Single Curvature

Single curvature intrados are directly compatible with single curvature, developable surfaces (Developable and are thus characteristic of semi-circular, parabolic or catenary barrel vaults. In addition to these, other composite vaults such as groin or ribbed vaults where each surface bears single curvature can be built with these intrados and present a smooth finish. Besides these examples, double curvature structures can also benefit from single curvature intrados where the materialisation process usually plays an important role. The Hyperbody MSc2 Studio Foam Shell is a double curvature free form structure projected with bottom-up graphic statics software RhinoVault and its voussoirs are crafted from EPS blocks. These blocks were wire cut to reveal ruled surfaces, thus single curvature; a design based in the idea of scales or roof tiles exempts the need for a rigorous mimesis of the original surface.