Design and fabrication of a tessellated shell

Shells have been used for centuries in architecture to response to the ancient need of covering long span spaces. Recently, the adoption of parametric design approaches to geometric modelling allows describing and investigating large complex systems with few variables. The parametric modeling also allows fabrication processes and constraints to be considered earlier in the process, as part of the conceptual design process. This is of particular interest when the intent is to develop structures able to respond to a logic of design for deconstruction. This work explores the digital process from design to manufacturing of a thin shell that has the shape of sounds waves replicating like in an Echo. The shell combines free form generation with planarization and tessellation processes, using hexagonal discretization. The hexagonal panels are CNC fabricated and they are connected together by ad hoc 3D printed PLA joints. This paper presents construction process and details of the ECHO shell. The overall structure is demountable, easy to transport and capable to be reassembled in short time, responding to the principle of design for deconstruction.