Italian Association for the Studies on Shell and Spatial Structures
Let's Shape 2025 - Summer School
July 1-4, Naples, Italy
The second edition of the summer school Let’s Shape presents an intensive program designed for engineering and architecture students, focusing on advanced form-finding techniques for complex structural systems such as shells, vaults, gridshells, tensile structures, and cable-strut assemblies. Hosted by the University of Naples Federico II, the program provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical, computational, and practical aspects of form-finding.
Participants will delve into the theoretical principles governing these structures, gaining a solid understanding of their behaviour, design challenges, and analysis methods. Key concepts will be illustrated through lectures delivered by experts in the field, ensuring a comprehensive knowledge base. The summer school offers detailed training on computational approaches to form-finding, including Dynamic Relaxation, Improved Multibody Rope Approach, Force Density Method, Thrust Network Analysis, and R-Funicularity for Shape Verification. Students will apply these techniques to assigned case studies under the guidance of faculty members, developing both computational and physical models. The program emphasizes experimental learning through scaled physical modelling. Students will explore the principles of form-finding by constructing lycra fabric models, cable structures, wooden rod frameworks, hanging models for compressive shell forms. These activities provide a tactile understanding of structural behavior and the translation of computational models into real-world designs.
Group work forms a cornerstone of the summer school experience. Students will collaborate to develop computational models of assigned case studies and construct corresponding physical models. This integrated approach fosters teamwork, creativity, and a deeper comprehension of form-finding techniques.
This summer school offers a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice, empowering students to master state-of-the-art form-finding techniques and apply them to innovative structural design.
Objectives of the association 4S
Shell and spatial structures are representative of some of the most efficient structural systems in which the optimized use of materials is combined with effective structural forms. The continuing development of analysis methods, design approaches and construction techniques of shell and spatial structures has resulted in an increasing interest to engineers, architects, and builders.
The Italian Association for the Studies on Shell and Spatial Structures (4S) is interested in the design, modelling, analysis, construction, and other aspects of the technology of all types of shell and spatial structures. These may include, but are not limited to, tension and membrane structures, framed and lattice structures, gridshells and active-bending structures, shell roofs, tensegrity structures, pneumatic and inflatable structures, active and deployable structures, concrete, metal, masonry, timber and bio-based, spatial structures. The 4S is devoted to experimental and theoretical studies, analysis methods and approaches regarding their design, computational form finding, structural optimization, manufacturing, testing and maintenance techniques and historical reviews.