Architectural Envelope Systems Based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces

What is it about?

Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) are a large family of surfaces that are not yet fully discovered. This paper presents the results of a research project, which explores TPMS as a source of inspiration for the design of interior architectural envelopes. The central part of the paper proposes three alternative manufacturing techniques for built approximations of TPMS: ruled surfaces, discrete surfaces and warped surfaces. These were then tested in the development of three modular systems of perforated and permeable surfaces, which were designed using simple construction methods intended to be replicable in different contexts. The components of the systems were manufactured with recyclable and recycled materials (i.e. waste products) and employing local tools and technical resources.

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Why is it important?

The results of this research aim to highlight and explore the formal and geometric benefits of TPMS in the design of architectural components. The main advantages identified in the proposed systems relate to acoustic properties, structural performance and constructional process.

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