Topology is a new research topic in the development of our proposal for the site of the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
The aim is to explore the potential of topologically defined — as opposed to geometrically defined — architectural space and form. Topology is a science of qualities. By following a qualitative approach we intend to expand the possibilities for formal differentiation in the project.
The first challenge has been to define through the mathematics of nodal surfaces what we want to achieve with urban space: different degrees of connectivity and continuity. We found that nodal surfaces can assume countless shapes, provide the differentiation we are looking for, and yet preserve the characteristics of a minimal surface (zero mean curvature), thus offering a structural advantage.
