Logic and Form: From Isler Shells to Nonstandard Structures1

Eduardo Torroja described the aim of designing load-bearing structures as interaction of material, structure and form. Heinz Isler demonstrated the potential of concrete by designing shell structures following the physical laws and guided by his intuition. The basic principles of his form-finding processes he found in numerous studies with physical models and through observations in nature. Obviously, no “logic of form” derived from engineering logic can be found in today’s free-form architecture, but the question arises what are the leading parameters for form-finding and how the resulting so-called “nonstandard structures” behave in relation to Torraja’s and Isler’s understanding of structural design.

The first part of this article gives an introduction and historical overview in the interaction of material, structure and form. On basis of my own experiences in realizing nonstandard structures the second part focuses on the influence of structural design in today’s form-finding processes.

Finally, in a third part conceptual ideas are presented how logic and form in non-standard architecture could be merged in future building.