Design 5 – Lightweight Structures

Task 3: Space Frame Structures

The task was to build a Spaceframe Structure that could span at least one metre. The goal was to learn about basic structural principles like tension and compression, while also experimenting with digital tools and physical making.

The students were using Rhino and Grasshopper to generate custom connection nodes. These nodes were then 3D printed, and paper straws were used to connect them and form the overall structure.

Additionally some groups laser cut paper and polypropylene sheets to act as membranes, while others used string to help helped hold the structure together by adding tension.