BEND 9 pavilion – Autodesk Pier 9

2016

The Bend 9 case study showcases another take on form-conversion for bending-active plate structures that consists of many components. This project is a multi-layered arch that spans over 5.2 m and has a height of 3.5 m. It was built to prove the technical feasibility of using bending-active plates for larger load-bearing structures. In comparison to the previous case study, this project implements a different tiling pattern and explores the possibility of significantly increasing a shape’s rigidity by cross-connecting distant layers with each other.

Images © RLM

Design, Engineering, and Scientific Development

Dipl.-Ing. Riccardo La Magna

Collaborating Institutions

University of California, Berkeley –
Department of Architecture
University of Stuttgart –
Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE)

Consulting and Logistical Support

Mei-yen Shipek

Assembly and Construction

Stefanie Hickl, Martin Horn,
Riccardo La Magna,
Josh Campbell Myers,
Gabriel Patin,
Simon Schleicher,
Mei-yen Shipek,
Trent Still

Consulting and Logistical Support

Mei-yen Shipek

Industry Partner
Autodesk, Pier 9

View of the Bend9 pavilion

Detail of the elements

Generation process and analysis. a. Base geometry, b. Mesh approximation, c. Double layer offset, d. Conversion to bent plates, e. Finite Element analysis, f. Fabrication model