Mapping two-way grids onto free-form surfaces

The advent of free-form 3-D modeling software has allowed architects and designers to create almost any shape imaginable. In order to physically realise these computer models, say as a building or a sculpture, an internal armature can be used along with non-load bearing panels to create the required external surface. Examples include Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Body Zone in the Millennium Dome, London . Use of a grid structure, consisting of a lattice of rods (see Figure 1) may be more desirable due to the potential for reductions in material usage and increased internal space. However, it is not always obvious how to create an efficient grid structure on a given architectural surface form.