Page 143 - JCAU-6-2

Journal of Chinese

Architecture and Urbanism

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
RuiXue Multi-Hall-Human machine collaboration

in reciprocal structures

1
Philip F. Yuan * , Yueyang Wang , Tianyi Gao , and Yingzi Hu 1
2
3
1 Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University,
Shanghai, China
2 Shanghai Fab-Union Architectural Technology and Digital Fabrication Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
3 Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Chinese Cities of Tomorrow: Computing and Prototyping
Intelligent Forms of Future Urbanism)

Abstract

This article centers on the RuiXue Multi-Hall architectural design project in Chengdu,
China, with a specific focus on a comprehensive workflow framework that integrates
reciprocal geometric design and digital construction methods, primarily within the
context of shell structures. The research expands on the concepts of structural design,
adjustments of performance parameters, and the optimization of free-form shells. In
addition, it outlines the spatial design approach for the shell structure. The study delves
into reciprocal geometric design for the existing shell structure, establishing a library
of reciprocal geometric shapes suitable for architectural design. The primary focus is
*Corresponding author:
Philip F. Yuan on the application of these shapes to the shell structure, optimizing parameters for
(philipyuan007@tongji.edu.cn) several grids within the library, and comparing various design schemes. Furthermore,
Citation: Yuan, P.F., Wang, Y., the article discusses digital construction methods for the existing shell space and
Gao, T., & Hu, Y. (2024). RuiXue reciprocal structure, with a specific emphasis on the material performance of timber
Multi-Hall-Human machine components. This discussion includes reciprocal timber structures and 3D-printed
collaboration in reciprocal roofs for shell surfaces, all guided by a geometric control system to facilitate an
structures. Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism. 6(2), interactive design and construction process. This research on reciprocal geometric
1635. design and digital construction methods for shell structures holds dual significance.
https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1635 It not only traces the historical development of reciprocal structures but also explores
Received: August 18, 2023 innovative construction methods using digital technology. The establishment of a
Accepted: October 16, 2023 comprehensive framework for reciprocal geometric design-construction is expected
to catalyze innovative breakthroughs in future architectural design, spanning aspects
Published Online: May 15, 2024 such as space, form, materials, and structure.
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s).
This is an open-access article
distributed under the terms of the Keywords: Parametric design; Reciprocal structures; Automation; Performance-driven
Creative Commons Attribution- design; Robotic arm; Shell structure
Non-Commercial 4.0 International
(CC BY-NC 4.0), which permits all
non-commercial use, distribution,
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is 1. Introduction
properly cited.
th
Publisher’s Note: AccScience Since the latter half of the 20 century, numerous scholars have engaged in theoretical
Publishing remains neutral with research and the development of reciprocal structures. Prominent figures in this
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional field include Graham Brown, John Chilton, Olga Popovic Larsen (Larsen, 2007), and
affiliations. Vito Bertin. Their collective efforts have propelled reciprocal structures beyond their

Volume 6 Issue 2 (2024) 1 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1635