Clusters Of Polyhedra In Architecture

Abstract

Conventional structural and building systems could not in the past bring into existence medium-rise buildings based on polyhedra. Modern technology makes it now possible to conceive and erect such buildings. One good reason to do so is that clusters of polyhedra can satisfy an essential need of architecture: the need for visual order. Too many contemporary buildings rely on a simplistic rectangular grid. The effect is, indeed, orderly, but it is also usually boring and non-hierarchical.

The configuration selected here is the 12-connected network considered as a habitable three-way, multi-layer space frame. It is presented along with two variations. One is an infinite structure of three polyhedra also derived from the 12-connected network, the truncated octahedron, the cuboctahedron and the truncated tetrahedron. The other configuration is the honeycomb pattern resulting from the absorption of tetrahedron by adjacent octahedra, to which I have given the name Hexmod. Similarities and differences are identified and advantages and disadvantages of the three patterns are examined. Finally, combinations between patterns are introduced.