Diagrids, the New Stablity System: Combining Architecture with Engineering

Diagonalized grid structures - "diagrids" - have emerged as one of the most innovative and adaptable approaches to structuring buildings in this millennium. Variations of the diagrid system have evolved to the point of making its use non exclusive to the tall building. Diagrid construction is also to be found in a range of innovative mid rise steel projects. This paper will examine developments in the recent history of diagrid buildings to include the design, detailing, fabrication and erection issues. The structural and architectural design of diagrid buildings falls cleanly between the typical education or experience of the architect and engineer. The approach to the current study and design of diagrid buildings is very different if looked at through the eyes of the Architect vs. Engineer vs. Fabricator/erector. The decision to express or conceal the structure impacts the design of the building in very unique ways given the angular nature of this new geometry. It is the intention of this paper to provide a comparative understanding of the design requirements and detailing of these structures via an examination of significant recent examples.