Dearest Vince....

I hope that your weekend is filled with fun family events and that responding to this post will be just a small break from an otherwise joyful day.

I am currently figuring out the triangulation of my secondary structural system. I figure it will be a guiding element for the facade membrane which allows for either a stretching configuration that reveal program (i.e. my component) or will hang off the primary structure to allow for atrium spaces. In my efforts to build such a structure i allocated primary structure to the

cantilevering program and the vertical supports that will be adjacent. The triangulation starts at the end condition of the cantilevered primary structure and smooths out towards the extends of the physical model (i imagine that it would smooth out further to become a flat plane and would

then break away for similar conditions).

The issue i am currently having is one of choosing the structural systems, meaning the profile of members and their inherent connections. I can see this choice going one of three ways: I-beams that connect via plated connections (similar to that of the ROM construction), circular section HSS beams that connect at a nodal point (potentially just a plug-in system at junctions with a spherical connection, then welded) or square HSS beams that connect with a hybrid of the above

systems. As mentioned in our previous discussions, we spoke about the lightweight nature of the secondary and tertiary systems as they will not need to be load bearing. With that in mind, the I-beam condition may be too bulky, however it could be the most interesting with regards to laser cutting capabilities. I see that either of the HSS conditions will be very simple and would

use a construction (for the model) that is not unique to the structural systems in mind.

I look to you to guide me in the most adequate direction. I think that any of the systems would suffice, however due to time constraints or the lightweight nature of the structure, i am in limbo.

Also, the membrane condition will begin at the extents of the secondary structure and will end at the extents of the model as well. With the imagined triangulation, the shrink wrap will take the shape of the beginning structure and will scale out towards the extents leaving a space in

between. This setback will allow for the showcase of the structure when light is projected

outwards (with more depth, there will be more definition in the structure from the exterior).

Here are some very preliminary images of what i am speaking of......

primary structure (conventional structural steel - I-beams)

secondary structure (????)

tertiary structure (tension cables)

membrane condition (silicone coated fiberglass (shrink wrap for model))

an idea of the triangulated planes (shows how the membrane will hug the structure and then will expand outwards as it sheathes the exterior)

possible construction using circular section HSS

elevations of the membrane and secondary system

Anyways, i will be exploring all options as of right now, your help would be greatly appreciated, and if anyone else has any input that would be of nice as well.

And to end off, ill show you an image of the Zenith Concert Hall in Strasbourg, France by Massimiliano Fuksas. The transparency of material and the allocation of light allows for a revealing condition to the structure. I am looking to achieve something very close to this.