Description
In structural terms reciprocal frame structures are "three dimensional assemblies of mutually supporting beams". But behind this definition lie some breathtakingly beautiful and complex structures at the heart of buildings both ancient and modern. This new book explores the principles of these apparently simple structures and demonstrates how they can be used in the context of a modern building. Starting with historic designs by de Honnecourt, Da Vinci and Selio, case studies look at modern examples of reciprocal frame structure buildings that range from low environmental impact buildings in the UK through rapid assembly buildings in Tanzania to complex and beautiful structures like Tokyo's Spinning House and the Puppet Theatre in Seiwa. Olga Larsen's book is designed to inform and inspire architects and structural engineers alike, and brings to life a structural design principle that has been known for thousands of years.
Contents
Introduction;
Background the reciprocal frame historically;
Morphology; Geometry;
Structural behaviour;
Japan a home of RF structures;
The reciprocal frame architecture of Kazuhiro Ishii;
Torikabuto the Life Science Laboratory designed by Yoichi Kan;
The Stonemason Museum by Yasufumi Kijima;
The reciprocal frame as a spiritual structure the work of Graham Brown;
Built examples;
Postscript