Minimal surface soap films were investigated as form generators for innovative shell structures. the catenoid was chosen because it had the potential to transition smoothly between ceiling, wall, and floor- spatially as well as structurally. Several models were developed, and one was selected to be analyzed and engineered thoroughly. The resulting structure, intended to be made of High Performance Concrete, was generated through several software interfaces, linking Rhino 3d to Oasys GSA for direct translation of soap-film surfaces to meshes for optimization and analysis.
Ultimately, the behaviour of the structure has parts that are more slab-like than shell, and as a consequence would require more reinforcement. However, the catenoid areas themselves exhibit strong structural surface capacities, translating forces almost purely in plane with the 3” thick shell.
