ABSTRACT
The grid shell is a spatially curved framework of
rods and rigid joints. The rod elements form a
planar grid with rectangular meshes and constant
spacing between the knots [nodes]. The form of a
grid shell is determined by inverting the form of
a flexible hanging net. To invert the catenary so
that it becomes the thrust line of an arch free of
moments is an idealisation. Analogously, inverting
the form of a hanging net yields the support
surface of a grid shell free of moments.
