KALLA is the outcome of research at the intersection between composite materials and advanced design, and structural techniques such as topology optimization.

The form is the result of an iterative design process, focusing on the study of mathematical surfaces. The resultant triply periodic shell structure, was then subjected to topology optimization, referring to the minimal material distribution on given shells according to applied stresses. Applying this concept to the KALLA project, the shell was structurally analysed and optimized topologically in order to minimize the use of material, while maximizing the strength of its thin surface. The result of this process was the variable extrusion of the shell’s surface, which generated ‘ribs’ of material reinforcement on the back side of the mathematical surface.

KALLA was a collaboration with Westminster University and a full scale of the prototype, made by Affan Innovative structures LLC, was exhibited at the World Architects Congress in Seoul, Korea, in September 2017.

Team

Alicia Nahmad (R_Ex)
Vishu Bhooshan (ZHCODE)
Eva Magnisali, David Scott (Westminster University)