AIST Global Zero Emission Research Center
ARCHITECTURE
Shimizu Corporation
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Shimizu Corporation
LOCATION
Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
STATUS
Completed 2021
Shimzu Coorporation developed the Zero-Emi Tree as a signature structure for the Global Zero Emission Research Center. The tree-like steel structure, clad with PV glass cells, was optimized using Karamba3D for minimal deformation and efficient steel usage, evaluating over 5,000 configurations. Automated workflows linked 3D models for workshop drawings and augmented reality-assisted assembly.
Text from Shimzu:
Efficient design studies that extend the possibilities of design
From the initial design stage, we used Rhinoceros + Grasshopper to algorithmize the morphogenesis of columns and beams, and created a model with the position, cross-sectional dimensions, and curvature of each member as variables. We were able to efficiently conduct a large number of design studies and explore various possibilities in a short design period. By programming the mechanism to generate a random tree shape, we were able to incorporate various conditions such as the glass support points on a 1.5m grid into the frame.
Stress analysis, structural optimization verification
After setting the positions of three columns as constraints (depending on the vehicle path), we created a parametric model in which the thickness / strength of the steel plate, the main axis direction of the columns, and the horizontal angle of the beams were set as design variables. Karamba, a structural analysis plug-in, was linked to the parametric model to build a system that can instantly check structural performance in response to changes in the structural frame shape. Additionally, we set the amount of vertical deformation and the minimization of the total steel weight as objective functions and used a genetic algorithm to search for a structural frame that satisfies these design objectives, from more than 5,000 cases.
