LO 03: Computational Fabrication

The Helix Bridge at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was designed by Cox Architects and ARUP Engineers. I think it’s a really cool example of computational fabrication that took physical form and can be physically interacted with. It takes characteristics of DNA structure, is extremely efficient with the amount of material needed to build it, and can support the weight of 16 thousand people at a time.

The bridge was inspired by DNA structures and uses Euclid’s axioms algorithm which focuses on the interlocking relationships between points. The basic slice of the pattern of the bridge was most likely decided on and then rotated at regular intervals around a “spine” which runs through the center where the pavement would be. These were connected to one another using a ‘polyline’ variable that links and laces points from each of the slice patterns as it twists to create the DNA spiral-looking bridge. Triangular bracing to ensure structural stability and other components for the physical functionality of the bridge were computed by finding patterns that link certain points of the slice to others, pairing, and adding pieces to them.

Main source: http://asd.courses.sutd.edu.sg/cdt/parametric-modelling/