Structural engineering for the design competition entry by Plan D Architects for a new complex of office buildings in Madagascar. The proposal includes two spectacular signature buildings characterized by their shapes at the facades, where the twin buildings merge one with the other, in both alternatives provided.
The main structure of the buildings is conceived as a central core designed to absorb the horizontal forces – wind and earthquake – transmitted as membrane forces through the slabs or floors. This system is widely supported by experience in tall buildings, with less rigidity compared to tubular systems, but with great architectural advantages in terms of space use – service core, and aesthetics – facades, slenderer and much more translucent. The shapes at the facades, where the twin buildings merge one with the other, have an impact on the design of the columns at the perimeter.
Structural engineering during competition.
