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Expedition Structure

Expedition Structure
Master theses – Lennert Loos
Brussels

Summary

In this master thesis, you will embark on an expedition into the world of structures. The project begins with the identification of a spatial or constructive principle that you find personally intriguing. This principle will serve as the foundation for a research-based investigation, in which you will dissect its logic and explore its full range of architectural applications. Through a process of structural analysis, calculations, and both physical and/or digital modelling, you will examine how structural systems behave, how they organise space, and how they can give rise to architectural expression. The aim is not to solve a predefined problem, but to develop new architectural possibilities grounded in structural exploration.

The thesis values iterative thinking, material sensitivity, and technical rigour, alongside critical reflection and creative ambition. Although the focus is on research, design is employed as a research-driving tool. This topic is intended for students eager to move between the abstract and the tangible, between theory and making, between calculation and intuition — and for those who see structure as an active and creative driver of architectural design.

Detailed description of the assignment

In this master thesis, you will embark on an expedition into the world of structures. The project begins with the identification of a spatial or constructive principle that you find personally intriguing. This principle will serve as the foundation for a research-based investigation, in which you will dissect its logic and explore its full range of architectural applications. Through a process of structural analysis, calculations, and both physical and/or digital modelling, you will examine how structural systems behave, how they organise space, and how they can give rise to architectural expression. The aim is not to solve a predefined problem, but to develop new architectural possibilities grounded in structural exploration.

The thesis values iterative thinking, material sensitivity, and technical rigour, alongside critical reflection and creative ambition. Although the focus is on research, design is employed as a research-driving tool. This topic is intended for students eager to move between the abstract and the tangible, between theory and making, between calculation and intuition — and for those who see structure as an active and creative driver of architectural design.

Any interesting idea can form the base for thorough research. Keywords as an inspiration: active-bending, structural reuse, adaptive structures, reciprocal structures, lightweight, modular, plates, form-finding, lattice structures, space frames, tensile structures, membranes, shells.

Output

  •  A written thesis that presents the conducted theoretical research and/or research by design: state of the art, hypothesis, technical and architectural exploration, etc.
  • A series of physical and/or digital structural models documenting the iterative process and research. Supporting diagrams, drawings, and visualisations to communicate the spatial and structural logic of the work. One can decide to apply the research into a proof of concept design.

Previous knowledge

You are able to work with academic texts, technical documents, and to actively participate in discussions in English. A solid background in structural design and parametric modelling is required. As this is an advanced-level studio, proficiency in both Grasshopper3D and structural analysis is essential. Students who do not yet meet this level of proficiency are responsible for acquiring the necessary foundational skills prior to or during the course.

Contact

If you would like to discuss the topic or have more detailed information, feel free to reach out: lennert.loos@kuleuven.be

References/inspiration

 

Image credits: Frei Otto: Spanning the Future. Documentary by Joshua Hassel.