HYPERBOLIOD STRUCTURE

CATHEDRAL OF
BRASILIA
OSCAR NIEMEYER

A report presented by Priyank Soni (2011BARC076)

Hyperboloid structures are architectural structures designed using a hyperboloid in one
sheet. Often these are tall structures such as towers where the hyperboloid geometry's
structural strength is used to support an object high off the ground, but hyperboloid
geometry is also often used for decorative effect as well as structural economy.

An interesting geometric property of the hyperbola is the following: the area of the triangle
enclosed by the asymptotes and a tangent does not depend on the choice of the tangent.

Hyperbolic structures have a negative Gaussian

curvature, meaning they curve inward rather than
outward or being straight. As doubly ruled
surfaces, they can be made with a lattice of
straight beams, hence are easier to build than
curved surfaces that do not have a ruling and
must instead be built with curved beams.

Hyperboloid structures are superior in stability

towards outside forces compared to "straight"
buildings but have shapes often creating large
amounts of unusable volume (low space
efficiency) and therefore are more commonly
used in purpose-driven structures, such as water
towers (to support a large mass) and aesthetics.

CATHEDRAL OF BRASILIA - Priyank Soni

With cooling towers, a hyperbolic structure is preferred. At the bottom, the widening of the
tower provides a large area for installation of fill to promote thin film evaporative cooling of
the circulated water. As the water first evaporates and rises, the narrowing effect helps
accelerate the laminar flow, and then as it widens out, contact between the heated air and
atmospheric air supports turbulent mixing.
Niemeyer saw a compact and clean concept for the cathedral of Brasilia, a volume occurring
with the same purity from any perspective and for times of deep religious expression. In the
air born outside the structure of the earth is a cry of faith and hope, then, the gallery is in
semi-darkness to prepare the faithful to show religious order in the contrast of light and the
external effects. The faithful depart from the world are projected between the cathedral and
the infinite spaces. This concrete-framed hyperboloid structure, seems with its glass roof to
be reaching up, open, to heaven.

In his architecture, Niemeyer combined modernist techniques and materials with curving
lines and free use of form reminiscent of the Brazilian baroque period. Niemeyer's project of
Cathedral of Braslia is based in the hyperboloid of revolution which sections are asymmetric.
The hyperboloid structure itself is a result of 16 identical assembled concrete columns. These
columns, having hyperbolic section and weighing 90t were assembled on site and represent
two hands moving upwards to heaven. The Cathedral is 40m high and holds up to four
thousand people. The base of the building is circular and about 60m in diameter. Its glass
ceiling begins at the floor and is supported by 16 curved columns. Its circular structure
prevents the existence of a facade. Its nave is over 70m in diameter, so long, despite the
circular from the Cathedral. the columns are integrated with stained glass windows, which
are different shades of blue, white and brown.

CATHEDRAL OF BRASILIA - Priyank Soni