Hyperbolic Paraboloid

Hyperbolic Paraboloid

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Hyperbolic paraboloid, a geometrical wonder!

A hyperbolic paraboloid is a doubly-curved surface that resembles the shape of a saddle: It has a convex form along one axis, and a concave form along the other.

I find it fascinating that it is one of the three possible shapes of the Universe. The two others are a flat Universe (Euclidean or zero curvature) or a spherical or closed Universe (positive curvature). I like the idea of the hyperbolic or open Universe (negative curvature) because this curvature is literally built with straight lines and there is something incredible about this that the two other possibilities lack.

In architecture, being both lightweight and efficient, the structure minimises the use of materials and gains its strength through its shape: Its curvature (+ being braced in two directions) reduces its tendency to buckle in compression (as a flat plane would). They are also easy to construct using a series of straight structural members. They are commonly used to construct thin ‘shell’ roofs, which can either be formed using timber, steel sections or reinforced concrete.