STUDENT AQUATIC CENTER
The UTK Student Aquatic Center was redesigned using long-span structural systems, allowing the roof and structure to span large areas without extensive interior supports. The design process began with research, including case studies, drawings, and examples of innovative architecture, with significant inspiration drawn from Zaha Hadid’s bold, gravity-defying work. A computational tool was employed to explore different forms and materials, ensuring structural efficiency and performance. The project progressed from research to digital modeling and physical representation, resulting in a redesigned aquatic center that is both highly functional and visually compelling.
2025
The design is supported by an exterior long-span truss system that forms a strong structural shell around the building. The curved roof is composed of a continuous grid of trusses, which carry loads through diagonal members and transfer forces down to the perimeter columns and walls. With the trusses positioned externally, the interior remains fully open, providing clear sightlines and flexible space which is ideal for an aquatic center. The double curvature of the roof stabilizes the form, naturally channeling gravity loads along the surface rather than relying on interior supports. Structurally, this results in a lightweight yet efficient system, while functionally, it accommodates natural light, ventilation strategies, and a visually striking profile. Overall, the exterior truss network makes the roof both expressive and practical, supporting the long-span design while enhancing the interior experience.
For the construction of the roof, Grasshopper was used to generate the geometry and arrangement of the trusses, while Rhino was employed to define the overall form and curvature of the roof. This approach allowed precise control over the structural grid, enabling adjustments to span, angles, and load distribution. The combination of computational modeling and parametric design facilitated the integration of structural efficiency with the aesthetic expression of the double-curved roof, ensuring both performance and visual impact were carefully balanced.
Received the High Performance Design Award in recognition of the innovative truss system design.