Natural Structural Systems and Forms

Organic and natural solutions have great value as they have, over time, been shaped by nature. Incorporating these organic and natural solutions in building design offers the challenge to quantify these solutions and to derive systems that are adaptable, constructible and cost effective. Adaptations and mathematical derivations that use nature's mechanics in structural design have led to innovations in structural systems. These organically-inspired structural systems typically exhibit interesting aesthetic qualities which are not necessarily intuitive. Two design examples are explored which incorporate nature's mechanics. First, geometric properties of bamboo, as they relate to structural shape, material placement and efficiency, are examined and applied to the China World Trade Center (CWTC) Tower Competition. Second, the logarithmic spiral—found in forms ranging from all the way from shells, seeds, and plants to spider webs, hurricanes, and galaxies—was interpreted and applied to the ultra-tall Transbay Transit Tower Competition, scientifically mimicking natural force flows of a cantilevered structure to its foundation.