Researchers at the University of Tokyo, collaborating with structural engineers in the United States, have introduced a novel computational method that promises to broaden and simplify the design of gridshell structures. Their approach is based on using NURBS surfaces, a standard surface representation in CAD, instead of conventional mesh-based modeling for gridshell form-finding, tells Tech Xplore.
Traditionally, designing a robust, free-form gridshell could take up to 90 hours on a high-end GPU. With this new method, the same task completes in about 90 minutes on a regular CPU. That makes the process far more accessible, even for architects without access to high-performance hardware.
Gridshells, that is, curved, lattice-like surfaces made of intersecting elements such as timber, metal, or glass, offer an elegant alternative to heavy concrete shells. They can span large spaces without internal supports, making them ideal for train halls, museum courtyards, or public plazas.
The new algorithm does more than speed things up. By working directly with NURBS surfaces and integrating with widely used CAD tools such as Rhinoceros, the method preserves smooth, precise geometry while ensuring mechanical soundness under loads. It also supports complex, irregular boundary shapes and balances structural constraints, including compression and tension forces, with aesthetic flexibility.
This advancement could make gridshells a practical choice for a wider range of architectural projects and materials. While the current work emphasizes metal-and-glass constructions, the team hopes to expand the technique to timber gridshells too.