Stimuli-Responsive Reversible Assembly of 2D and 3D Metallosupramolecular Architectures

The discovery of interconvertible platinum coordination modes, which reveals and masks cis coordinating groups upon addition of acid and base, respectively, has been exploited to facilitate stimuli-responsive assembly and disassembly of both two- and three-dimensional metallosupramolecular architectures. Treatment of a binclear platinum complex with acid along with ditopic and tritopic donor ligands generated a molecular square and a trigonal prism, respectively, in good to high yield. These complexes were unambiguously identified using electrospray mass spectrometry, H-1 NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both assemblies can be disassembled into their constituent parts simply by treatment with base, and the prism can be cycled between the assembled and disassembled states by the alternate addition of acid and base.</p

Lattice Spaces: Form optimisation throgh customization of non developable 3d wood surfaces

This paper discusses a collaborative project by RDAI architects, Bollinger+Grohmann and the timber construction company Holzbau Amann. The project is located in a former swimming pool in Paris and it is part of the new interior of a flagship store of the French fashion label Hermes. In late 2009, Rena Duma Architects, asked Bollinger+Grohmann to collaborate as structural engineers on a challenging design proposal within a very short timeframe. Three wooden lattice structures, the so-called'bull'and one monumental staircase with a similar design approach characterize the interior of the new flagship store. The lattice structures are dividing the basement into different retail spaces. They vary in height (8-9 m) and diameter (8-12 m) and have a free-form shaped wicker basket appearance. Wood was the chosen material for these structures to strengthen the idea of the wickerbaskets and to create an interior space with a sustainable and innovative material

A framework for the optimisation of glazed gridshells in the early design stage under structural and energy-based criteria

While it is of primary importance to deliver high performance architecture within constraints of time and money, the integration between structural and energy-based aspects presents significant challenges for the organisation of the design process, especially in the early stages. In the case of complex envelopes, such as glazed gridshells, these engineering-related aspects should be considered from multiple points of view from the very beginning of the concept development, exploiting the potential conflicts between architects and engineers to let creative solutions emerge, and thus avoiding expensive and time-consuming design modifications downstream. This paper aims to define the framework required to integrate a multi-objective optimisation capable of combining such aspects into an integrated flow of information. Such an integrated analysis presents difficulties because, in the early design phases, conceptual changes happen faster than computational capacity; so, to overcome this obstacle it is necessary to define an iterative flow of information between structural and energy-based procedures, while at the same time taking into account the aesthetic requirements. This particular flow not only guarantees a correct passage of technical data among different software tools, but it also allows for a better communication and comprehension of information between diverse actors, such as architects and engineers. Based on this specific plan, a conceptual framework for optimising gridshells under structural, geometrical and energy-based criteria is developed and presented. The final goal of such a procedure is not, clearly, to replace the designer, but to give guidance to transform potential conflict into creative discussion and improve the efficiency of the later phases of the design process