Third week: Divide and conquer

Hello architect maker…. As we chose the winning pavilion last week we split into working groups and managed different aspects of the project. First up is the logistics team that simplified and worked in detailed coordination in this complex operation involving many people and supplies. They made sure that we are organized and prepared in our teams for the week’s meeting with the engineers firm, Kedmor.

The groups worked on the development joints between the pieces that can withstand tension and compression on two axis, as well as base joints that connect the wooden pavilion to the concrete bases. Other groups coded for the triangular grid as well as the gradual change in the pieces’ size due to the sun penetration and the microclimates in the location.

Carrying the week’s scaled models to the engineers firm was not an easy task. As students we are used to the funny stares and occasional sympathetic eyes. However, we rose to the challenge and managed the task with a few comments from passers of “hey, Architecture” and a smile.

At the firm we discussed the optimal shape, joint and base, learning that the shear force is the strongest at the middle steel rod between two pieces. The joint is a vital component of the design process as the forces transfer through them towards the ground joints. The ground joints combine both concrete wood and steel to create the most effective structural base.

Kedmor engineering Firm: