Exploratory Topology Modelling of Form-Active Hybrid Structures

The development of novel form-active hybrid structures (FAHS) is impeded by a lack of modelling tools that allow for exploratory topology modelling of shaped assemblies. We present a flexible and real-time computational design modelling pipeline developed for the exploratory modelling of FAHS that enables designers and engineers to iteratively construct and manipulate form-active hybrid assembly topology on the fly. The pipeline implements Kangaroo2's projection-based methods for modelling hybrid structures consisting of slender beams and cable networks. A selection of design modelling sketches is presented in which the developed modelling pipeline has been integrated to explore the design space delineated by FAHS. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.