Design of Gridshells – Challenges and Advances in Design

The structural engineering techniques used in the design of gridshells have evolved considerably in recent years as the impact of digital design and fabrication has allowed for the creation of ever more complex geometries and analysis. This paper will examine this evolution using different case studies that chart the introduction of technology and look at how this has changed the ways that gridshells are conceived and integrated into architectural designs.

The paper will argue that this evolution can be linked with the tradition of engineer as builder, as the design, analysis, fabrication and construction of these elements becomes more and more enmeshed and offer opportunities for greater design involvement. This new way of looking at gridshell design needs to be properly understood and the engineer needs to have the correct level of design intelligence to be able to navigate these challenges and produce a successful project.