Proposed topics
Timber gridshells are currently enjoying growing and renewed interest among architects and engineers. Its structural concept, based on the creation of curved surfaces from a grid of elements, makes highly efficient solutions possible in the use of materials, while offering a lightweight and impressive architectural appearance. Research on new materials and connection systems, the continuous development of digital tools for design and structural analysis, advanced manufacturing, and current innovative realizations are extending the limits of application and formalization of this fascinating type of structures.
The Final Degree Project (TFG) aims to gather the most recent advances in gridshell structures, and to explore new directions for the future. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Formal exploration, geometrical design, and form-finding
- Recent and new applications
- Innovative construction systems
- Design tools
- Digital fabrication
- Integration of digital tools
- Innovative connection systems by CNC
- Structural analysis
- Optimization
In Progress Bachelor’s Thesis
- Mancha Ruiz, A. D (2026). Encased systems in the digital age. Rediscovering Philibert de L’Orme.
- Sobrino Corral, D (2026). Between the skin and the structure: exploration in wooden meshes. From digital design to physical prototype.
Completed Bachelor’s Thesis
- Hauschild Arencibia, P (2026). Exploring the structural behavior of reticular shells: Integrated system for load application and digital reconstruction (Bachelor’s Thesis)
- Corregidor Hernández, I (2025). From the forest to the city. Architecture with hardwood in Spain (Bachelor’s Thesis)
- Gracia Mayans, A (2025). Photogrammetry applied to the structural analysis of reticular shells (Bachelor’s Thesis)
- Pérez Díaz, J (2024). Design and digital fabrication of carpentry joints: Sheet splice for reticular timber shell structures (Bachelor’s Thesis)
- Urbón de la Puebla, C. (2024). Mid-rise residential construction with timber in Spain. Structural design strategies (Bachelor’s Thesis)
