Soap film membranes offer the least minimal surface area to perform a desired function. Notice the soap film organize in the simplest minimal surface area, no matter the parameter.
Frei Otto is perhaps best known for his work in form finding with
soap film models. In the pre-computer era, this process was rigorously tested, photographed, and analyzed, with more than seven versions of any model used before a final form was established and the process could advance toward building a tensile membrane structure.
Definition of Form Finding:
The goal of Form Finding is to achieve equilibrium under specific stresses given a geometrical boundary condition. Put simply, where there is no way to predict complex curvatures under specific parameters, the possible solutions must be explored through experimentation; the ideal form must be “found.” This is an a priori process, governed by experimentation rather than pre-calculation, and it is what makes tensile membrane architecture unique.
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Sources-
Otto, Frei, and Bodo Rasch. 1996. Finding Form: Towards an Architecture of the Minimal: Edition Axel Menges.
Nerdinger, Winfried, ed. 2005. Frei Otto Complete Works: Lightweight Construction Natural Design. 1st ed. 2005. 2nd printing ed: Birkhäuser Architecture.
Drew, Philip. 1976. Frei Otto Form and Structure: Crosby Lockwood Staples.
2013. [ FREI OTTO : SOAP FILMS AND TENTS ].
