An Exhibition on the 3rd Floor of the E-Wing of the Engineering Quad

Princeton University

There is more than one solution to an engineering problem; thus, creativity and art are essential elements of design. FÉLIX CANDELA, a mid-20th century designer of concrete thin shell roof forms, exemplifies the integration of engineering and art.  A display case at the end of the hall exhibits some of Candela’s greatest designs, the tools he used to create them, and some items representing his scholarship on thin shell structures. 

The 21st century, however, presents new challenges and new opportunities. This exhibition explores creativity and innovation in how we currently analyze, design, build, and protect our infrastructure and buildings. A modest focus is given to ‘shell structures’, which are defined as thin forms that are curved or otherwise represent a small structural volume given the space they enclose.

Four subthemes define this exhibition exploration:

  • INNOVATIVE MATERIALS
  • ROBOTIC CONSTRUCTION
  • FORM FINDING AND NETWORKS
  • HAZARDS OF CLIMATE AND TIME

Curator and Contributors

Maria E. Moreyra Garlock curated the exhibition with contributions from: 

Faculty:

  • Sigrid Adriaenssens
  • Branko Glisic
  • Jurgen Hackl
  • Ning Lin
  • Reza Moini
  • Jyotirmoy Mandal
  • Glaucio Paulino
  • Claire White 

Students:

  • Warren Yuan
  • Isla Han
  • Manus McCracken

Staff:

  • Islam Elnaggar (CEE)
  • Penelope Georges (CST)
  • J. Hans Martini (Carpenter)
  • Jim Sullivan (Carpenter)
  • Joe Vocaturo (CEE)

Financial Supporters

We are thankful for the financial support of the Council on Science and Technology, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and CreativeX (a trans-disciplinary group investigating at the intersections of engineering and the arts).