AirMesh是世界上第一个由不锈钢3D打印部件组成的建筑结构,展示了新加坡科技大学AirLab开发的创新数字设计和制造技术。这个位于海湾花园的超轻量级展馆既是一个聚会空间,也是一个轻型雕塑。

AirMesh is the world first architectural structure made of 3D printed components in stainless steel, demonstrating innovative digital design and manufacturing technologies developed by AirLab at Singapore University of Technology and Design in Singapore. The ultra-lightweight pavilion, located at Gardens by the Bay, is both a gathering space and a light sculpture.

这个最先进的设计遵循了欧洲规范的规定,是第一个被新加坡建筑管理局(BCA)批准在新加坡临时使用的3D打印结构。AirMesh的形式被设想为一个多面体,由四个矩形视框定义,面向周围景观的亮点:蜻蜓桥、银色花园、滨海湾金沙和展馆入口。它的切面形式重新诠释了中国传统的灯笼,以动态的色彩梯度亮起。

The state-of-the-art design follows Eurocode regulations, and is the first 3D Printed structure that has been approved by the Singapore Building Construction Authority (BCA) for temporary occupation in Singapore. The form of AirMesh is conceived as a polyhedron defined by four rectangular view frames oriented towards highlights in the surrounding landscape: the dragonfly bridge, the silver garden, the Marina Bay Sands, and the pavilion entrance. Its faceted form reinterprets a traditional Chinese lantern, lighting up in dynamic color gradients.

该结构的设计使用了一个定制的参数化工具,优化了框架的拓扑结构、杆件的截面和节点的几何形状,目的是创造最有效的结构设计。因此,该结构在机械上需要的地方呈现出最佳配置和材料分布。该馆由216根不同长度和截面的杆件组成,以及54个用钢和青铜合金打印的独特节点。

The structure was designed using a custom parametric tool that optimizes the topology of the frame, the section of the bars and the geometry of the node with the objective of creating the most efficient structural design. As a result, the structure presents the optimal configuration and distribution of material where mechanically needed. The pavilion consists of 216 bars of different lengths and sections, and 54 unique nodal joints printed in a steel and bronze alloy.

该结构的组装只用了五人两天时间,这是应用于元素连接的重大技术创新的结果,能够3D打印节点内的螺纹,以方便用隐藏在棒材中的螺栓进行组装。只需要不同直径的六角扳手就可以组装整个展馆。该系统允许小于一毫米的公差和组件的完美配合,将不锈钢结构的快速性和性能提高到一个新的水平。

The assembly of the structure took only two days by five people, as a result of big technological innovation applied to the connection of the elements, being able to 3D print the threads inside the nodes to facilitate the assemblage with bolts concealed in the bars. Only hex keys of different diameter were needed to assemble the entire pavilion. The system allows for tolerances of less than a millimetre and perfect fit of components, taking construction in stainless-steel to a next level of rapidity and performance.

该结构的重量为700公斤,尽管其外观精致细腻,但能够承受其重量16倍的负荷–超过11吨。通常情况下,目前的空间框架系统由重复的规则图案组成,主要是由于不可能用有限的标准节点解决复杂的几何形状。由于3D打印消除了使用标准件的动力,使用重复图案的经济效益就会降低。为了设计具有这种更大设计自由度的空间框架,需要新的工具、技术和创新来实现Airmesh。

The structure has a weight of 700 kg, and despite its delicate and fine appearance, is able to withstand loads 16 times its weight – more than 11 tones. Typically, current space frames systems consists of a repetition of a regular pattern, primarily due to the impossibility of resolving complex geometries with a limited number of standard nodes. As 3D-printing eliminates the incentive of using standard parts, the economic benefits of using a repetitive pattern is reduced. To design space frames with this greater design freedom, new tools, technology and innovation were required to materialise Airmesh.

数字化设计为几乎无穷无尽的几何自由、大规模定制以及优化的、装饰性的、多功能的建筑结构打开了创造力。同时,3D打印是将狂野的设计愿景转化为建筑现实的承诺;但由于尺寸、时间和成本的限制,这个承诺尚未实现。AIRMESH的方法,不是3D打印整个结构,这将导致非常高的生产成本,而是将3D打印组件与标准元素无缝结合。它为完全自由形式的设计设定了路径,具有快速组装和更可负担的范围。

Digital design opens creativity to nearly endless geometric freedom, mass-customization, and optimized, ornamental, multifunctional architectural structures. In tandem, 3D Printing served as a promise to materialize wild design visions into built reality; yet an unfulfilled one due to size, time and cost constraints. AIRMESH approach, rather than 3D printing the entire structure which would result in very high costs of production, combines 3D printed components with standard elements in a seamless way. It sets path for full free-form designs, with a rapid assembly and in a more affordable range.

节点的形式与杆件无缝融合,使整个部件具有连续性和结构的流动性。亭子的两层透气皮肤是一个多孔的渔网,向着结构绷紧。它的透明性允许微风通过,结构可以被看到,但也证明了它的形式,并捕获了RGB光线。观景框作为围护结构的开口,在这里,主要的景观是未经过滤的。

The form of the nodes blends seamlessly with the bars, giving the whole a sense of continuity and structural fluidity across its components. The two-layered breathable skin of the pavilion is a porous fishing net tensed towards the structure. Its transparency allows the breeze to pass and the structure to be seen yet evidences the form and captures the RGB light. The view frames serve as openings for the envelope, where the primary views are presented unfiltered.

Architects: AIRLAB
Area : 28 m²
Year : 2019
Lead Architects : Carlos Banon, Felix Raspall
Contractors : TCP Engineers, PTL Consultants, WoodFix
Lead Researcher : Anna Toh Hui Ping.
Research Team : David Rosen, Vahid Hassani, Jenn Chong, Sourabh Maheshwary, Sihan Wang, Liu Chi, Huang Kunsheng, Luo Qihuan, Aurelia Chan, Cheong Yilei.
Country : Singapore