Funicular Stair

English

Funicular Masonry Stair

This research explores the integration of computational form-finding and non-planar 3D printing to develop a terracotta masonry structure inspired by traditional Catalan vaulting and Guastavino construction techniques.

The project investigates compression-based structural geometries, using form-finding to optimise the distribution of forces. Non-planar ceramic 3D printing enables the fabrication of complex, interlocking components, while material shrinkage is carefully considered to ensure dimensional accuracy and assembly.

中文

懸鏈線砌體樓梯

本研究結合計算式找形（Computational Form-Finding）與非平面陶土 3D 列印技術，探索新型態的陶土砌體結構。設計靈感源自傳統加泰隆尼亞拱頂（Catalan Vaulting）與瓜斯塔維諾薄磚拱頂（Guastavino Vaulting）的構造原理。

透過結構找形優化幾何形態與壓力傳遞路徑，並利用非平面 3D 列印製作複雜的陶土構件。同時將陶土乾燥與燒製過程中的收縮率納入設計及製造流程，以提升構件的尺寸精度與組裝準確性。

English

The toolpath was generated in Grasshopper using non-planar slicing, with G-code optimised to improve force transmission and maintain structural continuity throughout the printed ceramic components.

中文

透過 Grasshopper 生成非平面切片的列印路徑，並優化 G-code，以改善陶土構件的受力傳遞與結構連續性。

The terracotta blocks were then glazed using traditional techniques to achieve an antique style finish.