Karamba3D

@ita.engenhariaemmadeira developed a bending active beam string in search of a viable tropical hardwood glulam hangar structure for the global south, where the timber industry faces challenges in scaling up to compete with massive steel and concrete industries. It emerged as a promising hypothesis, combining high structural efficiency in comparison to a truss, particularly in connections, by limiting the system to two critical nodes; with high production efficiency, by remaining aligned with the gluing and machining constraints of an industry automated for straight elements only. In such a system, the effort generated during pre-assembly arises from both the inertia of the beams and the system’s height, leading to a paradoxical form-finding process in which simply adding material no longer improves structural safety. This low-carbon, low-cost structural solution became a scalable product based on an adaptive algorithm capable of determining the optimal geometry for each span and load scenario.

👷‍♀️ Our next online meetup is happening May 27th at 15:00 CET. ⚙️ Here’s what’s on the agenda: → Latest release walkthrough plus new features like calculation report, support agent, hierarchical IDs, curve-curve intersection, cross section checker, mesh loads on beams and new Eurocode examples. → Live demo for a new Cross Section Designer, releasing in beta. → How to set up a Claude skill file to generate Calculation Report syntax. Come see what’s new, ask questions, and connect with the community. 🔗 Register via the link in bio. #Karamba3D #Grasshopper #StructuralDesign #Eurocode #ComputationalDesign

Form, Find, and Play S. de Uría, M. Hruntes, A. Mzannar Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers The project develops a playground that enables children’s exploration while allowing parents in the adjacent café clear visual supervision. Two existing trees are used as fixed constraints to define a primary structural spine. From these points, a closed curve composed of catenary segments forming an infinity loop is generated and used for form-finding in Kangaroo2, where crossing distances, inflation for volumetric depth, and anchor positions for supports are controlled. The optimized spine is converted into a tubular surface and discretized through hexagonal tiling; linear members extracted from these panels define the structural frame. A second Kangaroo2 optimization regulates member lengths (10–60 cm), avoids collisions via radius control, and preserves panel planarity, reducing unique members from 485 to 9. Structural evaluation in Karamba3D, with cross-section optimization via Opossum, minimizes diameters while maintaining stability, leading to a non-modular system of uniquely fabricated components. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

Rain-to-Sun Botanical Tower A. Özel, J. Tullander, Y. Chang Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers “Rain-to-Sun Botanical Tower” develops a coupled form-generation and optimization workflow for a park-based vertical garden that harvests rainwater and maximizes solar exposure. Stacked planting platforms address the inefficiency of ground-based beds, with rain and sun acting as primary geometric drivers. A form-found membrane canopy channels rainfall into a central reservoir, while platform orientation and spacing are tuned to improve solar access within a compact footprint. Structurally, a central steel mast provides the main load path and erection datum, with a bracing network controlling wind response, torsion from asymmetric platforms, and force transfer between canopy anchors, platforms, and reservoir core. Design variants are evaluated through parametric comparison of water collection, solar gain, and structural performance. The workflow links climatic inputs → geometry generation → structural verification, producing a materially efficient tower integrating planting, water capture, and stability. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

📽️ Quickly switch Views in Rhino with Key Listener In our latest TidBit we explain how to use the Key Listener component to switch between different Model and Beam views in Rhino without interacting directly with Grasshopper. Watch the full tutorial on our youtube/vimeo channels

Zenith Lookout T. Engers, J. Joergens, P. von Houwald Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers The project explores a cantilevered lookout integrated with a mountainous site, drawing on timber bridge precedents that combine compression-based wood members with steel tension elements to minimize material use. Rather than prescribing a fixed geometry, a custom computational tool generates adaptive morphologies responsive to local topography. The workflow is divided into form-finding and structural evaluation. Form-finding begins by selecting a site and approximate radius, analyzing terrain curvature at candidate supports, extracting principal curvature vectors, and interpolating circular base geometries from contour lines. Vertical articulation is optimized through a physics-based bending-rod model in Kangaroo to achieve smooth curvature within pedestrian slope limits. Four truss schemes are then analyzed in Karamba3D, with cross-section and topology optimization via Opossum comparing displacement and material mass. The resulting 30 m-diameter circular lookout features twin timber arches, CLT deck panels, a dual-pitch truss on steel columns, and pretensioned steel cable stabilization. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

DEREICI: Breath above the ruins D. Filev, Y. Wang Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers This research proposes the revitalization of the abandoned village of Dereiçi in Turkey’s Tur Abdin region through an open-air museum and visitor center that respects its multi-faith heritage. A computational membrane form-finding workflow guides new interventions within strict site constraints defined by ruined houses and existing roads. Using Grasshopper with the Galapagos evolutionary solver, structure placement is optimized within a perimeter to maximize shaded areas while maintaining spatial continuity. The structural behavior is evaluated in Karamba3D to verify membrane action and assess force distribution. The results suggest further refinement through slanted columns to balance bending forces and generate a continuous membrane canopy spanning multiple ruins. The approach links heritage-sensitive site parameters, evolutionary optimization, and structural analysis, offering a cohesive shading system that preserves historical fabric while enabling cultural reuse of the abandoned settlement. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

MUTUAL ATTRACTION: A pavilion built on mutual support J. Fahmy, Y. Liu, J. Richard Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers This research develops a self-supporting reciprocal pavilion capable of carrying external point loads through geometric interdependence. Extending traditional rotational reciprocal systems, the design integrates modular seating within a double-curved torus-section geometry optimized for structural integrity and disassembly. The computational workflow begins with a base mesh generated in Grasshopper using boundary support curves and attraction points at seating heights. Form-finding in Kangaroo relaxes the mesh into a modified toroidal surface with controlled curvature. Mesh edges are then extracted to define reciprocal members, whose performance is evaluated in Karamba3D to assess stresses and displacements under live loads. Optimization in Opossum calibrates cross sections, cell density, and module area to balance material efficiency and stiffness. The result is a double-curved reciprocal system that supports human loads while demonstrating how algorithmic form-finding and structural optimization enable rapidly assembled, disassemblable modular architectures. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

PRINCIPAL STRESS LINES GUIDED TOPOLOGY DESIGN T. N. Demir, P. M. Kleinau, D. Kostic Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers This project develops a research-driven workflow for an additively manufactured concrete bridge, integrating structural form-finding, finite element analysis, and force-responsive discretization. Prioritizing structural legibility, load paths are translated directly into geometry suitable for robotic 3D printing with lightweight concrete. Early topology optimization studies in Topos and LevelOpt were replaced by a transparent workflow based on principal stress-line analysis in Karamba3D. The global shell is generated through funicular form-finding in RhinoVault to achieve a compression-only state, then evaluated via Karamba3D FEA to extract dominant stress trajectories. These lines are segmented, offset, and scaled according to local forces, dissolving the shell into a cellular grid aligned with force flow and modulating rib thickness by stress magnitude. Fabrication constraints – layer orientation, overhang limits, and minimum wall thickness – are embedded as design parameters, producing a materially efficient bridge optimized for robotic concrete printing. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

Designing Fully Compression-Dominant Buildings: TNA–FE Coupled Form-Finding of Funicular Floor-Systems O. Strayer, C. Pipini, M. M. Günaytekin Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers As construction demands intensify, conventional flat slabs remain bending-dominated, requiring thick concrete sections and high reinforcement ratios. This study investigates a funicular floor-and-support system in which geometry replaces material, transforming vertical loads into axial compression to enable lighter floors. Candidate patterns are generated through parametric form-finding in Kangaroo and translated into equilibrium thrust geometries using thrust network analysis in COMPAS/RhinoVault under defined loads and boundary conditions. Finite element evaluation in Karamba3D identifies zones where bending re-enters due to edge constraints or variable occupancy, informing rib layouts guided by principal stress and moment trajectories. The outcome is a design-and-analysis workflow and demonstrator building combining a continuous funicular floor block with columns and buttresses to manage thrust. Results indicate a scalable alternative to standard slabs, reducing material demand while producing expressive vaulted soffits and rib fields. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

Structural Folds F. Hamm, S. Lukac Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers This research investigates how flexible fabric can be transformed into a rigid shell by using naturally occurring folds as compression ribs, drawing on precedents as Heinz Isler’s ice shells and Mark West’s fabric formwork. The study develops a sculptural chair through parallel physical and digital experiments. Wet fabrics were draped over simple base geometries, frozen or cast in resin to form shells, while equivalent digital draping simulations were performed in Blender and structurally evaluated in Karamba3D. Iterative refinement tested both primitive forms and draped furniture archetypes, including the Monobloc, Wiggle Chair, and LC4, using a cotton–epoxy composite for realistic material modeling. Results confirm that textile folding generates inherently efficient load paths; optimizing seating topology to maximize draping produced structurally stable, materially efficient shell geometries driven by fabric behavior. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering

Stabilizing the World’s Leanest Church Tower J. Heinen, R. Liesenfeld, R. Paule Form and Structure Seminar (@itke_stuttgart ) M. Kazmiruk, E. A. Gonzalez, F. Eidner, L. Riedel, G. Neubauer, V. Wagner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers The project addresses the stabilization of the Oberkirche in Bad Frankenhausen (1382), a late Gothic monument with a 4.5° leaning tower caused by active subrosion of underground salt deposits. With collapse projected by 2092, the proposal replaces a planned steel frame with a lightweight structural shell that stabilizes the masonry while forming a roof for a visitor center. Following Venice Charter principles, intervention is minimized: the lattice shell contacts the ruins only at a ring beam, distributing lateral loads while preserving visual porosity and the tower’s vertical legibility. The computational workflow links form-finding and structural analysis iteratively. Initial tension-only geometries are generated in Kangaroo, then coupled with a Karamba3D tower model for large-deformation analysis. Results are re-mapped to Kangaroo with vertex weighting to preserve ring-beam geometry, avoiding FDM distortions. Final optimization in Opossum calibrates mesh stiffness and member lengths, followed by manual refinement for structural efficiency and architectural clarity. #formfinding #structuraloptimization #grasshopper #parametricdesign #structuralengineering