ITECH Master Studio

Zenith Lookout
T. Engers, J. Joergens, P. von Houwald

Form and Structure Seminar ()
M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers

The project explores a cantilevered lookout integrated with a mountainous site, drawing on timber bridge precedents that combine compression-based wood members with steel tension elements to minimize material use. Rather than prescribing a fixed geometry, a custom computational tool generates adaptive morphologies responsive to local topography. The workflow is divided into form-finding and structural evaluation. Form-finding begins by selecting a site and approximate radius, analyzing terrain curvature at candidate supports, extracting principal curvature vectors, and interpolating circular base geometries from contour lines. Vertical articulation is optimized through a physics-based bending-rod model in Kangaroo to achieve smooth curvature within pedestrian slope limits. Four truss schemes are then analyzed in Karamba3D, with cross-section and topology optimization via Opossum comparing displacement and material mass. The resulting 30 m-diameter circular lookout features twin timber arches, CLT deck panels, a dual-pitch truss on steel columns, and pretensioned steel cable stabilization.

Designing Fully Compression-Dominant Buildings: TNA–FE Coupled Form-Finding of Funicular Floor-Systems
Orion Strayer, Chrysanthi Pipini, M. Mustafa Günaytekin

Form and Structure Seminar ()
M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers

As construction demands intensify, conventional flat slabs remain bending-dominated, requiring thick concrete sections and high reinforcement ratios. This study investigates a funicular floor-and-support system in which geometry replaces material, transforming vertical loads into axial compression to enable lighter floors. Candidate patterns are generated through parametric form-finding in Kangaroo and translated into equilibrium thrust geometries using thrust network analysis in COMPAS/RhinoVault under defined loads and boundary conditions. Finite element evaluation in Karamba3D identifies zones where bending re-enters due to edge constraints or variable occupancy, informing rib layouts guided by principal stress and moment trajectories. The outcome is a design-and-analysis workflow and demonstrator building combining a continuous funicular floor block with columns and buttresses to manage thrust. Results indicate a scalable alternative to standard slabs, reducing material demand while producing expressive vaulted soffits and rib fields.