Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Nature and form of structures'
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Franklin, Robert Daniel. "Architectural Postures: A Proposed Education Center of Nature for Rock Creek Park." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/33673.
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The human form becomes the bearer of my inspiration, revealing a cosmology within itself, appealing to the idea of understanding the body and implementing its essence into architecture. The lessons found in the tectonic of oneâ s body will assist in discovering an integral logic that may translate in the design of the building. Living organisms inspire architectural posture that generate my architectural ideas. Architecture considered, in a very natural way reflects humans. I try to find a methodology inspired by natural organisms, finding the human body the most beautiful and functional of all natural objects. The structure begins to illustrate the innovation of the materials being employed to a different type of solution to a structural problem. The truth of materials, and honesty in the expression of structure reflect the movement of the object.Master of Architecture
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Sallade, Alexander C. "The Dramatic and Narrative Function of Varied Sonata-Form Structures in Antonin Dvorak’s “Nature, Life, and Love” Overture Trilogy, Op. 91-93." The Ohio State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1619093446330827.
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Julai, Sabariah. "Nature-inspired algorithms for vibration control of flexible plate structures." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.531231.
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Evans, Alison Jane. "Artificial coastal defence structures as surrogate habitats for natural rocky shores : giving nature a helping hand." Thesis, Aberystwyth University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2160/a02e7f0b-5a07-4977-9cd9-47ca12856c87.
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Engineered coastal defence structures are proliferating around coastlines globally to protect expanding urban developments from predicted sea level rise and extreme weather events. In response to evolving marine planning policies, it is becoming increasingly necessary to incorporate ecologically-sensitive design into coastal developments, not only to minimise their environmental impacts, but also to maximise potential ecological and socio-economic secondary benefits. I investigated coastal defence structures as surrogate habitats for rocky shore biodiversity, and the potential for the design of structures to be manipulated to achieve more beneficial outcomes. I focused on three major knowledge gaps that must be addressed in order to effectively incorporate ecologically-sensitive design into coastal defences: (i) the capacity to predict ecological responses to different engineering designs for coastal defence structures; (ii) the potential for ecological engineering interventions to enhance biodiversity on structures; and (iii) stakeholder perceptions regarding the desirability of potential secondary benefits that can be built-in to developments. To address the first knowledge gap, I surveyed 125 intertidal coastal defence structures around the coast of Wales, UK, and modelled the relationship between a number of physico-environmental parameters and the biological communities colonising each structure. Using these data I developed a predictive tool and demonstrated that, given the nature of the shoreline on which a new coastal defence was required (i.e. the surrounding sediments and level of exposure to prevailing wind and waves), it would be possible to predict (with up to 62% confidence) the characteristic community that could be expected to colonise a structure, based on its broad shape, position in the intertidal zone, and abundance of microhabitats. To address the second knowledge gap, I explored the potential for a novel ecological engineering intervention (drill-cored artificial rock pools) to enhance biodiversity on an intertidal riprap breakwater. Over a 30- month period, I found that the artificial pools performed an important ecological function on the structure. They were utilised by numerous species that were not otherwise recorded on surrounding emergent rock surfaces, including taxa that have frequently been reported to be absent or scarce on coastal defences previously (e.g. mobile fauna, lower-shore taxa and proportionally-rarer taxa). Furthermore, the artificial pools were just as productive as natural rock pools and supported a comparable number of species. The composition of communities in artificial and natural pools, however, was different, largely on account of differences in sessile assemblages (i.e. algae and encrusting fauna). The intervention, nevertheless, was an effective and affordable means of ecological enhancement, and has received considerable interest from industry and practitioners. To address the third knowledge gap, I investigated stakeholder attitudes regarding desirability of different potential secondary benefits that may be built-in to coastal developments. Although this study revealed complex and nuanced perceptions across sectors, there was unanimous support for implementing multi-functional coastal defence structures in place of traditional single-purpose ones, and in general the most desirable secondary benefits were ecological ones (prioritised over social, economic and technical benefits). In this thesis I evaluate these outcomes in the context of their application to marine planning and conservation management. I finally conclude by outlining the steps that are necessary to achieve wide-scale and effective implementation of ecologically sensitive and multi-functional design for artificial coastal defence structures that are becoming ubiquitous features of urban coastlines globally.
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Windsor-Collins, Andrea Grace. "Resolving the morphological and mechanical properties of palm petioles : shape analysis methods for symmetric sections of natural form." Thesis, Brunel University, 2016. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/13722.
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Palms support the largest leaves in the world and have evolved on Earth for over 120 million years. They are often reported to be the only structure left standing post-hurricane. Cross-sectional shapes of cantilevered structures are important design factors affecting torsional and bending performance. Understanding the shape contribution of natural sections such as palm petioles (modified leaf stalks) is more difficult than those for simple 2D shapes because conventional methods of calculating section properties are not well suited to these irregular shapes. The role of internal structure, material properties and external shape of palm petioles in cantilever performance has been investigated and three main contributions to knowledge result from this research. Firstly, 3D mapping, i.e., the size, orientation and position, of vascular bundles in the Trachycarpus fortunei palm petiole reveals the distributions of stress and Young’s modulus values, providing a more detailed understanding of petioles than previous work. Secondly, bulk elastic material properties along the longitudinal axis of the same petiole are then input to a bi-layered model of the same petiole establishing the Young’s modulus of the two layers without mechanically testing them individually and for determining that the outer layer is not lignified. Thirdly, the largest contribution is the introduction of modified shape transformers employing the use of circular envelopes, eliminating error caused by approximating second moment of area with the torsional constant. This leads to a novel Shape Edge Mapping (SEM) technique which deconstructs petiole cross section shape elements and enables the structural contribution of these elements to be calculated, improving the understanding of the petiole section and how it relates to its mechanical function. This thesis makes a valuable addition to the knowledge of palm function and presents novel techniques for non-destructive extraction of natural shape data for abstraction and use in preliminary engineering design.
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Busse, Nielsen Anders. "Understanding and communicating forest stand structures : lifting barriers for nature-based forest management." Hørsholm : Forest & Landscape, 2006. http://www.sl.kvl.dk/upload/flr36.pdf.
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Kassabian, Paul E. (Paul Edward) 1974. "On the design of a kinetic adaptive structural surface with reference to nature, form and simplicity." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29568.
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Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2003.Includes bibliographical references (p. 89-90).
The central thrust of this thesis is that there is much to learn from Nature. What surrounds us, and has been with us from the beginning of time, still has many insights to offer, if we are only willing to look. In Nature, shape is cheaper than material. Forces and form are continuously linked and the concept of adaptability is central to survival. Many of our designs, in contrast, have been over-designed, unresponsive and unchangeable. This thesis covers how well thought through form can yield impressive benefits which, in combination with adaptability, can create structures that are efficient as well as beautiful. Specific forms in Nature are discussed as well relevant historical examples from the built environment; including new work in deployable structures. As an example of these concepts, a kinetic adaptive structural surface was designed and built. This responded to applied loads by actively changing its shape. The thesis concludes with a discussion on emergence as one of the ways ahead for structural design that involves distributed sensing and control.
Paul E. Kassabian.
S.M.
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Paredes, Almaraz Israel. "New dynamic pallet for Volvo Trucks based in biomimicry : New support modular and adaptable to different geometries, based in the structures of the radiolarian microorganisms and honeycomb." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för ingenjörsvetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-17193.
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The logistics department at the Powertrain plant of Volvo Trucks seeks to improve the efficiency within their processes. A new concept solution to the supports (pallets) that hold and carry different types of engine parts during the transportation between the sequencing area and the final assembly line called “The new dynamic pallet based on biomimicry” was presented. The concept solves the issues of the constant modifications in the pallets lead by the changes in the design of the engine parts. The main objectives of the project is the creation of a dynamic pallet, dynamic in this case translates into a modular, flexible to different geometries and scalable system, also the design solution should be inspired by nature (biomimicry) to boost a new sustainable design approach related to the values of Volvo brand. This project required iterative research regarding the principles of biomimicry and systems found in nature. Biomimicry literally means ‘the imitation of life’ but, it is better defined as a design approach to innovation which takes inspiration from systems of nature. It is provided by Volvo as the core of the project, if the result is good then there will be a push to develop new projects following this strategy seeking sustainable solutions to solve human problems. In addition, prototyping concepts from a generation of ideas to testing results were conducted to evaluate the concepts generated. The resulting concept proposal is a whole new system but preserves the functional aspects necessary to integrate the new pallet in the current logistics performance.
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Fund, Ariane Ida. "Form-finding structures." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/43904.
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Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-57).
Inherently characterized by the interaction of geometry and forces, the unique nature of long span dome, shell, and membrane structures readily allows collaboration between architects and engineers in the examination of their optimal form. Through the elimination of bending and shear forces in the structure, less material and reinforcement is needed. By minimizing the use of materials, a form that is economical, sustainable and aesthetically attractive emerges. However, this optimization must be done through formfinding methods, whereby the structure itself defines its own shape based on its figure of equilibrium under applied loads. Unlike free forms which are defined mathematically, form-finding shapes rely on the structure and loads themselves for definition. Before the use of computers, these equilibrium shapes could only be found through cumbersome physical models. As technology has advanced, numerical methods have evolved to solve for the optimal shape. This paper presents a brief history of physical methods formerly used, as well as common applications for these structures. Two numerical methods, the Pucher's equation method and the force-density method (FDM), are then presented. Pucher's equation relies on a prescribed stress resultant throughout the structure, while the forcedensity method relies on prescribed force-to-length ratios in each bar or cable, leading to a single system of linear equations. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed, as well as examples illustrating the types of structures that can be formed. These methods are shown to be powerful tools that can be generalized to a number of situations with minimal input required by the designer. The structures are able to define themselves, leading to extremely rational and beautiful forms.
by Ariane Ida Fund.
M.Eng.
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Pournaghshband, Asal. "Form-finding of arch structures." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2016. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/87332/.
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In this thesis, the optimal shape of two-pin arches of constant cross-section is found analytically using a novel form-finding technique. To find the purely compressed arches built of masonry and concrete material, the state of static equilibrium is applied. As the main finding, the momentless two-pin arch shape is derived for the arches with any span-to-height ratio subjected to its self-weight (SW) and uniformly distributed load (UDL). The contribution of using momentless arches is shown through comparing their maximum displacements to those of parabolic shape. The first failure of the cross-section of the momentless and parabolic arches was then compared for the same loading. This work is conducted practising the knowledge of arch response to loading as a function of the chosen form. In this regard, a comprehensive study of the behaviour of different arch shapes considering different ratios of uniformly distributed load to self-weight (UDL:SW) is also carried out. The ideal common arch shape is investigated for minimum combined axial and bending stresses using the commercial software GSA. The optimal range of span-to-height ratio of common two-pin arch shapes is also suggested. In general, the best arch performance is exhibited for the parabolic and catenary arch with span-to-height ratios between 2–4 when UDL:SW≥1 and UDL:SW < 1 respectively. However, the circular arch demonstrates the least desirable performance with the optimum range of span-to-height ratio between 4–6. Moreover, approximate methods of two-pin arch analysis are evaluated, including the masonry design method and virtual work method suggested by Megson (2006). The effect of the assumptions made by these methods on the result of analysing two-pin arches is investigated through comparing their results to those obtained by the second theorem of Castigliano, including full structural action and the GSA results.
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Kolle, Mathias. "Photonic structures inspired by nature." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/245300.
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The vivid colours found in nature mesmerise optics experts and laymen alike. Despite the detailed scientific understanding of optics, the astonishingly varied colour palette found in nature often surpasses the optical effects that can be generated by technological means. The common characteristic feature of these so-called structural colours are intricate patterns on the 1nm to 1 μm length scale. The increasing understanding of natural photonic structures begets the question, how these can be mimicked by technological processes. The scientific motivation for the replication of natural materials concerns the study of the natural systems themselves. Since the study of the natural photonic materials is often complicated by their disorder and intrinsic complexity, it is often beneficial to construct an idealised replica. Secondly, since natural structures are all unique, the variation of structural parameters afforded by structural replication facilitates the systematic study of the natural originals. There is also an increasing technological interest in complex optical materials, in particular in the field of security labelling. Mathias Kolle's doctoral thesis describes four different aspects of natural or natureinspired optics. The principle of using replicas (rather than the natural structure itself) is demonstrated, for example, in the study of the colour response of plant petals and their role for pollinator recognition. Replica of the plant petal surfaces provided more robust samples for optical studies than the delicate petals themselves and artificially made "plant petals" were used in bee studies to explore the role of structural colour for bee recognition. This study of a natural system is supplemented by several nature-inspired artificially made optical structures. Particularly interesting is the mimetic manufacture of the colourful wing-scales of the Papilio blumei butterfly. The important aspect here is the combination of a self-assembly process with an Ångström-precision layer-deposition technique, which allows the facile manufacture of large-area structured materials with the required optical quality. This experiment also illustrates the role of fortuitous experimental design. One of the key results of this doctoral thesis, giving rise to the striking optical effect on the thesis cover, was not achieved by careful planning but by the accidental omission of one step during sample preparation. This does however, by no means lessen the scientific achievement, which in this case lies in the detailed understanding of the accidentally produced optical structure.
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D’souza, Nicola Laila. "Natural Forms Through Geometry and Structure: Design of the Parachute Pavilion." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1116255406.
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Larsen, Matthew. "Material and Form." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/31336.
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This thesis is the search for clarity in the relationship between essence and appearance, construction and form, necessity and possibility, object and subject. It is a reflection on the question of the nature of building.
I cannot tell you that something is beautiful. I can only explain why I do what I do, and how I do it. I have tried to limit the text to a minimum, because architecture is not about words. Text is added to clarify an idea.
The project is a bank made with brick in Old Town Alexandria.Master of Architecture
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Boyle, Jeremy M. "The nature of the Visual: In Form for Communication." The Ohio State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396266525.
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Fröderberg, Max. "PANNCENTRALEN : Form Follows Process & The Nature Of Order." Thesis, KTH, Arkitektur, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-223385.
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It seems clear to me that humanity currently stands at a major crossroad where “the old truths have lost their validity and new ones are yet to emerge”, to quote late sociologist Zygmunt Bauman. It seems also clear that these “new truths” has to be formulated quickly if we do not want to end up on the wrong fork of the road... During recent years, these two insights has driven my desire to understand where we are now, how we ended up here and how we might move forward. Whereas I began in the field of architecture, my curiosity has led me to look into a wide array of subjects ranging from economy to thermodynamics and sociology in order to comprehend the bigger picture. In this thesis however, I have limited myself to the architectural realm again and I have done so through a close reading of a figure I found along the way: Christopher Wolfgang Alexander. During the course of the project, I have read his four-volume, magnum opus “The Nature of Order: An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe ” (2003-2004) where he summarizes over thirtyfive years of scientific and architectural research and practice into a “grand unified theory of architecture”. His views on many issues (social to scientific) align a lot with with mine so the goal of this project has been to let his theoretical framework guide my own creative process in order to be able to evaluate the result – does his work present some “new truths” to help us move forward or is it just another blind alley?
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Winslow, Peter John. "Synthesis and optimisation of free-form grid structures." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.608539.
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Yates, Robin. "Emotional content in gestural process and form /." Online version of thesis, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1850/11964.
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Deng, Hongling. "Superimposition of Contractional Structures in Models and Nature." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Berggrundsgeologi, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-243235.
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Superimposition of contractional structures is widely observed in different scales in the world. Superimposed structures form due to different processes: change in strain accommodation from one type of structure to another during a single progressive shortening; successive coaxial shortening phases separated by an unconformity; superimposition of different non-coaxial shortening phases. Using results of a series of systematic analogue models and detailed field structural mapping, this thesis focuses on the geometry and kinematics of such superimposed structures that are formed by these three processes. During a single progressive folding, thrusts develop within a fold to accommodate stain variations in different regime of the fold. Limited displacement along these thrusts does not significantly modify the geometry of the fold. However, during multiple shortening phases (coaxial or non-coaxial), early formed structures are modified by the later phase ones. The later thrusts can cut and displace the pre-existing structures. The early folds are tightened or interfered by the later folding phase. Pre-existing thrusts may be reactivated either in dip direction and/or along strike during the later shortening. The pre-existing structures in turn influence development of the later structures, which results in change in structure spacing. An angular unconformity between two shortening phases clearly truncates the early phase structures and separates structures of different levels. Unlike in the post-erosional layers, in the layers below the unconformity, complicated superimposed structures are visible. This thesis shows that geometry and sequence of structures formed during one progressive shortening or multiple shortening phases strongly depend on the mode of the superimposition (coaxial, orthogonal or oblique) and the orientation of pre-existing structures.
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Shaw, Jeremy John Arthur. "The form and origin of incommensurate structures and polytypes." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1988. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.293875.
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D'Amico, Bernardino. "Timber grid-shell structures : form-finding, analysis and optimisation." Thesis, Edinburgh Napier University, 2015. http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/9833.
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This thesis aims to provide a set of tools for analysis and design of free-form timber grid-shells. It provides a brief introduction on the relationship between shape and structural behaviour of grid-shells, followed by an introduction to actively-bent structural systems. The design issues are then individuated and three main themes are defined, namely: Form-finding, Structural Analysis and Optimisation. The development and use of a numerical framework, based on a six Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) co-rotational beam-element in conjunction with the Dynamic Relaxation method, has formed the basis, on which a unified procedure for the Form-finding and Structural Analysis tasks are denied. A two-step analysis procedure allows seeing a target shape for the grid-shell with the aid of a reference surface, whilst taking into account the effect of internal (bending) reactions on the final geometry. Coupling constraints are numerically simulated by development of a single-node cylindrical joint. An algorithm for grid cutting (mesh manipulation) is described, as well as a modified co-rotational beam-element, based on assumption of 'equivalent' bending stiffness. The modified formulation allows taking into account the change in stiffness of the double-layer members, when passing from the Form-finding to the analysis of the structure under working loads, by simply seeing a dimensionless parameter. A numerical framework for optimisation of the members' cross-section is then introduced. The optimisation problem is decomposed in two main sub-problems, to be separately solved by iterative techniques: the seeking of an ‘allowable' thickness, for the laths under bending action, is pursued with a procedure based on Newton-Raphson method, whilst: a local-search approach is used to find (for a given load configuration) the optimal variation in thickness of the composite cross-section. The proposed methods are validated by several numerical and full-size experimental tests, as well as comparison with the corresponding analytical solution, where available.
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Widger, Eleanore. "Visual form, visible nature : radical landscape poetry and Romantic environmental aesthetics." Thesis, University of Dundee, 2018. https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/a39ef120-02b1-4080-b4f6-108c4e203abc.
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Whilst there is a strong emerging body of criticism on innovative and open form poetries, particularly from ecocritical and environmental perspectives, the related but distinct genre of radical landscape poetry receives little specific attention. Named by Harriet Tarlo, the genre is so far represented by a single anthology, The Ground Aslant, published in 2011, which includes the work of sixteen poets from around Britain. This thesis constitutes the first in-depth critical engagement with radical landscape poetry, and in attempting to unpack some of the genre's particular concerns, argues for the significance of Romanticism's influence on radical landscape poetry's treatment of the environment. I propose that radical landscape poetry warrants extensive critical attention because of its self-reflexive negotiation of visibility at a moment concerned with the ethics of representation; its attention to the land as something that is 'scaped' by acts of looking and representing, as well as its attention to environmental phenomena in their own right; and in addition, because of its interrogation of the relationship between the body and the poetic text. By re-articulating Romantic attitudes, radical landscape poetry reveals the divergences, congruities and continuities which link contemporary eco-ethical thought to earlier poetic and philosophical modes. The treatment of vision, visibility, the body and the environment in the poetry of the Wordsworths, Coleridge, and Clare, and the visual art of Blake, Turner and Friedrich, provides an instructive and illuminating context for reading radical landscape poetry. At the same time, the thematic and formal innovations of radical landscape poets provide fresh perspective on Romantic works. By positioning Romantic and radical landscape poetry in relation to contemporary phenomenological, existential and ecocritical discourses, this thesis offers new insights into both poetries, as well as advancing understandings of their relationship.
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Banerjee, Urbi. "Effect of urban Form on the dynamic nature of travel behaviour." Thesis, Ulster University, 2015. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.674734.
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This research presents an empirical investigation of the relationship between urban form and travel behaviour in order to understand the relative influence of factors influencing travel patterns in Northern Ireland. Two specific issues integral to our daily lives are of concern when determining the inter-relationship patterns between urban form and travel behaviour, firstly 'where we live' and secondly its impact on 'how we travel' or vice versa. For this, the study used an innovative mixed-model design comprising of an inductive qualitative approach using a grounded theory method (GTM) to identify context specific relevant factors influencing travel decisions. This is followed by a quantitative investigation using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the strength, significance and mechanism of the factors influencing this relationship. The data was collected from three case study areas based on varying macro-scale urban form characteristics with each area representing an urban classification relevant to the policy context. The multi-level design examined the influence on both traditional and spatial indicators of travel behaviour using a combination of PLS-SEM techniques and GIS analysis. Methodologically this research has a pedagogical focus by demonstrating the usefulness of adopting techniques from other behavioural research fields for implementation in travel behaviour research. The GTM analysis identified the role of land -use planning in shaping travel patterns which has resulted in high car dependency and residential immobility in Northern Ireland. The quantitative analysis further reported that the strongest influence was exerted by residential preferences followed by neighbourhood characteristics on the structural urban form indicator in terms of 'where we live' which in turn influences 'how we travel'. Equally, strong car-oriented preferences influenced travel behaviour which further emphasized the significance of the role of attitude and preferences towards residential location and mode choice. To summarise, strong anti-urban sentiments determining 'where we live' mediate the relationship between urban form and travel behaviour. Thus integrated land-use transport measures need to be strongly complemented with soft policy measures to effectively target sustainable transport initiatives in Northern Ireland.
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Onelli, Olimpia Domitilla. "Complex photonic structures in nature : from order to disorder." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2018. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/273768.
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Structural colours arise from the interaction of visible light with nano-structured materials. The occurrence of such structures in nature has been known for over a century, but it is only in the last few decades that the study of natural photonic structures has fully matured due to the advances in imagining techniques and computational modelling. Even though a plethora of different colour-producing architectures in a variety of species has been investigated, a few significant questions are still open: how do these structures develop in living organisms? Does disorder play a functional role in biological photonics? If so, is it possible to say that the optical response of natural disordered photonics has been optimised under evolutionary pressure? And, finally, can we exploit the well-adapted photonic design principles that we observe in Nature to fabricate functional materials with optimised scattering response? In my thesis I try to answer the questions above: I microscopically investigate $\textit{in vivo}$ the growth of a cuticular multilayer, one of the most common colour-producing strategies in nature, in the green beetles $\textit{Gastrophysa viridula}$ showing how the interplay between different materials varies during the various life stages of the beetles; I further investigate two types of disordered photonic structures and their biological role, the random array of spherical air inclusions in the eggshells of the honeyguide $\textit{Prodotiscus regulus}$, a species under unique evolutionary pressure to produce blue eggs, and the anisotropic chitinous network of fibres in the white beetle $\textit{Cyphochilus}$, the whitest low-refractive index material; finally, inspired by these natural designs, I fabricate and study light transport in biocompatible highly-scattering materials.
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Abdulkareem, Musa. "Tensegrity structures : form-finding, modelling, structural analysis, design and control." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2013. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/4301/.
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Tensegrity structures are a type of structural systems that consist of a given set of cables connected to a configuration of rigid bodies and stabilized by internal forces of the cables in the absence of external forces. Such structures provide an important platform for exploring advanced active control technologies. This thesis is, thus, a research on tensegrity structures' related problems across a wide range of engineering disciplines and from a control system's viewpoint. It proposes a new algorithm for the form-finding of tensegrity structures. This is a process that involves using the mathematical properties of these structures to search and/or define a configuration that makes the structures to satisfy the conditions of static equilibrium while being pre-stressed. The dynamic model of tensegrity structures is derived using the Finite Element Method (FEM), and the static and dynamic analyses of tensegrity structures are carried-out. Furthermore, the effect of including additional structural members (than strictly necessary) on the dynamics of n-stage tensegrity structures is also investigated and how the resulting change in their geometric properties can be explored for self-diagnosis and self-repair in the event of structural failure is examined. Also, the procedures for model reduction and optimal placement of actuators and sensors for tensegrity structures to facilitate further analysis and design of control systems are described. A new design approach towards the physical realization of these structures using novel concepts that have not been hitherto investigated in the available literature on this subject is proposed. In particular, the proposed realization approach makes it possible to combine the control of the cable and bar lengths simultaneously, thereby combining together the advantages of both bar control and cable control techniques for the active control of tensegrity structural systems. The active control of tensegrity structures in a multivariable and centralized control context is presented for the design of collocated and non-collocated control systems. A new method is presented for the determination of the feedback gain for collocated controllers to reduce the control effort as much as possible while the closed-loop stability of the system is unconditionally guaranteed. In addition, the LQG (Linear system, Quadratic cost, Gaussian noise) controllers which are suitable for both collocated and non-collocated control systems is applied to actively control tensegrity structural systems for vibration suppression and precision control.
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Lewis, Trevor Stephen. "The form-finding of structures possessing a constant surface stress." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1997. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/39026/.
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Zhang, Yong. "Repetitive structures : Eigenanalysis continuum beam modelling and pre-twisted form." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.288158.
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Kim, Yongjoo 1970. "The inter-relationship of nature and built form in an urban context." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/67535.
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Thesis (M.Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2001.Some pages folded and printed on heavy card stock.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 79).
How does one mediate between nature and the city as development continues to arise out of necessity? What is the significance of the connection between nature and city and how can they be articulated? What is the relationship between architecture and nature in the context of densely settled area? This thesis attempts to address these questions through the application of environmental consciousness with three different scales: urban, community and individual. The site is known as Boston State Hospital Site in Mattapan where existing dense neighborhoods and abundant natural environments meet. Moreover, Boston Nature Center of Audubon Society is a major component of the site. Given the mixture of dichotomous settings, this thesis attempts to show how inter penetration between built environment and natural setting can proceed to bring urban living quality through Eco-housing development.
by Yongjoo Kim.
M.Arch.
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Weinstock, Michael. "The architecture of emergence : the evolution of form in nature and civilisation." Thesis, Open University, 2016. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.700483.
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The research was originated by the identification of the topic as worthy of investigation and capable of being concluded - the lacuna in architectural theory of the concept, origins and significance of Emergence. The enquiry sought to acquire new knowledge of the relations of ecology and climate to the emergence of the cultural and architectural systems of civilisation, to their subsequent evolutionary diversifications and developments, expansions and contractions, and to their eventual collapse and reorganisation. It has been informed by knowledge produced in the disciplines of archeology and anthropology, the life sciences and the physics of climate, oceanography and geomorphology, and the sciences of complexity, and in architectural history. The primary aim of the research is to contribute to design science knowledge that is necessary for the design of cities and their systems that will enable them and their citizens to successfully transit through the critical thresholds of chanqe driven by climatic, ecological and social forces that are currently transforming the world in which we live and which our descendants will inherit. The secondary aims are the abstraction and systematisation of knowledge of biological morphogenesis and evolution to contribute to innovative computational processes of architectural design and materialisation that are necessary to sustain human societies through the impending changes. The principal contributions to knowledge of the body of work are to architectural theory and to design research. The four publications constitute a coherent body of work that has provided a contribution to architectural theory of the correlation of the dynamics of the systems of the natural world to the origins and evolutionary development of human architecture from the scale of pit dwellings to settlements, through to cities and systems of cities. The publications have also outlined the precepts for computational morphogenetic design procedures, for evolutionary computational design, for models of building and urban metabolism, for their materials, and for their future. The publications have made a contribution to the pedagogy of architectural design research within academia, and to a wide architectural design community.
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Heide, Kristina. "Form und Ikonographie des Stillebens in der Malerei der Neuen Sachlichkeit /." Weimar : VDG, 1998. http://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb389412041.
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Tokashiki, Kyoko. "On Japanese Coordinate Structures: An Investigation of Structural Differences Between the -Te Form and the -I Form." The Ohio State University, 1989. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392805640.
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RIPPER, LUCAS ALVES. "SOCIETY, NATURE AND TECHNIQUE: DESIGN OF THE ADAPTABLE BAMBOO STRUCTURES." PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO, 2015. http://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/Busca_etds.php?strSecao=resultado&nrSeq=25434@1.
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PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIROCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DO PESSOAL DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO
PROGRAMA DE DOUTORADO SANDUÍCHE NO EXTERIOR
O potencial de autoconstrução de estruturas adaptáveis de bambu é o foco deste trabalho que visa ampliar a ótica do design como método projetual com ênfase no processo e não no produto final e como produtor de significados, podendo gerar autonomia de grupos em uma produção local pautada na educação ambiental/sustentabilidade. A adaptabilidade destas estruturas é um conceito central onde o objeto e o seu processo construtivo é determinado pelas condições locais de material, mão de obra e demanda de uso. O campo do design se estabeleceu no Brasil de acordo com a ótica do desenho industrial concebido nos países desenvolvidos que prioriza a fabricação, distribuição e comercialização dos objetos em grande escala. Neste contexto a atividade projetual deixa de focar no ser humano para se dedicar ao consumo em massa. Acreditamos que por meio do design é possível formar cidadãos conscientes da problemática ambiental planetária conduzindo-os através de metodologias participativas desenvolvidas no LILD PUC-Rio. O meio acadêmico (universidades e escolas) se apresenta como contexto geográfico favorável para aplicação destas metodologias que se baseiam na autonomia de grupos para a produção de objetos utilitários localmente. A esfera local/ regional é o ponto de partida para a concepção do design do objeto, determinando recursos materiais disponíveis, demandas de uso e aspectos culturais. Destacamos a metodologia de Técnicas & Convivência onde os professores-técnicos orientam os alunos-voluntários na concepção, construção e uso das estruturas adaptáveis de bambu em diversas aplicações. Neste processo os voluntários são coautores e são levados a pensar o objeto a partir de seu ciclo de vida – concepção, fabricação, uso, manutenção e descarte/pós-uso. O bambu representa um material acessível, de grande resistência com versatilidade para ser aplicado em diversos usos e é explorado aqui para fins estruturais. A abordagem transdisciplinar envolvendo os campos do design, arquitetura, engenharia e geografia nos leva a uma analise complexa do processo construtivo e do objeto final, contextualizando a produção no espaço. Em estudos de campo no Brasil e nos EUA concluímos que esta ótica de design com base na produção em esfera local/regional pautada na educação ambiental/sustentabilidade, tem grande acessibilidade e pode ser potencializada a partir da colaboração transdisciplinar para outros usos na sociedade, seja com foco na educação, na autonomia produtiva ou no uso diversificado das estruturas adaptáveis de bambu.
The self-building potential of adaptable bamboo structures is the focus of this work that is aiming to enlarge the concept of design as a projetual method with emphasis on the process rather than the end product and as a producer of meanings, which can generate autonomy groups in a local production based in the environmental education / sustainability. The adaptability of these structures is a central concept where the object and its constructive process is determined by local conditions of material, labor and demand of use. The design field was established in Brazil in accordance with the perspective of industrial design in developed countries that prioritizes the production, distribution and marketing of large-scale objects. In this context the projetual activity fails to focus on the human being necessities to devote to mass consumption. We believe that through the design is possible to form citizens aware of global environmental issues leading them through participatory methodologies developed in LILD PUC-Rio. The academia (universities and schools) is presented as favorable geographic context for the application of these methodologies that are based on the autonomy of groups for the production of utilitarian objects locally. The local / regional level is the starting point for the design of object design, determining material resources available, use, social demands and cultural aspects. We are highlighting the methodology of Techniques & Coexistence where technicians-teachers guide the students-volunteers in the design, construction and use of adaptable bamboo structures in various applications. In this process the volunteers are co-authors and are led to think the object starting from his lifecycle - design, manufacture, use, maintenance and disposal / post-use. Bamboo is an accessible material; high strength with versatility to be applied to various uses and is explored here for structural purposes. The transdisciplinary approach involving the fields of design, architecture, engineering and geography leads to a complex analysis of the construction process and the final object, contextualizing the production space. In field studies in Brazil and the United States we concluded that this concept of design based in the local/regional production lined in the environmental education / sustainability, has great accessibility and can be enhanced from the transdisciplinary collaboration to other uses in society and is focusing on education, productive autonomy or diversified use of adaptable structures of bamboo.
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Nixon, Matthew Robert. "Photonic structures in nature : through order, quasi-order and disorder." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/15040.
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The majority of colours in the natural world are produced via the wavelength selective absorption of light by pigmentation. Some species of both flora and fauna, however, are particularly eye-catching and visually remarkable as a result of the sub-micron, light-manipulating architecture of their outer-integument material. This thesis describes detailed investigations of a range of previously unstudied photonic structures that underpin the creation of the interesting visual appearances of several such species of flora and fauna. These structures were examined using a variety of methods, including optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, focused ion-beam milling and atomic force microscopy. This enabled detailed characterisation of the species’ photonic systems. The degree of order discerned in the species’ photonic structures ranged from: ‘ordered’ systems, where multiple layers of two materials produces metallic and often mirror-like reflections; to ‘quasi-ordered’ systems, where an average periodicity of the structure in all directions gives rise to diffuse, coloured scatter; to disordered systems, where no discernible order is observed, which results in a diffuse, broad-band, white appearance. In addition to this, the range of systems also encompassed: periodicities in one-dimension in the form of multilayering; ‘quasi-two-dimensional’ structures in the form of aligned fibres; and three-dimensional structures formed from arrangements of spherical particles. Alongside this experimental characterisation, an in-depth series of supporting theoretical analyses were undertaken. For the one-dimensional systems studied here, the models’ theoretical reflectance was calculated using analytical methods. For other systems, with more complex structural-geometries, theoretical simulations of their electromagnetic response to incident radiation were carried out using finite-difference-time-domain and finite-element-method numerical modelling approaches. Theoretical modelling results were compared to experimental measurements of each sample's optical properties. These were primarily reflectance measurements, which were taken using a range of techniques appropriate for each specific investigation. In addition to this, a synthetic sample, mimicking the white-appearance and remarkable polarisation-dependant reflectance of one insect’s photonic structure, was created using polymer electrospinning. Using these experimental measurements and theoretical simulation predictions, the structural colour production mechanisms adopted by several species of flora and fauna were elucidated.
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Temme, Anne. "The peculiar nature of psych verbs and experiencer object structures." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/19889.
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Durch ihr besonderes Verhalten haben psychologische Verben, und Experiencer-Objekt-Verben im Besonderen, in der linguistischen Forschung Berühmtheit erlangt. In vielen Sprachen konnte beobachtet werden, dass das Verhalten dieser Verben oft von grammatischen Generalisierungen abweicht, die über Prädikate und Strukturen bis dahin gemacht wurden. Diese so genannten 'psych properties' (Psych-Eigenschaften) betreffen zentrale linguistische Phänomene sowie sprachspezifische Eigenschaften und sie geben Anlass anzunehmen, dass Verben wie 'frighten' ('fürchten'), 'appeal to' ('gefallen') und 'worry' ('beunruhigen') eine besondere Stellung im grammatischen System einnehmen. Sie stehen hier Verben gegenüber die nicht primär mentale oder emotionale Konzepte ausdrücken, wie zum Beispiel 'call' ('anrufen'), 'warn' ('warnen') or 'visit' ('besuchen'). Die vorliegende Arbeit nimmt diese Beobachtungen auf und untersucht die besonderen Eigenschaften der Psych-Prädikate.Psych verbs in general and experiencer object verbs in particular are exceptional because they often do not follow generalizations that have been made about verbs and structure types in the theory of grammar. Such so-called 'psych properties' can be observed in many languages and concern central linguistic but also language-specific phenomena. The existence of psych properties gives rise to the assumption that verbs such as 'frighten', 'appeal to' and 'worry' have a special position within the grammatical system as they stand in opposition to verbs that do not primarily express mental or emotional concepts, e.g., 'call', 'warn' or 'visit'. The present work addresses this divergence and investigates the characterizations of psych predicates.
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Isaacs, Allison Jean. "Self-Organizing Architecture: Design Through Form Finding Methods." Thesis, Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/22603.
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Ahmed, Rumman. "Novel hierarchical structures form PFS block copolymers using ionic self-assembly." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.529854.
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Gomez, Estrada Giovani. "Analytical and numerical investigations of form-finding methods for tensegrity structures." [S.l. : s.n.], 2007. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:93-opus-32405.
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Jarai, Maté. "Structures of meaning : form and the mundane in the contemporary novel." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2017. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/418887/.
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In the contemporary novel, the mundane is proving addictive. The lengthy digressions and obsessive details of Karl Ove Knausgaard have hooked readers, while Brett Easton Ellis hailed Tao Lin as 'the most interesting prose stylist of his generation', while labelling his novel Taipei 'boring'. But what strategies does the contemporary writer use to arouse interest in monotony? This thesis explores the question through a new novel Illuminato, whose protagonist Florián Hal struggles to find meaning, in what he feels is a pointless existence. The novel asks the reader to explore Florián's world experientially, and focus on the repetitiveness of his daily life. Through the novel, I ask how the contemporary mundane can prompt intrigue, immersion, and engagement from readers. The accompanying critical commentary considers strategies for writing the mundane, focusing on Tao Lin, Karl Ove Knausgaard and Scarlett Thomas. It assesses the techniques and devices these writers use in place of narrative climax or dramatic action, concentrating on their use of style, structure, and their interest in questions of fidelity, realism and form. It focuses on three distinct binaries of the contemporary mundane; Tao Lin's interest in attention versus boredom, Knausgaard's depiction of memory and the present, and Thomas' contest between action and ideas. Each binary is examined with reference to the drafting and development of my own novel; in chapter one, from my protagonists' distracted narration; in chapter two, the flashbacks used to represent his past; to the use of Plato's cave allegory as a substitute for dramatic structure in chapter three. The doctoral project offers a work in dialogue with the contemporary mundane, while reflecting on its limitations, opportunities, and challenges.
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Menichino, Gillian. "Narrative musical structures : a composer's perspective on form, process and product." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 2015. http://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/617257/.
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My composition portfolio, developed over a three-and-a-half year period, is concerned with the development of expressive narrative musical structures. This is achieved through the creation of distinctive sound-worlds within two specific areas of compositional activity, these being original compositions and re-compositions. The portfolio of compositions itself stands alone as evidence of research inquiry; the following commentary, meanwhile, consists of a personal reflection on my compositional processes. Here, I explore the motivating impulses of both these processes and of the completed works. This portfolio consists of ten original compositions and two re-compositions of an original: Original Compositions: 1. Alone (baritone and cello) 2. Light Upon Darkness (5 players) 3. Sonorization for Solo Clarinet 4. (...through the clouds towards the rising sun) (piano) 5. Glaciers (strings, piano and percussion) 6. Adrift (amplified ensemble of 7 players) 7. Embrace (clarinet and cello) 8. From Darkness (string orchestra) 9. Ambition: the Fury of the Blind Driver (violin and piano) 10. ...to a beginning from no end (original of a set of three including two re-compositions) (oboe and piano) Re-compositions of an Original Work: 11. Thebes and the Burden of Rulership (re-composition one of a set of three) (flute/alto flute, oboe and English horn) 12. ...to a beginning from no end (re-composition two of a set of three) (baroque trio: baroque flute, bass viola da gamba and harpsichord).
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Heycock, S. "Effects of collective bargaining structures on the nature of industrial conflict." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1986. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.372959.
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Libell, Joel. "Naturturism i Höga kusten : Förutsättningar för naturturism i form av kajakpaddling i Höga kusten." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för ekologi, miljö och geovetenskap, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-89604.
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Nature tourism in the High Coast of Sweden The conditions for nature tourism in the form of kayaking in the High Coast of Sweden. The aim of this study was to investigate the conditions for nature tourism in the form of kayaking in the High Coast of Sweden. The work focused on examining: the impact of protected areas, logistics and security for the kayak activity, visible evidences from the last glacial period (Weichsel), isostatic uplift and coastal processes, and also time- and site specific environmental effects of kayaking. Three destinations were selected as the main investigation sites. In a protected area there are regulations that limits activities that may be carried out. Protected areas also promote outdoor recreation as a main goal. Logistics and security risks were documented for possible starting locations and routes. The results showed that evidences of glacial processes, isostatic uplift and coastal processes were visible at all three destinations. Trysunda showed the greatest presence of traces/kilometer. However, Trysunda was surveyed by hiking which may have affected the results. Trysunda showed the largest number of evidences of coastal processes, which may depend on the high exposure of this island to wave energy. At all three destinations environmental effects were found as abrasion on the vegetation as well as the disturbance of birds. The conclusion is that all three destinations represent good sites for the experience of distinct educational traces of glacial and postglacial processes. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that the kayaker should have some experience of previous kayaking. The kayaker can benefit from the free facilities established in the protected areas.
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Simango, D. G. "Simulation of natural ventilation for livestock structures." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.293987.
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Pig production in Malawi and in most of the developing countries is shifting increasingly from pasture or dirt lot to total confinement with improved housing facilities. Keeping pig level temperatures within the comfort zone in hot weather is a common problem in naturally ventilated intensive pig buildings. Automatically controlled natural ventilation (ACNV) has proved to be effective in reducing the problem of heat build up in pig houses and is becoming very popular. However, a method for reducing summer temperatures at animal level in non-automated naturally ventilated intensive pig buildings has not been developed. An attempt was made to develop a natural ventilation system which would maximise the cooling effect of wind at animal level by manual control in buildings suitable for the Tropics. The research project was conducted in three stages: (1) air flow pattern studies, using 1:20 scale two-dimensional models, (2) wind tunnel testing, using three-dimensional, 1:20 scale models with simulated pigs, and (3) validation of results from the wind tunnel studies made with a 1:4 scale model, put out in the field. Air deflectors were used as a means of increasing the effect of wind on the ventilation pattern in the models. Monopitch, duopitch and offest gable models were tested in the water table, and monopitch models were tested in the wind tunnel. The use of air deflectors in monopitch and offset gable models showed a marked increase in airflow towards the animal zone area and a reduction in the difference between the surface temperature of the model pigs and the outside air temperatures. The deflectors improved the performance of the models by about 10% with the front orientation and about 20% with the rear orientation. In the duopitch model an increase in the roof overhang improved flow circulation on the leeward side. The use of air deflectors also improved flow circulation on the leeward side. The wind speed and air temperature at the experimental site for the 1:4 scale model were used to validate the results from the wind tunnel tests. The measured temperature values showed similar response curves to the predicted values. Temperature differentials increased with an increase in the angle of the deflector.
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ZHANG, Jingyao. "STRUCTURAL MORPHOLOGY AND STABILITY OF TENSEGRITY STRUCTURES." 京都大学 (Kyoto University), 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2433/49132.
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学位授与大学：京都大学 ; 取得学位: 博士(工学) ; 学位授与年月日: 2007-09-25 ; 学位の種類: 新制・課程博士 ; 学位記番号: 工博第2856号 ; 請求記号: 新制/工/1420 ; 整理番号: 25541Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(工学)
甲第13385号
工博第2856号
新制||工||1420(附属図書館)
25541
UT51-2007-Q786
京都大学大学院工学研究科建築学専攻
(主査)教授 加藤 直樹, 教授 上谷 宏二, 准教授 大﨑 純
学位規則第4条第1項該当
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Heath, Callum J. C. "Integrating form, functionality and fabrication into high value-added complex structures (HiVACs)." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2017. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.715819.
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Sebinger, David Daniel Raphael. "Exogenous modulation of embryonic tissue and stem cells to form nephronal structures." Doctoral thesis, Saechsische Landesbibliothek- Staats- und Universitaetsbibliothek Dresden, 2013. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:14-qucosa-116811.
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Renal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine represent a significant clinical objective because of the very limited prospect of cure after classical kidney treatment. Thus, approaches to isolate, manipulate and reintegrate structures or stimulating the selfregenerative potential of renal tissue are of special interest. Such new strategies go back to knowledge and further outcome of developmental biological research. An understanding of extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and composition forms thereby a particularly significant aspect in comprehending the complex dynamics of tissue regeneration. Consequently the reconstruction of these structures offers beneficial options for advanced cell and tissue culture technology and tissue engineering. In an effort to investigate the influence of natural extracellular structures and components on embryonic stem cell and renal embryonic tissue, methodologies which allow the easy application of exogenous signals on tissue in vitro on the one hand and the straight forward evaluation of decellularization methods on the other hand, were developed. Both systems can be used to investigate and modulate behaviour of biological systems and represent novel interesting tools for tissue engineering. The novel technique for culturing tissue in vitro allows the growing of embryonic renal explants in very low volumes of medium and optimized observability, which makes it predestined for testing additives. In particular, this novel culture set up provides an ideal opportunity to investigate renal development and structure formation. Further studies indicated that the set is universally applicable on all kinds of (embryonic) tissue. Following hereon, more than 20 different ECM components were tested for their impact on kidney development under 116 different culture conditions, including different concentrations and being either bound to the substrate or dissolved in the culture medium. This allowed to study the role of ECM constituents on renal structure formation. In ongoing projects, kidney rudiments are exposed to aligned matrix fibrils and hydrogels with first promising results. The insights gained thereof gave rise to a basis for the rational application of exogenous signals in regenerative kidney therapies. Additionally new strategies for decellularization of whole murine adult kidneys were explored by applying different chemical agents. The obtained whole matrices were analysed for their degree of decellularization and their residual content and composition. In a new straight forward approach, a dependency of ECM decellularization efficiency to the different agents used for decellularization could be shown. Moreover the capability of the ECM isolated from whole adult kidneys to direct stem cell differentiation towards renal cell linage phenotypes was proved. The data obtained within this thesis give an innovative impetus to the design of biomaterial scaffolds with defined and distinct properties, offering exciting options for tissue engineering and regenerative kidney therapies by exogenous cues.
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Cuvilliers, Pierre(Pierre Emmanuel). "The constrained geometry of structures : optimization methods for inverse form-finding design." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/127853.
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Thesis: Ph. D. in Architecture: Building Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture, May, 2020Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages [133]-145).
This dissertation aims to improve form-finding workflows by giving more control on the obtained shapes to the designer. Traditional direct form-finding allows the designer to generate shapes for structures that need to verify a mechanical equilibrium when built; however, it produces shapes that are difficult to control. This dissertation shows how the design of constrained structural systems is better solved by an inverse form-finding process, where the parameters and initial conditions of the direct form-finding process are automatically adjusted to match the design intent. By defining a general framework for the implementation of such workflows in a nested optimizer loop, the requirements on each component are articulated. The inner optimizer is a specially selected direct form-finding solver, the outer optimizer is a general-purpose optimization routine. This is demonstrated with case studies of two structural systems: bending-active structures and funicular structures.
These two systems that can lead to efficient covering structures of long spans. For bending-active structures, the performance (speed, accuracy, reliability) of direct form-finding solvers is measured. Because the outer optimization loop in an inverse form-finding setup needs to rely on a robust forward simulation with minimal configuration, we find that general-purpose optimizers like SLSQP and L-BFGS perform better than domain-specific algorithms like dynamic relaxation. Using this insight, an inverse form-finding workflow is built and applied with a closest-fit optimization objective. In funicular structures, this dissertation first focuses on a closest-fit to target surface optimization, giving closed-form formulations of gradients and hessian of the problem. Finding closed-form expressions of these derivatives is a major blocking point in creating more versatile inverse form-finding workflows.
This process optimizer is then reimplemented in an Automatic Differentiation framework, to produce an inverse form-finding tool for funicular surfaces with modular design objectives. This is a novel way of implement-ing such tools, exposing how the design intent can be represented by more complex objects than a target surface. Reproducing existing structures, and generating more efficient funicular shapes for them, the possibilities of the tool are demonstrated in exploring the design space and fine-tuned modifications, thanks to the fine control over the objectives representing the design intent.
by Pierre Cuvilliers.
Ph. D. in Architecture: Building Technology
Ph.D.inArchitecture:BuildingTechnology Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture
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Baker, Adam R. "The nature of the 'P' form of cytochrome bo₃ oxidase from Escherichia coli." Thesis, Anglia Ruskin University, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.323077.
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Madrazo, Agudin Leandro Madrazo Leandro Madrazo Leandro Madrazo Leandro. "The concept of type in architecture : an inquiry into the nature of architectural form /." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 1995. http://e-collection.ethbib.ethz.ch/show?type=diss&nr=11115.
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Ladson, Lisa McNeill. "The evolution of a form." Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53262.
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Well designed forms and spaces can maintain their inate beauty and harmony though activities in and around them will come and go.
These spaces are timeless.
My search is not directly for a form but rather for a pattern, dictated to by the idea, governed by rules about the space and limited only by site. A form that gracefully embraces itself and the reason for its genesis.
Continually evolving.
The hospital will be my instrument. I sense what a hospital is but I do not know what it will become. A functional organism by nature, it must be understood and simplified so that Architecture can triumph. Therefore, a strong, viable plan for form and space is essential.Master of Architecture
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Chhaya, Runit. "Designing in sacred landscapes : a case study of Govardhan Parvat (hill) - Krishna's form in nature." Title page, abstract and table of contents only, 2000. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09ARCHLM/09archlmr942.pdf.
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"February 2000" Bibliography: leaves 235-239. "Several key questions are considered in this thesis. Is it possible that sacred places had a design philosophy or theory that was used to establish and develop them? How do various natural forms influence and/or structure existence of sacred places? This thesis considers specifically the role of nature in sacred places and not sacred places as a whole." -- abstract.
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Vranic, Ivana. "Visibility of sculpted matter and form : Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà and the ontological nature of sculpture." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/27726.
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The Rondanini Pietà (1552-1564) engages the viewer in an embodied and temporal process of perceiving the becomings of sculpted form—rough and smooth surfaces, indentations, fissures and contours—enfolded in the material and physical qualities of the marble block and its flesh-like surface. Emphasizing the process of creating the work, a multitude of chisel marks animate sculpted matter and prolong the eventual pausing of the viewer’s eyes. The materiality of the stone urges the viewer to move around to perceive the sculpture as it becomes transfigured anew through the continuous morphing of the facial and bodily features of its two figures: Christ and the Virgin. Deterring the comprehensibility of the subject matter, the enfolding of matter and form, conceptualized as the infinito, calls attention to the very rhetorical and ontological nature of the work as sculpture.
Kept in private collections for several centuries, the Rondanini Pietà is an uncommissioned sculpture considered to be the last work by Michelangelo Bounarroti. To interpret this Pietà, scholars have utilized established biographical, iconographic, and chronological approaches to the artist’s oeuvre. In 1934, Charles de Tolnay published the first modern study of the work, interpreting it as a testament of the artist’s religiosity—an interpretation that dominates the scholarship. Focusing primarily on a discussion of the Rondanini Pietà, this thesis introduces a concept of the infinito and with it a theoretical framework to expose the overdetermined nature of this scholarship. Judging the work to be either finished or unfinished (finito or non-finito) scholars rehearse the Cartesian dichotomy of res extensa and res cogitans, segregating matter from form and denying sculpture its ontological quality.
In order to understand what comes prior to the processes of description, interpretation and contextualization, what is at stake is to rethink how we approach sculpture as a medium that has specific physical and material characteristics that determine its rhetorical potential. Making the viewer part of how sculpture works to make temporally visible the becomings of form, the concept of the infinito challenges us to reflect upon the methodologies used in the study of sculpture produced in the period.