SL Rasch GmbH Special and Lightweight Structures

Engineering excellence meets Islamic heritage

Tradition – innovation – culture. Our constructions live from a wide variety of influences and combine them all in one piece of architecture. Our Head of Engineering Stefan spoke to Saudi Projects about the different approaches that come together in our projects. He talks about why traditional form-finding strategies, which the pioneer of lightweight constructions, Frei Otto, shaped decades ago, are more modern and important than ever in a world characterised by sustainability like today. But also how we combine these strategies with state-of-the-art engineering methods and how we are part of the holiest places in the world through our knowledge of islamic architecture.
Always prioritising customer and user needs in our architectural designs, always combining aesthetics with functionality, always integrating our structures into the existing environment with the utmost respect. This makes us an essential partner for Saudi Arabia’s future projects in line with the country´s vision 2030. You can find the link tot he article in the comments.

The Power of Parametric Design

The parametric design method has become essential for engineers to be able to reliably plan projects such as tunnels, bridges and other structures. Parametric design describes the computer-aided generation of geometries that can be customised by changing individual parameters. Geometry is one of the fundamental principles of engineering and is used to make structures as robust as possible, taking into account shape, angle and size. Structural analyses are used to examine buildings under various loads, such as wind loads acting on skyscrapers or aircraft, or snow loads on roofs in mountainous regions. Structural engineering therefore focuses on the optimised design of load-bearing structures to ensure their stability, safety and durability. In our new blog article we deal with parametric design and the development of a customised fitness function component with GhPython in Grasshopper. You can find the link in the comments.

In a world of constant change, why should buildings stand still?

Architecture must also remain in motion. Responding to global challenges that we face today requires more than fixed buildings, fixed use cases and rigid thinking. We need more openness, more foresight, more adaptability. Designs should serve a wide variety of scenarios. Structures should be able to adapt to circumstances and requirements with as little effort as possible in order to offer the greatest possible added value. This flexibility of use makes structures extremely valuable and meaningful for a long time.

That is why the current exhibition "Restless Architecture" at MAXXI Rome is so important. Curated by Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, transformable architecture is shown in its full range. From the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokio which, thanks to its capsule modules, could flexibly meet the most diverse needs of residents and the environment. To Diller, Scofidio + Renfro´s „The Shed“ in New York, which can create additional space for events with a retractable outer shell if required. To our Umbrella Shading Concept, which can flexibly extend a fixed building structure as required and provide shade either selectively or over an entire area.
From mobile and adaptive to operable and ecodynamic – the wide variety of designs can still be admired at MAXXI Rome until 16 march.