Spatial Efficiency Now is an exhibition of models and photographs documenting some ongoing design research projects at the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory (PSL) at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. 

NEW EVENT
Wednesday, January 15, 6:00pm
Center for Architecture and Design
1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Free and open to the public 

Lecture by Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Weitzman School

The exhibition is on view through Thursday, January 16

PSL is an interdisciplinary research center working at the intersection of architecture, structural engineering, computer science, mathematics, and material science to bridge the gap between engineering and design. Directed by Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh, PSL is part of the Advanced Research and Innovation Lab in the Department of Architecture.

The works illustrate an unconventional method that considers force equilibrium at the very early stages of architectural design, which allows the designer to precisely control the flow of forces in structures. Each work on display represents forces being brought into equilibrium, the primary focus of the field of Graphic Statics. Some respond to compression forces (force pushing out), others are tensile structures (force pulling out), and some, such as Saltator, respond to both.

PSL’s current work extends from efficient structural form-finding in three dimensions and fabrication of complex spatial systems to the innovative use of conventional materials, such as concrete and glass.