Diagrid
A diagonal structural grid carries gravity and lateral loads, making the facade part of the primary frame.
Triangular or diamond grids channel loads mainly through axial force and can reduce or eliminate conventional corner columns.
The Gherkin and Hearst Tower are leading examples. Node detailing, fabrication precision, and erection tolerances directly affect performance.
A diagrid may read as a patterned facade, but unlike applied decoration, member sizes and angles follow structural analysis.
Factory fabrication, lifting, and surveying are central to construction. Waterproofing and thermal bridges must be coordinated with glazing units.
