OpenStructures
OpenStructures is an open source modular construction model based on a shared geometrical grid, called the OS grid. It was conceived by designer Thomas Lommée, and first demonstrated at the Z33, a house for contemporary art. According to Lommee, the OpenStructures project explores the possibility of a modular system where "everyone designs for everyone." OpenStructures is developing a database where anyone can share designs which are in turn available for download by the public. Each component design in the OS system will feature previously designed OS parts that were used to create it. In addition, each part will feature component designs that can be made from it.
The OpenStructures model includes large and small scale manufacturers as well as craftsmen. They are invited to create their own designs according to the OS standard for sale on the market, which can in turn be fixed or disassembled at their end of life and made into new products.
Grid
The OpenStructures grid is built around a square of 40×40 mm and is scalable. The squares can be further subdivided or put together to form larger squares, without losing inter-compatibility.Designers use the OS grid to determine preferred dimensions, assembly points, and interconnecting diameters. This allows parts that were not originally from the same design to be used together in a new design.
For example, the 10 mm OpenStructures grid may dictate preferred dimensions such as:
- Squares of 40 mm. For example, the sketch on graph paper seen above can fit 9 complete 40 × 40 mm squares.
- Inscribed circles of 20, 40, 80, 120, 160 mm, etc.. These can for example be used for bolt circles of 4×80 mm or 4×160 mm.
- Circumscribed circles on the other hand will not have such round numbers
- Rhombus with sides measuring 28.28 mm..
- Any other shapes which mates to the grid, for example cyclic polygons of matching sizes
Scales
- Parts, like body tissues.
- Components, like organs, formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues. An example is a motor.
- Structures, like a group of related organs in an organ system. Here, different components are composed with frames and joints, such as a bicycle.
- Superstructures, like organisms, can be understood as the whole hierarchical assembly of different structures that together function as a stable whole which has the capacity to grow and develop. Example are houses or electric vehicles.
Open architecture
Autarchitecture is based in OpenStructures and proposes flexible constructions that can adapt over time.
Open smart brick elements and buildings can be based on OpenStructures.