Topological Tilt-Wall mockup
Topological Tilt-Wall
Expanding on a tried-and-true concrete construction method.
Role
Researcher
3D Designer
Futurist
Contributions
Competitive Research
Design Strategy
Prototype Design
Team
Chris Huskey
Saul Olmedo
David Pacheco Garcia
Collaboration
UTA
College of Architecture
O'Brien Architects
Tools
Rhino
Grasshopper
3ds Max
Revit
Lumion
AutoCAD
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Illustrator
Indesign
Photoshop
Context/Background
Overview
Topological Tilt-Wall was a year long collaboration project between UTA's CAPPA (College of Architecture and Public Affairs) and O'Brien Architects to explore and improve upon a specific construction method - Tilt-Wall Construction. A mix between the scientific method and the design thinking framework was used in this 12 month process split between two sessions to create a 4 foot tall prototype.

Responsibilities
  • Coordinated and collaborated between research team and O'Brien Architects.
  • Provided research for precedent studies.
  • Created visual design language for presentation.
  • Provided structural simulation data using Finite Element Analysis.
  • Tested various geometry solutions using digital simulations in Rhino + Grasshopper.
  • Tested and created multiple versions of potential concrete formwork solutions.
Topological tilt-wall panel. [02]
What is tilt-wall construction?
Tilt-Up Wall or Tilt-Wall Construction is a two-step process:

First, concrete slabs, which are most often load-bearing sections of a building's envelope or elevation, are cast horizontally on the buildings concrete floor slab. The concrete slabs or panels, are then lifted (tilted) with a crane after the concrete has reached sufficient strength.

Secondly, a crane sets the panels, most often in a vertical orientation, on prepared foundations, thus forming the desired wall line from a series of consecutive panels standing next to each other.
Tilt-wall process. [03]
Research + Statistics
Tilt-wall construction - more popular than you know.
Due to its efficient methodology, tilt-wall is most commonly used for 2 to 4 story industrial and commercial buildings. In Texas alone, tilt-wall accounts for as much as 75% of new one-story commercial building construction. The TCA (Tilt-Up Concrete Association) reports that 15% of all industrial buildings in the U.S. were created using tilt-wall construction.

However, this methodology works best with flat wall panels. Making it an unpopular choice for designers specializing in other building typologies that aren't warehouses or "big box" stores i.e. Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc.
Example of big box stores. [04]
Question
How can we build upon tilt-wall construction?
Is it possible to construct a tilt-wall panel with spatial depth by exploring new formwork materials and implementing a system of design parameters that provide structural reinforcement?
Hypothesis
A possible solution?
By implementing biodegradable 3D-printed foam formwork and integrating double curved structural reinforcement, a tilt wall with spatial depth can be produced.
Proposed formwork for prototype. [05]
Scroll down for full process.
Reflections + Conclusion
Lessons Learned
  • Testing is your greatest ally to validate your hypothesis.
  • The more artifacts you create the better! They can be used as hard evidence to backup your design decisions.
  • Being flexible and able to adapt will help when you run against obstacle after obstacle. ("Fail fast," and move on.)
  • New and useful skills have been learned with a project of this scope, ie laser cutting, 3d printing, 3d milling etc.
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