This text is focused on the architect Felix Candela who was one of the most prominent designers in ‘modern architecture’s thin shell adventure’; the writing depicts Candela as a forward thinking and revolutionising architect. He is most well known for his work with curved structural elements that are made predominantly from thin concrete shells.
During the 20th century architects collaborated and developed a way create a concrete shell. It is said to be one of the most difficult structural elements to create and this achievement was a highlight in the modern movement, combining the idea of simplicity and efficiency.
The curved forms create a logical appearance, improving flexibility and form as well as adjustability and strength. This concept was pushed by innovators such as the Dyckerhoff-Widmann Company and made the idea a reality when the Astrophysics institute Planetarium was built in Germany. It was a reinforced concrete dome structure, which was a steel framed in parallel rings. I find the structure fascinating, especially as it was one of the first of its kind.
The materiality of concrete seems to have been a great interest of Felix Candela, We can see his interest in geometry and structural engineering and how it helped advance his shell shaped designs.
Although I had never heard of Felix Candela before reading this article, I now believe that I do have a better understanding and a broader knowledge of the structural elements in architecture and materiality.
Félix Candela. In memorian (1910-1997). From thin concrete shells to the 21st century’s lightweight structures, P. Cassinello(*), M. Schlaich, J.A. Torroja, http://informesdelaconstruccion.revistas.csic.es/index.php/i n formesdelaconstruccion/article/view/1033/1119
During the 20th century architects collaborated and developed a way create a concrete shell. It is said to be one of the most difficult structural elements to create and this achievement was a highlight in the modern movement, combining the idea of simplicity and efficiency.
The curved forms create a logical appearance, improving flexibility and form as well as adjustability and strength. This concept was pushed by innovators such as the Dyckerhoff-Widmann Company and made the idea a reality when the Astrophysics institute Planetarium was built in Germany. It was a reinforced concrete dome structure, which was a steel framed in parallel rings. I find the structure fascinating, especially as it was one of the first of its kind.
The materiality of concrete seems to have been a great interest of Felix Candela, We can see his interest in geometry and structural engineering and how it helped advance his shell shaped designs.
Although I had never heard of Felix Candela before reading this article, I now believe that I do have a better understanding and a broader knowledge of the structural elements in architecture and materiality.
Félix Candela. In memorian (1910-1997). From thin concrete shells to the 21st century’s lightweight structures, P. Cassinello(*), M. Schlaich, J.A. Torroja, http://informesdelaconstruccion.revistas.csic.es/index.php/i n formesdelaconstruccion/article/view/1033/1119