The developments in digital strategies of design continue to grow and change. Certain architects maintain positions on the forefront of current developments and produce buildings that exploit the latest technologies. These architects undoubtedly produce the most popular and exciting architecture around today. It is work that has truly never been done before which is incredible when looking back on the history of the timeless profession. This project from MVRDV, a cutting edge Dutch firm seems to break the rules of traditional structural boundaries. Almost like an inch worm, there seems no need for walls or roof.



Before the invention of such accurate methods of structural analysis prior to the invention of accurate programs, such innovation would not have been possible. In fact, in 1889 to 1908, Architect Antoni Gaudi wished to create a highly complicated structure that would break the trend of the current architecture. He developed a system to build the Colonia Guell Church, a very influential building in Spain. The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow conducted a study on the process: “The hanging model is based on the theory of the "reversion of the catenary." A chain suspended from two points will hang spontaneously in the shape of a so-called "catenary". Only tension forces can exist in the chain. The form of the catenary upside down gives a perfect shape for an arch of stone masonry, and in such an arch only reversed forces of tension, being compression, will occur.

In Gaudi's hanging model a system of threads represents columns, arches, walls and vaults. Sachets with lead shot resemble the weight of small building parts… Gaudi spent ten years working on studies for the design, and developing a new method of structural calculation based on stereostatics.” Lucky for Gaudi, he had the time, intelligence and resources to conduct such a study to make possible the creation of something incredibly different. Today, all it would take is a computer and an imagination.