Shell structures generated from hanging models have structurally efficient forms. Form-control of these shells, which aims to obtain structural forms with single- and multiple target heights due to some architectural requirements, is discussed in this article. First, the vector form intrinsic finite element method is applied to generate the equilibrium form of hanging membranes and thus shell structures. Subsequently, the form-control problem is discussed, which aims to generate a structural form subject to given target height constrains. By introducing the Local Linearization Method to adjust Young’s modulus of the initial structural model, a form-control strategy to generate the equilibrium structural form with a single target height is proposed. By introducing the Inverse Iteration Method to adjust the geometry of the initial model, a form-control strategy to generate the equilibrium structural form with several target heights is proposed. Moreover, to verify the effectiveness of the vector form intrinsic finite element method and form-control strategies, structural analyses and shell behavior assessment of these shells are conducted. These strategies are effective and efficient, which can help architects or engineers to determine structurally efficient geometries in the design process much more easily.@en

By using inflatable moulds and then spraying cellulose-water mixture, one ice dome and two ice towers were built in Harbin in December 2016. During the whole process, form-finding of the inflatable moulds as well as the construction of these ice composite shell structures are very important for the final results. The mould for the ice dome structure was a result of the manipulation of a synclastic membrane with a rope net. The mould for the ice tower structure consisted of some anticlastic surfaces. Form-finding of the inflatable moulds was conducted by the parametric tool “EasyForm” which is a self-programed plug-in in Grasshopper based on Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element method. In a low-temperature work environment (-10 ℃ and below), the ice shell structures were constructed on the inflatable moulds. The cellulose-water mixture was sprayed in thin layers continuously and uniformly in order to make the surface of a shell of cellulose-reinforced ice. The construction process is introduced detailedly in this paper.@en