Alcoy Community Hall Structural Analysis and Model

What was the central goal?

Concept
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This project explores the transformation of a rigid public plaza into a dynamic, multi-functional civic space through the lens of Calatrava’s Alcoy Community Hall. Inspired by Calatrava’s interest in kinetic systems and structural expressionism, the study focused on modeling deployable components—particularly the stainless steel folding fountain—as an investigation of motion, form, and structural clarity. The goal was to reinterpret the architectural movement and conduct an in-depth structural analysis. I worked closely with my colleague, Eric Becker. Eric analyzed and modeled the underground portion of the hall, and I primarily focused on investigating the fountain and its movement.
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Design
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The work centers on simulating the crank-driven articulation of Calatrava’s linkage system—specifically the stainless steel slats that conceal and reveal the fountain basin at the eastern entrance. The project used Grasshopper to generate parametrically driven louver elements, each actuated with phased rotational logic to create a fluid, wave-like motion reminiscent of the original kinetic mechanism. The louvers were modeled to pivot in coordinated sequence, referencing Calatrava’s early research on foldable space frames.
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Structure
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The kinetic facade operates on a series of linked crank mechanisms, each simulating a simple rotation about a central axis. A Grasshopper script drives the system with phased sinusoidal motion, enabling the louvers to unfold across a curved trajectory. This digitally replicates the physical logic of Calatrava’s fountain, translating it into a modular parametric framework. The geometry also reflects the axial symmetry and layered ribs seen in the subterranean arches of the Alcoy Hall.
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Simulation & Prototype
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Each panel is controlled via a rotational input mapped to an analog crank arm, phased to produce sequential delay. A sinusoidal series controls amplitude and timing, resulting in an expressive kinetic surface responsive to user input or environmental data. The system could easily extend to future prototyping using servos or stepper motors, but is hand-cranked in this iteration.

We laser cut plywood and acrylic and labeled them carefully. Each hinge was then fastened with nylon fasteners and thin brass rods. Although photographed during an early prototype phase, these image illustrate the precision alignment of 40+ acrylic segments along the plywood spline, forming the rotational backbone of the hinge system.