Design and construction of the Downland Gridshell

I think an interesting point in the article is that it describes the whole process, from the first design idea until the constructed building and how the change of media always leads to new insights and conclusions. The physical model showed how the material performs in relation to the form. With this knowledge the computer model could be changed and become more realistic to build.

The article also showed how important collaboration is and how the knowledge of different parties comes together. I think team work between professional firms and universities is an important point in the developement of gridshells. Universities have the work capacity and provide an environment to research and experiment in materials and forms while firms have the capability to make it a reality. The collaboration is advantageous for both parties. Frei Otto and his institute for light structures at the university of Stuttgart is a good example for a succesful collaboration.