Shell Structure: Structure is Form

A continuous concrete thin shell. Its thickness is only eight to twelve centimeters, yet it spans over ten meters, relying on the rigidity provided by its double-curved shape itself. The shell surface simultaneously serves as roof, wall, and structure, with no beams or columns. The edge of the shell is thin enough to reveal its cross-section. The surface retains the fine wood grain or striations left by the curved formwork, following the direction of the curvature. Avoid: adding beams and columns beneath the shell, making the shell thick and losing its lightness, simulating a curved surface with flat panel拼接, and adding decorative veneers to the shell surface to cover the formwork texture.

Translated from Chinese by AI.

一面連續的混凝土薄殼。厚度只有八到十二公分,卻跨過十幾米的距離,靠的是雙曲面的形狀本身提供剛度;殼面同時是屋頂、牆與結構,沒有樑也沒有柱。殼的邊緣薄到看得出斷面。表面保留曲面板模留下的細密木紋或條紋,順著曲率的方向走。避免:在殼下方加樑與柱、把殼做厚失去輕薄感、用平板拼接模擬曲面、在殼面上加裝飾貼面遮住板模紋。