Inherent Form
Sustainable structures utilizing the
natural form of wood.
Sustainable structures utilizing the
natural form of wood.
Course
ACEX35 Master’s Thesis in Architecture
(30 ECTS Credits)
ACEX35 Master’s Thesis in Architecture
(30 ECTS Credits)
Program
Master’s Program in Architecture and Urban Design
Master’s Program in Architecture and Urban Design
School
Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology
Supervisor
Jonas Lundberg
Jonas Lundberg
Interior view of the raw-timber greenhouse.
Gothenburg Botanical Garden site plan.
Top View of the Greenhouse’s Skeletons. (Left) Top View of the Greenhouse’s Exterior Skin. (Right)
Rather than viewing digital tools as incongruous with craftsmanship, ‘Inherent Form’ suggests that they reinforce certain principle characteristics of craftsmanship that help elevate fabrication with benefits for architecture.
The thesis aims to reveal the potential of architecture shaped by the interplay between natural materials, craftsmanship, and the capabilities of digital tools. It explores the design of medium-span structures entirely composed of non-standard timber components derived from the inherent forms of local wood and demonstrates the potential of a raw timber structure for an architectural application for public use.
The development of ‘Inherent Form’ involves a combination of design-driven research and material experiments. The thesis methodology offers a holistic approach to the design and construction process, rooted in material exploration, data acquisition, and structural solutions. It focuses on hands-on making as a means to explore and develop ideas, encompassing three key stages: Prototype, Timber Detail Design, and Architectural Application.
The thesis aims to reveal the potential of architecture shaped by the interplay between natural materials, craftsmanship, and the capabilities of digital tools. It explores the design of medium-span structures entirely composed of non-standard timber components derived from the inherent forms of local wood and demonstrates the potential of a raw timber structure for an architectural application for public use.
The development of ‘Inherent Form’ involves a combination of design-driven research and material experiments. The thesis methodology offers a holistic approach to the design and construction process, rooted in material exploration, data acquisition, and structural solutions. It focuses on hands-on making as a means to explore and develop ideas, encompassing three key stages: Prototype, Timber Detail Design, and Architectural Application.
These stages overlap during the development of the thesis, formalizing knowledge of design tools and techniques. Prototype involves utilizing digital tools for structure design, as well as point-cloud processing and photogrammetry to compile data from physical raw wood. Timber Detail Design is the process of crafting wood joinery for irregular tree bits, serving as a pathway to deeply understand and appreciate the material qualities of raw wood structurally. Architectural Application presents a raw timber structure for a greenhouse situated within the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
The thesis contributes to the field of sustainable architecture by demonstrating an alternative to conventional timber construction that relies on the use of standardized materials produced through an industrialized process. Using non-standard found material to create architecture provides complexity and constraint to the design and fabrication process, but at the same time, it enables more sustainable material practices. By incorporating raw wood components into design, it is possible to not only diversify the design and construction methods according to locality but also create a new form of architectural expression.
The thesis contributes to the field of sustainable architecture by demonstrating an alternative to conventional timber construction that relies on the use of standardized materials produced through an industrialized process. Using non-standard found material to create architecture provides complexity and constraint to the design and fabrication process, but at the same time, it enables more sustainable material practices. By incorporating raw wood components into design, it is possible to not only diversify the design and construction methods according to locality but also create a new form of architectural expression.
Exterior view of the raw-timber greenhouse.
Exterior view of the raw-timber greenhouse.
Aerial view of the raw-timber greenhouse.
Drawing of the Greenhouse Components
The greenhouse’s components include the main structure with anchor points and ETFE panels serving as the outer membrane.
The Prototype stage focuses on designing and developing structures. This involves conceptualizing the structure’s overall geometry as well as arranging and controlling each individual component. Digital exploration informed by raw materials plays a crucial role in refining these prototypes, allowing for the precise arrangement and control of each structural part. Throughout the stage, a series of four prototypes has been developed, each ranging in complexity from simple to intricate designs. The first prototype served as a foundational model, informing the design and construction of the second prototype. Insights and improvements gained from the second prototype are applied to the formalization of the third prototype, which in turn guides the development of the fourth. This iterative method ensures a progressive enhancement in the design and versatility of each subsequent structure prototype.
The outcome of the Structure Prototyping is the creation of a final structure assembled from 140 distinct tree bits. Each component, characterized by its unique typological shape, is connected directly to one another, resulting in a cohesive whole that showcased the culmination of the prototyping process.
The knowledge gained from the prototype and timber detail design stages is integrated into the development of an architectural application. The objective of this stage is to demonstrate the potential of raw wood as a durable and functional material for architecture. The design proposal centers on a novel greenhouse structure within the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
Read the full thesis Inherent Form.
The knowledge gained from the prototype and timber detail design stages is integrated into the development of an architectural application. The objective of this stage is to demonstrate the potential of raw wood as a durable and functional material for architecture. The design proposal centers on a novel greenhouse structure within the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
Read the full thesis Inherent Form.
Four greenhouse structure prototypes were developed, ranging from simple to intricate designs.
Found form inventory.
The Four Structure Prototypes
Prototype 4. Bottom view.
Prototype 4. Drawing of seven structure units.
Prototype 4. A digital model showing raw timber structure on concrete bases.
A digital model of Prototype 3 showing a polygon mesh of structural components. (Left) A bottom view of Prototype 3. (Right)
Prototype 4. Structure physical model in 1:25 scale.
