Trondheim HolzBau Pier - The Elegance of Efficiency

An elegant timber pier, erected recently in the city of Trondheim in Norway, is the result of close interdisciplinary co-operation throughout its design process from the initial sketches, via modelling and analyses, to its fabrication and construction. Parametric tools, an iterative design process, and computational techniques are among the methodologies applied. The main result of this project is the development of an innovative synergy design process based on a common generative parametric geometry tailored for use by both the architects and structural engineer. Moreover, the parametrically generated geometry is applied automatically as a basis for the CNC manufacture of all structural components. This paper is expected to promote further construction of original (and elegant) structures in that it explores new means of co-operation throughout all stages of design and construction.