A DESIGN TOOL FOR SPATIAL TREE STRUCTURES

In today's architecture there is an increasing trend towards lightweight construction, optimum structural performance, and more complex geometries and forms. In many cases, architects and engineers look to nature for inspiration on maximizing space, achieving the optimum force path, and interesting forms. The branching structure, or tree structure, is one such example of using natural form to satisfy architectural and structural requirements. This paper outlines a simple computer program that aids in the design of spatial tree structures: the user defines specific input parameters, and the program determines the equilibrium shape and member sizes. Several different geometries and loading patterns are investigated in a parametric study.