A visual approach to structural design: photoelasticity as a collaborative tool in Gengo Matsui’s work
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Author / Producer
Date
2024
Publication Type
Conference Paper
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the role of photoelasticity as a design tool in the work of the Japanese structural engineer Gengo Matsui (1920–1996). The objective is to shed light on the operative dimension of these experiments, investigating their role as part of a holistic design process to which both the architect and the structural engineer actively contribute. The paper reconstructs the role of photoelasticity through a comprehensive literature review including Matsui’s original publications as well as direct accounts by his students and collaborators. The paper also discusses the decline of photoelasticity after the introduction of Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) software in structural engineering practice. Despite the undeniable superiority of contemporary FEA software in terms of modelling processes and retrieval of results, the question on how to establish a common ground between architect and structural engineer persists in contemporary practice. Matsui showed that a visual approach to structural design as offered by the photoelastic experiments is a possible way for the establishment of this common ground, suggesting that photoelasticity can still be a source of inspiration today.
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Publication status
published
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Book title
Construction Matters: Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Construction History
Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
1171 - 1178
Publisher
vdf Hochschulverlag
Event
8th International Congress on Construction History (8ICCH)
Edition / version
1st ed.
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
matsui gengo; japanese engineering; construction history; history of engineering; metabolist architecture; photoelasticity; photoelastic stress analysis; physical models; kikutake; architect engineer collaboration; interdisciplinary design; structural design; design tool; holistic design; stress optics
Organisational unit
09799 - Pauli, Jacqueline Claudia / Pauli, Jacqueline Claudia
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