John Chilton – författare

Throughout history, people have constructed simple timber lattice shelters such as the tepee or yurt, covered with animal skins, leaves, grasses and woven fabrics. Over the last fifty years, more sophisticated ‘webs of wood’ have emerged, with timber gridshells in particular becoming a structurally expressive form of architecture. Recent developments in digital design, 3-D modelling software, timber fabrication technologies as well as trends towards low-carbon construction have further reinforced architects’ interest in the use of lightweight timber grids and lattice structures.

This timely book charts the origin and evolution of the timber gridshell and its relation to timber lattice architecture. Drawing on a range of international case studies, the authors trace the effect advances in technology have had on design and construction in this field, providing a clear understanding of the structure, morphology, design process, and construction technology, and examining both the application and constraints of timber gridshells in architectural design.

Timber Gridshells is a highly illustrated, up-to-date resource which provides detailed answers and inspires new ideas. As such, it is essential reading for students of architecture as well as professional architects.

Throughout history, people have constructed simple timber lattice shelters such as the tepee or yurt, covered with animal skins, leaves, grasses and woven fabrics. Over the last fifty years, more sophisticated ‘webs of wood’ have emerged, with timber gridshells in particular becoming a structurally expressive form of architecture. Recent developments in digital design, 3-D modelling software, timber fabrication technologies as well as trends towards low-carbon construction have further reinforced architects’ interest in the use of lightweight timber grids and lattice structures.

This timely book charts the origin and evolution of the timber gridshell and its relation to timber lattice architecture. Drawing on a range of international case studies, the authors trace the effect advances in technology have had on design and construction in this field, providing a clear understanding of the structure, morphology, design process, and construction technology, and examining both the application and constraints of timber gridshells in architectural design.

Timber Gridshells is a highly illustrated, up-to-date resource which provides detailed answers and inspires new ideas. As such, it is essential reading for students of architecture as well as professional architects.

This book presents a review of the work of the architect Michael Balz, pioneer of concrete-shell architecture. It discusses his projects, both realized and unbuilt, many being designed in collaboration with the renowned Swiss engineer Heinz Isler.

Profusely illustrated with original drawings and photographs, Michael Balz: Shells and Visions caters to the increasing interest in the design and construction of free-form reinforced concrete shells consequent on the advent of 3D modelling and form-finding software. The book describes architectural designs and practical construction issues to motivate contemporary shell designers.

Balz’s experience of dealing with such difficulties as incompatibility with non-structural features and the insertion of windows into shells, and the assessment of buildings’ long-term performance allow readers to learn more easily how to cope with such issues in their own work.

The book introduces Michael Balz, his early workwith other architects, including his work on pneumatic forms with Frei Otto, and his evolution into an exponent of organic architecture. It then discusses completed projects, including the outdoor Theater unter den Kuppeln (1976), Ballettsaal (1979) and Balz House (1981). Competitions Balz entered and unrealized shell projects also receive attention, as does his work on the urban scale, highlighting conceptual designs of mega-cities. His visionary megastructures encourage the exploration of innovative solutions for city spaces by architects faced with today’s increased urbanization.

Michael Balz: Shells and Visions will be of interest to students and professionals in the fields of architecture, structural engineering, building and urban design. It’s reflections on the cultural and contextual aspects of Balz’s work will help the architectural historian to appreciate its long-term significance.