![]() ![]() ![]() Despite this, the shell is still structurally intact and a majestic presence in Xochimilco. Hypars (hyperbolic paraboloids) were Candela’s structural specialty their genius lies in the fact that, despite their freeform appearance, they can be constructed using an array of. Piecemeal modifications, such as the application of a red waterproofing layer and modifications at the supports blunt the clarity of form initially present. This is a beautiful piece of r/modernistarchitecture by Felix Candela, one of the 20th century's masters of structural engineering. Additional structures and a fence block views of the structure. Los Manantiales is still operated as a restaurant today, but the picturesque setting present at the time of construction has changed. The symmetrical plan and innovative use of “V” beams allows edges free of stiffening beams, revealing the radical thickness of the 4cm (1 ½”) shell. The rest of the structure has minimal reinforcing to address creep and temperature effects, but essentially works entirely in compression. This areas are thickened by creating hidden steel reinforced “V” beams. The largest membrane forces are carried along the intersections between the forms, called the groins. Hypars were Candela’s structural specialty their genius lies in the fact that, despite their freeform appearance, they can be constructed using an array of straight lines as formwork.ĭiagrams, construction images, and a more detailed description of the physics behind this structure can be found here All the building consists of is several intersecting thin concrete shells, each of which is stable despite its slenderness thanks to the double curvature of its hyperbolic paraboloid geometry. This restaurant in Mexico City is one of the finest pieces of structural expressionism in mid-century architecture. ![]()
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