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A shell created with interpolated catenaries (lofted). A shell created with interpolated catenaries (lofted).

Catenary Arches and Shells

The shape naturally produced by holding a chain at its two ends is called a catenary curve. It has optimized structural properties, as it is the natural reaction to gravity efforts. Many architects have already explored its applications in arches and shells, such as Antoni Gaudi and Frei Otto.

Antoni Gaudí

Section titled “Antoni Gaudí”

Funicular model. Using the same principle, but adding weights to simulate structural connections.© Canaan
Funicular model. Using the same principle, but adding weights to simulate structural connections.

This is the crossing and dome of the Sagrada Família basilica, Barcelona, Catalonia.© SBA73 at flickr
This is the crossing and dome of the Sagrada Família basilica, Barcelona, Catalonia.

Eero Saarinen

Section titled “Eero Saarinen”

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, USA© Warren LeMay
Gateway Arch, St. Louis, USA

Grasshopper

Section titled “Grasshopper”

Catenary definition in Grasshopper© ArchCompute
Catenary definition in Grasshopper