Chinmay_1 - Atlas of Novel Tectonics

1/ Fineness

- Architecture is not a single thing but it deals with multiple models, surfaces and materials operating at different scales.

- Fineness in architecture means the right balance between the material geometry and force.

- Example of Glass sponge structure as fineness, which is also known as the Venus flower basket found in Deep Ocean.

- These are Marine sponges with bio glass fibre skeletons. Their structure is cage like with diagonal members as well. In addition the structure is reinforced by spiral-ribs that prevent the structure from collapsing. These glass fibres are produced at very low temperature and can withstand immense pressure at 10-1000 metres deep under water.  

- The same fineness in structure can be found in Swiss Re headquarters, London by Foster + Partners. The structure has diagonal grid members which resembles to the glass sponge.

- The structure of the building is light with minimum use of material and attaining the maximum stability, just like the structure of glass sponge.

- The cylindrical shape reduces the wind load on the building same as the glass sponge in deep sea.