UG Research Assistants: Ashkan Eslamifard, Jiayue “Chloe” Ni, Ahan Patil, Tyler Haas