Tree-like structure

[alexneverhurts]

I just wonder why people don't explore some new structure similar to a natural tree? If nature does it, I believe there's a good reason for it.

[P.C.]

You are quite right, in nature there are a good reson for a Tree to display a Tree like figure --- many resons , esp. Tree ones, distribution of leaves, occupuance of volume whatever.
In architecture there are a many of good resons for the exact opposite of the Tree Chaos ; Chaos is not the best start point , it is realy much more sense to work in systems with buildings ,as opposite the Tree where there are not two simular entities ,then in houses it start with uniform production. Ofcaurse the Tree is rather one unit rather than an assembled structure so there are room for chaos , --- but if you try that with a house you will end up with chaos not a house.
Still there are inbetweens, each building block can be manufactored from one material forming an assembly with as many different building blocks as there are blocks , ---- but for all it mean, Chaos is not the best startpoint still. Order or a thruout idea or system realy deliver a much cheaper and also stronger house.

[thomasdbiggs]

[alexneverhurts]

My concern is that trees are believed to have possibly best light exposure of their leaves with least supporting structure (trunks and branches). There seems to be rules lying in their chaotic-looking shapes, and those rules, once exploited and clarified, may contribute to our architectural design considerably.

[P.C.]

But why is it, the structural framework for leaves shuld any way be relevant to that of a building --- in nature this complex structure are decided by gravity and gen works , it is not chaos but a fusion brought by million of years of slowly progressing , if this was chaos but it's not even for human eye the brances could indicate this. Tree like structures as long as we can't force the building to regenerate must be notified as chaos as there are no way to mimic anything but the looks of it --- and chaos is not the best start point.

We still need a reson to mimic chaos or atleast a way to allow the tree like structure to evolve and ofcaurse the computer are the perfect builder of real 3D structures , we even could emagine how to cut the pipe the right length ,a very simple process, but even we can where are the prospects compared a well organised structural framework that might serve several porpus, such like support for other entities in the framework assembly as how tradisional building compoments are engineered to restand the real forces, those that is not in the equlasation for generating a tree like structure --- these branches most proberly are quite weak to, being their porpus as space fillers rather than structural members .

So again ; why is it everyone think that chaos are the best start point ?

[usarender]

How about " Trees into Space", where we have a small reduced trunk, the access portal, and then the tree spreads into space and allows for space situated solar collectors, infill of platforms, cities, branches that can be used for transportation, for re-fueling, for supplying the trunk and the world below with the energy collected away from the earth interference. A tremendous amount of energy could be collected in space situated solar collectors. What is collected and stored away from the earth becomes the new refuge from the torrent of storms below. A place where the celestial "nests" and observation platforms can be built.

The lessons we will learn from this system will have far reaching impacts on the way we view the universe. We can also implement the new materials to make our architecture more plastic, more malleable, by using more plastic type composite materials that are light in weight, easy to assemble and transport and allow for a new world in space. We can then use these materials to build the cities in space.

The trunk thus becomes the supply channel to send the new light-weight architectural materials into space, so the cities can be built.

We have devised such a sort of tree, a vertical access system. Please see our post "The New Structural Gate To Space", for more information.

[avani25]

hey i really liked this idea, about taking a tree as an inspiration to form a dwelling.
how about designing a structure, taking one of the tree forms as an inspiration for example an asoka tree where you could see the leaves covering 3/4 th of the trunk.....or may be a frangi panea which also has got a beautiful form.
i would really like to start working on this topic and then may be we could share ideas thru sketches.
it is difficult but y not take it as a challenge and start workin on this topic.

[P.C.]

But I see this concept as one ideal for computing, --- still when you has the brances and "trees" to form a hige volume, how is then the trivial issues to keep out the rain and wind suggested, will it be possible with "rooms" walls, and floors how are these thought to be adabted with the rather trivial computing?
Reson a tree are so rugid is the build in structural flexibility that cover the intire space frame assembly in this concept --- how to add just the trivial rigid building parts, without compromising what add the "strengh" , the flexibility, how to make sure adding nessery items don't mean destroying the original idear ?

[Bbookz]

From a structural perspective the most simple building can be abstracted as a type of tree, or more appropriately a forest. Isolated columns support a larger area above just like a tree's trunk supports its canopy of branches and leaves.

Buildings that actually look like a single freestanding tree is an interesting concept, however just like a tree which has a root sytem as larger or larger than its branches, a building of this type would need an extensive foundation to trasfer lateral force. Also, a tree has a stiff and dense trunk which supports a much lighter weight structure of branches. Similarly a building of this type would need a stiff mid section. One more restraint is that tree branches are quite flexible. Imagine a tree swaying in the wind. This type of motion would be very uncomfortable for building occupants. A building would have to be much more rigid and would have to resist much greater wind forces. Still, living in trees is a cool idea and we shouldn't stop dreaming and thinking.