The Grammar of Anne Tyng’s Simpler Space Structures

Abstract

Anne Tyng’s notion of metamorphology is introduced in relation to three of the architect’s residential space structures. The interpretation of this body of work is viewed through the lens of the octetruss to examine the evolution of Tyng’s design approach where the interplay between Platonic geometries and their transformations demonstrates exponential formal and functional opportunity. This analysis provides a foundation for a constructive theory on Tyng’s space structures. The theory is constructive in two directions. First, in that it defines a lattice of spatial relations and their transformations to reconceptualize the houses, and second, in that these same conceptualizations motivate a shape grammar that produces prototypes for space structures rooted in Tyng’s examples. Sample reconfigurations generated with the grammar are offered to support discussion on the value of a metamorphological design approach and how it recalibrates understanding of Tyng’s work to inspire ongoing reinvention.