DIAGRID

STRUCTURES
SYSTEMS
CONNECTIONS
DETAILS
TERRI MEYER BOAKE
Diagrid Structures is available for pre-order on Amazon!
Due for release January 20, 2014
WHAT IS A DIAGRID? 
 
The word “diagrid” is a blending of the words “diagonal” and “grid” and refers to a structural system that is single 
thickness in nature and gains its structural integrity through the use of triangulation. Diagrid systems can be 
planar, crystalline or take on multiple curvatures. Diagrid structures often use crystalline forms or curvature to 
increase their stiffness. This differentiates a diagrid from any of the three dimensional triangulated systems such as 
space frames, space trusses or geodesic structures, although it will be shown that some of the developments of 
diagrid structures have been derived from the details of these 3‐D systems. The diagrid structural systems that will 
be explored in this book will focus on the use of diagrid systems in the support of buildings, predominantly 
examining the perimeter systems that have come to be associated with mid‐rise to tall buildings. These perimeter 
diagrids normally carry the lateral and gravity loads of the building and are used to support the edge conditions of 
the floors. 
 
Diagrid type systems are also being used as roofs to create large column free clear spans. These types of 
(predominantly steel) systems have been derived from lamella structures. Where lamella structures may be made 
from a variety of materials, they predominantly use wood. The majority of lamella structures use a diamond grid 
and tend not to triangulate. The structural ideas behind the wood lamella contributed to the evolution of the steel 
lattice grid. Lattice grids are seeing increased use as a structural support system to enable the glazing of large 
courtyards and enclosed spaces. Lattice grids are designed to span relatively large distances without columns and 
they typically do not support floor loads. The steel detailing of the lattice grid system is significantly different from 
that of the perimeter structural diagrid for larger buildings. This type of structure was addressed in my previous 
book “Understanding Steel Design: An Architectural Design Manual” in the Chapter12: Steel and Glazing Systems. 
 
The design and technical exploration of diagrid structures addressed in this book will build on the introductory 
material addressed in “Understanding Steel Design: An Architectural Design Manual” in Chapter 9: Advanced 
Framing Systems: Diagrids. 
 
THE INTENTIONS OF THIS BOOK 
 
Although diagrids have their formative roots in engineering, this book is designed to explore a wide range of 
questions surrounding their contemporary use in service to architecture. This is not a book with calculations and it 
is not intended to replace the very necessary collaborative discussions that must take place amongst the architect, 
engineer and steel fabricator. The text will reference issues of scale and not the absolute size of members. Scale is 
a very important factor when looking at the relationship between the relative size and exposure of the steel 
structures to the spaces that they create and define. This would apply to the ultimate impact of diagrid structures 
on interior spaces as well as urban environments. Diagrid buildings tend to be purposefully selected to function as 
unique or iconic projects, and the diagrid has been employed to make the building stand out rather than blend into 
the surrounding urban fabric. 
 
FROM SHUKHOV TO FOSTER 
 
The origins of the diagrid structural typology lay at the crossroads of engineering and architecture. Engineering 
first as the initial explorations by Shukhov were intended to provide a structural system that served a civic works 
function that was not necessarily “architecture” in the purest sense of the word. The initial details and member 
choices were fairly utilitarian and simple. It is very important that Norman Foster has referenced the work of 
Shukhov as an inspiration for his diagrid explorations. This affirms the use of Shukhov’s towers as a precedent for 
buildings such as Swiss Re (30 St. Mary Axe) and the Hearst Magazine Tower. It also allows us to examine the 
changes that were made to the method of detailing and construction as the hyperbolic paraboloid form 
transitioned from a “hollow” tower to one that needed to support floor loads and was clad. This is a tremendous 
change in the role of the structure and the implications on the design, detailing and construction processes 
undertaken by Foster and ARUP in Swiss Re were significant. The decisions taken in the design of Swiss Re and the 
Hearst Magazine Tower continue to inform all variations of the diagrid to this date. 
 
DIAGRID STRUCTURES: SYSTEMS, CONNECTIONS, DETAILS 
 
Terri Meyer Boake 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
PREFACE 
 
1.  A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS  
 FROM SHUKHOV TO FOSTER 
 THE INTENTIONS OF THIS BOOK 
 THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION 
 THE ROLE OF BIM 
 WHY CHOOSE A DIAGRID? 
 DIAGRID DECISIONS, STEP BY STEP 
 
2.  EARLY EVOLUTION OF DIAGRID FRAMING SYSTEMS  
 BIRTH OF THE DIAGRID IN RUSSIAN CONSTRUCTIVISM 
 THE IMPACT OF THE MODERN MOVEMENT 
 GEODESIC DOMES AND SPACEFRAMES 
 THE EMERGENCE OF THE DIAGONALIZED CORE TYPOLOGY 
 THE APPEARANCE OF THE DIAGRID SUPPORTED OFFICE BUILDING 
 THE FORMATION OF THE CONTEMPORARY DIAGRID 
 A TIME OF STRUCTURAL CHOICE: Diagonalized Cores, Outriggers and Mega Columns 
 
3.  THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTEMPORARY DIAGRID 
 THE CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF A DIAGRID 
 EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES OF DIAGRID SYSTEMS 
 STRUCTURAL BENEFITS 
 THE FIRST CONTEMPORARY DIAGRID BUILDINGS 
o PROJECT PROFILE: LONDON CITY HALL | FOSTER+PARTNERS, ARUP 
o PROJECT PROFILE: SWISS RE | FOSTER+PARTNERS, ARUP 
o PROJECT PROFILE: HEARST TOWER | FOSTER+PARTNERS, WSP CANTOR SEINUK 
 
 TIMELINE SHOWING THE PROJECTS IN THIS BOOK 
 
4.  TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 
 DESIGNING FOR PERFORMANCE 
 WIND TESTING 
 SEISMIC DESIGN 
 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 
o Occupant Safety 
o Spray Applied Systems 
o Concrete Filled Tubes 
o Intumescent Coatings 
 
   
5.  MODULES AND MODULARITY 
 ISSUES OF SCALE AND SHAPE 
 GOVERNING STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 
 MODULE SELECTION CRITERIA 
 OPTIMIZING THE MODULE FOR STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF TALL BUILDINGS 
 BRACING OF THE DIAGONAL MEMBERS 
 MODULES AND CORNER CONDITIONS 
 IMPACT OF THE MODULE ON THE NODE 
 IMPACT OF THE MODULE ON THE FAÇADE  
 APPLICATIONS OF MODULES 
o Small Modules: 2 to 4 Storeys 
o Mid Size Modules: 6 to 8 Storeys 
o Large Modues: 10+ Storeys 
o Irregular Modules 
 
6.  NODE AND MEMBER DESIGN 
 WHAT IS A NODE? 
 MATERIAL CHOICES 
 THE BASIS FOR NODE DESIGN: SWISS RE AND HEARST 
 THE IMPACT OF EXPOSURE ON DESIGN AND DETAILING 
o Concealed Systems 
o Architecturally Exposed Systems 
 NODE ADAPTATIONS FOR CONCEALED SYSTEMS 
 NODE ADAPTATIONS FOR ARCHITECTURALLY EXPOSED SYSTEMS 
 
7.  CORE DESIGN 
 MATERIAL TRENDS IN TALL BUILDING DESIGN 
 THE IMPACT OF 9/11 ON CORE DESIGN 
 THE PURPOSE OF A CORE IN A DIAGRID BUILDING 
 STEEL FRAMED CORES 
o Centered Steel Cores 
o Offset Steel Cores 
o Steel Cores Outside of the Building 
o Steel Cores for Hybrid Diagrid Buildings 
 REINFORCED CONCRETE CORES 
o Centered Concrete Cores 
o Concrete Cores for Narrow Plans 
o Concrete Cores for Highly Eccentric Loading 
o Concrete Cores for Supertall Buildings 
 
8.  CONSTRUCTABILITY 
 SAFETY ISSUES 
 ARCHITECTURALLY EXPOSED VERSUS CONCEALED STEEL 
 ECONOMY THROUGH PREFABRICATION AND REPETITION 
 IMPACT OF NODE AND MODULE CHOICES ON ERECTION 
 TRANSPORTATION ISSUES 
 STAGING AREA AND SITE RELATED ISSUES 
 MAINTAINING STABILITY DURING ERECTION 
 
   
9.  FAÇADE DESIGN  
 CLADDING AND FAÇADE TREATMENT 
 TRIANGULAR GLAZING  
 RECTILINEAR GLAZING 
 INTERMEDIARY GLAZING SUPPORT, LATTICE GRIDS 
 
10.  EXTERIOR DIAGRIDS  
 WHEN AN EXTERIOR DIAGRID IS APPROPRIATE 
 ISSUES WITH EXTERIOR STRUCTURAL DIAGRIDS 
 DIAGRIDS AS DOUBLE FAÇADE SUPPORT SYSTEMS 
 
CONTEMPORARY PROJECTS 
 
 TALL BUILDINGS 
o THE LEADENHALL BUILDING, LONDON, ENGLAND  
    ROGERS STIRK HARBOUR AND PARTNERS W/ ARUP 
o CAPITAL GATE, ABU DHABI, UAE  
RMJM ARCHITECTS 
o GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTER, GUANGZHOU, CHINA  
    WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS W/ ARUP  
o ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT TOWER, LONDON, ENGLAND  
    ANISH KAPOOR, CECIL BALMOND W/ ARUP 
o DOHA TOWER, DOHA, QATAR 
ATELIERS JEAN NOUVEL 
 
 UNCONSTRUCTED VISONARY PROJECTS 
o LOTTE SUPER TOWER, SEOUL, KOREA 
    SOM 
o CITIC TOWER, BEIJING, CHINA 
    TFP ARCHITECTS 
 
DIAGRID TIMELINE 
 
A timeline to look at the series of projects that will be addressed in this book in the context of the development of 
the diagrid, from the early work of Vladimir Shukov, through the diagonalized core typology, to the present. This is 
by no means a complete list of all of the diagrid buildings constructed to date. The sampling is global and intended 
to provide a thorough overview of the development of the system. 
 
Building Name Completion Building Height Diagrid Type Team
Date m/ft No. of
Thumbnail   Floors
Shukov Towers Designer: Vladimir Shukhov
(various) Russia

IBM Building 1963 13 floors concealed Architect: Curtis and Davis

(United diagrid Architects
Ironworkers) ‐ Engineer: Leslie E. Robertson
Pittsburgh, PA, USA Associates RLLP
 

John Hancock ‐ 1969 344m/1,128ft/ diagonalized Architect: SOM

Chicago, IL, USA 100 floors core Engineer: SOM

Bank of China ‐ 1990 367m/1,205ft/ diagonalized Architect: I.M. Pei

Hong Kong 72 floors core Engineer: Leslie E. Robertson
Associates RLLP

London City Hall ‐ 2003 10 floors diagrid to Architect: Foster + Partners

London, England support Engineer: ARUP
glazing
 

Swiss Re (St. Mary 2004 180m/590ft/ concealed Architect: Foster + Partners

Axe) ‐ London, 40 floors diagrid Structural engineering: Arup
England Wind surveyor: Rowan
Williams Davies & Irwin Inc.
Facade consultant: Emmer
Pfenninger Partner AG
Contractor: Skanska UK
Steel supplier: Hollandia BV
and Victor Buyck Steel
Construction NV
Facade supplier: Schmidlin
 
(UK) Ltd.
 Hearst Building ‐ 2006 182m/597ft/ concealed Architect: Foster + Partners
New York, NY, USA 46 floors diagrid Engineer: WSP Cantor Seinuk

Seattle Central 2005 11 floors diagrid to Architect: Rem Koolhaas

Library ‐ Seattle, support (OMA)
WA, USA glazing Engineer: ARUP

ROM ‐ Toronto, ON, 2006 6 floors concealed Architect: Libeskind w/

Canada diagrid Bregman and Hamman
Engineer: ARUP

Canton Tower ‐ 2008 600m/1,969ft/ sightseeing Architect: Mark

Guangzhou, China tower, Hemel/Barbara Kuit/IBA
external Engineer: ARUP
AESS
diagrid

SIPG Tower ‐ 2008 37 floors diagrid for Architect: East China

Shanghai, China double Architectural Design and
facade Research Institute

Tornado Tower – 2008 195m/640ft/ diagrid Architect: CICO Consulting

Doha, Qatar 51 floors Architects and Engineers,
SAIT
Engineers: Stroh and Ernst AG

Guangzhou IFC ‐ 2010 439m/1,439ft/ AESS Architect: Wilkinson Eyre

Guangzhou, China 103 floors diagrid Architects
Engineer: ARUP

O‐14 ‐ Dubai, UAE 2010 106m/347ft/ concrete Architects: Reiser + Umemoto

24 floors diagrid Engineer: WSP Cantor Seinuk
variation

 
 Aldar HQ ‐ Abu 2011 110m/361ft/ concealed Architect: MZ Associates
Dhabi, UAE 25 floors diagrid Engineer: ARUP

Capital Gate ‐ Abu 2011 165m/540ft/ AESS Architect: RMJM Architects

Dhabi, UAE 36 floors diagrid Engineer: RMJM

KK‐100 ‐ Shenzhen, 2011 442m/1,499ft/ diagonalized Architect: TFP

China 100 floors core Engineer: ARUP

Al Bahar ‐ Abu 2012 145m/476ft/ honeycomb Architect: Aedas

Dhabi, UAE 29 floors Engineer: ARUP

Doha Tower, Qatar 2012 238m/781ft/ AESS Architect: Ateliers Jean

46 floors diagrid Nouvel
Engineer: Terrell Group,
China Construction Design
International
 

ArcelorMittal Orbit 2012 diamond Architect: Anish Kapoor, Cecil

Tower ‐ London, diagrid Balmond
England Engineer: ARUP

Bow Encana ‐ 2012 237m/779ft/ AESS Architect: Foster + Partners

Calgary, AB, Canada 57 floors diagrid w/ Zeidler
Engineer: Yolles

CCTV ‐ Beijing, 2012 234m/768ft/ concealed Architect: Rem Koolhaas

China 54 floors diagrid (OMA)
Engineer: ARUP

 
 One Shelley Street ‐ 2012 11 floors concealed Architect: Fitzpatrick and
Sydney, Australia diagrid Partners
Engineer: ARUP

Canadian Museum 2013 concealed Architect: Antoine Predock

for Human Rights ‐ diagrid Engineer: Yolles
Winnipeg, MN,
Canada

Cleveland Clinic ‐ 2013 diagrid for Architect: HDR Architecture

Abu Dhabi, UAE double
facade

Manukau Institute 2013 5 floors AESS Architect: Jasmax Architects

of Technology ‐ diagrid (Stephen Middleton)
Auckland, New
Zealand
 

Leadenhall Building 2014 224m/735ft/ AESS Architect: Rogers Stirk

‐ London, England 50 floors diagrid Harbour and Partners
Engineer: ARUP

Lotte Super Tower ‐ 2015 555m/1,819ft/ Vision – not Architect: SOM

Seoul, Korea 123 floors built Engineer: SOM

Zhongguo Zun ‐ 2016 528m/1,732ft/ Vision – not Architect: TFP

Beijing, China 108 floors built Engineer: ARUP

 
 Hearst Tower (2004)
Foster + Partners

Preface
STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK
The general structure of the book is divided into two parts.

The first part of the book is intended to be more instructional and will follow a logical order in terms of its approach to
the sequence of topics and type of textual explanations. Images of the full range of projects that I have documented will be
included as they are appropriate to the discussion at hand.

The second section of the book will be divided into different classifications of diagrid applications:

- Tall and Supertall versus mid-rise applications

- Curved geometries
- Crystalline geometries
- Eccentric loading vs. normalized loading
- Hybrid diagrid buildings

This section will work towards creating a series of more detailed project profiles of each of the subject buildings, including
the following documentation:

- Detailed close-up shots of exterior and interior

- Photo or drawing of the nodes
- Structural axonometric of the building (preferably a Tekla/BIM model)
- Construction images (if available)
- Descriptions of the way the diagrid system has been incorporated into the design.
 Bank of China, Hong Kong (1990)
I.M. Pei Architect

1. Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Diagrids or diagonal grids are a structural design strategy for constructing large buildings with steel. They create triangular
structures with diagonal support beams. Diagrids require less structural steel than a conventional steel frame: Hearst Tower
in New York City, designed by Sir Norman Foster, reportedly used 21% less steel than a standard design. The Diagrid also
obviates the need for large corner columns and provides a better distribution of load in the case of a compromised build-
ing.

Diagonalized grid structures have emerged as one of the most innovative and adaptable approaches to structuring build-
ings in this millennium. The use of diagrids as a formal structural language in buildings started in the early 2000s, exam-
ples being Swiss Re, London GLA and Hearst Tower, all from the offices of Foster + Partners with ARUP. Today, variations
of the diagrid system have evolved to the point of making its use non exclusive to the tall building. Diagrid construction
is also to be found in a range of innovative mid-rise steel projects. As a structural type their use is becoming more wide-
spread, although information about how to best detail and take advantage of the system is lacking or generalized.

The selection a diagrid system is often based on architectural choice rather than structural directive,however there are sev-
eral functional and economic advantages that underlie the system:
- increased stability due to triangulation
- diagrids combine the gravity and lateral load bearing systems, thereby providing more efficiency
- provision of alternate load paths in the event of a structural failure
- reduced use of structural materials which translates into “carbon” or environmental savings
- reduced weight of the superstructure translates into reduced load on the foundations
- ability to provide structural support for a myriad of shapes (this has been a reason for the choice of cast concrete for many
years as steel tended to be very orthographic)

From the perspective of the project, there are aspects that can be very positive:
- the need for a team approach given the complexity of the design and visual impact of the structure on the building design
- a high level of cooperation between the architect and engineer
- a higher freedom of expression possible given the innate stability of the frame
- requirements of expertise and specialization from both architects and engineers

Guangzhou IFC - tallest diagrid Capital Gate, UAE - most leaning Aldar HQ, UAE - only disk like
building in the world diagrid in the world diagrid building in the world
 Swiss Re (2003)
Foster + Partners

2. Development of the Diagrid

DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIAGRID

This chapter will examine the history of the evolution of diagrid buildings as they evolved through several gen-
erations of bracing methods used for tall buildings.

The section will include structural issues pertaining to the way that gravity and lateral loads are handled by the
different bracing system methods.

How is a diagrid different from a diagonally braced structure?

Short history of changes in methods of diagonal bracing leading up to the invention of the diagrid.

What is a diagrid? Discussion of diagrid terminology (node, module).

Why choose a diagrid? (structural efficiency, redundancy)

When not to choose a diagrid? (seismic limitations of certain systems, aesthetics, exposure, cost)

John Hancock Tower, Chicago KK100, Shenzhen Bank of China, Hong Kong
 Aldar HQ (2011)
MZ Architects

3. The Module
THE MODULE

This chapter will examine the relationship between the size of the module, height of the building and efficiency
and form.

This will build upon current optimization research that is based on numerical studies but include a comparative
study of the many projects that will be included in this book to look at how the module influences and responds
to:

- structural efficiency
- height/width and proportion of the building
- choice of fenestration pattern and window size
- floor to floor heights
- geometry of the building
- eccentric loading
- AESS versus concealed steel structures

Hearst Tower, NYC Bow Encana, Calgary Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
 Guangzhou IFC (2010)
Wilkinson Eyre

4. Node and Member Design

NODE AND MEMBER DESIGN

This chapter will examine the design of the members and nodes including material choices and why the majority
of diagrids seem to select steel over concrete.

The discussion will include:

- the relationship with the module

- function of prefabrication
- the benefits of modularity
- dealing with odd shapes and eccentricities as well as many one-of elements
- the function of the stiffness of the node during erection
- transportation
- selection of the diagrid members
- when custom fabrication is required
- the impact of the choice to use AESS on the design of these elements

Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi Bow Encana, Calgary
 Al Bahar Towers (2012)
Aedas Architects

5. Core Design
CORE DESIGN

This chapter will examine the reasons for choosing steel or concrete for the core based on considerations of:

- constructablity
- erection sequencing
- local practices or preferences
- fire protection and disaster mitigation issues
- structural stability
- dimensional characteristics of the building design
- impact of and resistance to eccentric loading

Included will be some discussion regarding a change in core design to reflect terrorism. Regions that might
historically have used all steel buildings have more recently changed to composite steel and concrete cores as an
anti-terrorism measure.

Freedom Tower, NYC - steel with Swiss Re, London - complete steel Capital Gate - concrete to handle
3’ of concrete frame eccentric loading
 Bow Encana (2012)
Foster + Partners

6. Constructability and Erection Issues

CONSTRUCTABILITY AND ERECTION ISSUES

This chapter will examine the issues surrounding constructing and erecting a diagrid:

- how is constructing a diagrid different from other structural types?

- how do choices in node design, member type and length as well as module size impact construction and erec-
tion
- what are the particular site issues that are unique to diagrid construction
- transportation issues associated with nodes and long members
- stability during erection (size of member versus temporary shoring)

Some of the issues here will reference back to the design of the core as it is used during the construction process
as an answer to some erection issues.

ROM, Toronto - irregular diagrid Hearst, NYC - regular diagrid Orbit Tower, London - modular
 Capital Gate (2011)
RMJM Architects

7. The Impact of Exposure

THE IMPACT OF EXPOSURE ON DESIGN AND DETAILING ISSUES

This chapter will examine the issues surrounding choices to use a concealed or architecturally exposed diagrid.

Whether or not a diagrid is exposed or concealed there will be similar issues from an architectural design per-
spective regarding the tendency of the diagrid to dominate the design. There may be instances where the struc-
tural system needs to be less visually dominant as a function of the use of the space.

Concealed Structural Steel

- detailing of the node
- choice of and preferences for members
- impact of the module size on the choice of members for concealed steel
- fire protection

Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel

- detailing of the node for exposure
- choice of and preferences for members
- impact of the module size on the choice of members for concealed steel
- workmanship issues
- finishes and fire protection
- scale of exposed systems
- when the diagrid dominates the space

Guangzhou IFC - AESS Capital Gate, UAE - AESS London GLA - AESS
 Capital Gate (2011)
RMJM Architects

8. Cladding and Façade Treatment

CLADDING AND FAÇADE TREATMENT

This chapter will examine the envelope related issues.

The geometry of the façade will be impacted by:

- the size of the module
- the planimetric shape of the building
- the planar vs sculptural three dimensionality of the building
- desire to include natural ventilation
- placement of the structural diagrid (inside or outside the envelope)
- function of the building (use and partitions)

Triangulated Glazing
- when to use
- incorporation of natural ventilation

Rectilinear Glazing
- when to use
- cost issues
- incorporation of natural ventilation

Double Façades
- how are diagrids used to create double façades
- what are the merits
(this will be a brief introduction to the topic as it is covered in detail in the next chapter)

Intermediary Structures
- use of lattice grids to span or complement diagrid structural systems

Other practical issues such as the window washing and maintance will also be addressed.

SIPG Tower, Shanghai - double Guangzhou IFC - super transpar-

façade | triangulated CCTV, Beijing - rectilinear ent glass
 Shanghai International Port Group Tower (2008)

9. Exterior Diagrids
EXTERIOR DIAGRIDS

This chapter will examine the choice to place the diagrid on the exterior of the thermal envelope. This has been
done to support a double facade system or in climates that are temperate and where thermal bridging is not of
concern.

Double Façade
- structural benefits of an external diagrid over a rectilinear system
- impact on glazing and ventilation
- constructability

Exterior Diagrid Structure

- why place on the exterior?
- weathering issues
- potential structural concerns
- potential thermal concerns

Hospital, Abu Dhabi - Exterior,

Shelley Street, Sydney - Exterior double façade O14, Dubai - Exterior concrete
 Canton Tower (2010)

10. Architectural Applications

ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS
This chapter of the book will be the largest chapter and look to compare different “classifications” or “applications” of
diagrid structures. This will be different than the reference to the projects in Chapters 2 to 9 where the method of diagrid
design was explored.

The following classifications will be used as a method of sorting the projects:

- Tall and Supertall versus mid-rise applications

- Curved geometries
- Crystalline geometries
- Eccentric loading vs. normalized loading
- Hybrid diagrid buildings

This section will work towards creating a series of more detailed project profiles of each of the subject buildings, including
the following documentation:

- Detailed close-up shots of exterior and interior

- Photo or drawing of the nodes
- Structural axonometric of the building (preferably a Tekla/BIM model)
- Construction images (if available)
- Descriptions of the way the diagrid system has been incorporated into the design.

The level to which the project profiles can be consistently developed will be a function of the ability to source additional
materials from the architects, engineers and fabricators. It is the intention of the Project Profiles to use as much “ready
made” material that would have formed a part of the design and construction process. It is not my intention to commission
new drawings.

Aldar HQ, Abu Dhabi Guangzhou IFC Hotel Atrium Hearst Tower Atrium
 Arcelormittal Orbit Tower (2012)

11. Current State of Diagrid Research

CURRENT STATE OF DIAGRID RESEARCH

This chapter will summarize the findings of the book and speak to what is being done in current research includ-
ing mention of projects that are presently either “on the boards” or in the early stages of construction.

Most of the published research is highly numeric and directed at University engineering research. It is my sense
that much of the “real research” is being done in the engineering and architectural offices associated with these
projects. Where academia is looking for optimization, practice seems geared towards innovation and the break-
ing of records.

Canadian Museum for Human

Rights, Winnipeg Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi Diagrid building, Auckland