Practical Geometry Design of Free-Form Space Structures

The present paper aims to show how non-geometric aspects, such as architectural functions and architectural components, physical limits and economics of construction systems and also environmental factors strongly condition the actual geometry design and optimisation of structural and cladding systems. The discussion is mainly illustrated through selected built free-form space structures, where the complex of design parameters poses a real challenge to form designers. A point is made on the liberating advantages of suitable geometry software tools.