Episode 120 – How Glass & Grid Shells Make the Impossible Possible

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., to explore the engineering behind grid shells and structural glass. We discuss how grid shells achieve remarkable long spans through efficient geometry, the role of form-finding and computational design, and the challenges of analysis, connections, and construction.

We also dive into structural glass, covering its behavior as a structural material, connection design, redundancy, code development, and the projects pushing the boundaries of transparent architecture.

Guest Profile:

Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP, is a structural engineer, educator, and author specializing in lightweight structures, structural glass, mass timber, and long-span structural systems. He currently serves as a Professor of Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University while also leading Schultz Engineering as Principal Engineer and Chief Structures Nerd, where he helps architects and engineers develop innovative structural solutions. Earlier in his career, Joshua worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), contributing to the design of high-profile supertall buildings and advanced façade systems. He is also the author of Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture, a comprehensive guide to the analysis and design of lightweight structural systems. Through his work in practice, research, teaching, and writing, Joshua is helping advance the future of structural engineering by bridging innovative design with practical engineering.

Links & Resources:

Book - Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture

Routledge - https://shorturl.at/qe5Up Amazon - https://shorturl.at/m9Jyb Links of interesting projects

Transparent Shell Typology

Frei Otto and Gridshell

Taiyuan Botanical Garden

Transbay Transit Center

Grace Farms