Monocoque construction

The term "monocoque" is French for "single shell." Monocoque construction is a technique that uses the external skin of an object to support most of the load on a structure. It was first widely used in the aircraft industry and is currently practiced in automobile construction technology. The problem, however, is maintaining enough strength to keep the weight within limits. In semimonocoque construction, the external skin is reinforced by longitudinal members. This helps to overcome the strength to weight issue present in monocoque construction.

The first automotive application of the monocoque technique was the Lancia Lambda in 1923. Chrysler and Citrohan built the first mass-produced vehicles in 1934. 1938's Volkswagon Beetle later utilized a semi-monocoque body.

Citrohan Traction Avant

The sophistication of monocoque technology has also been realized in architecture. In buildings, it allows for more open interior spaces without the need for columns and load-bearing walls. An example of this can be seen in the Media Center at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Designed by Future Systems in 1999, it is the first all aluminum semi-monocoque building in the world. It also introduces a new method of construction, as it was built by Pendennis Shipyard, utilizing the latest advancements in boatbuilding technology.

Monocoque construction has a wide range of uses, illustrating how materials and methods used in aircraft, automotive, and shipbuilding industries can be integrated into architectural practices. Kolarevic notes that a close collaboration with industry is critical in architecture, especially during the conceptual stages of design development. By learning from these industries, we can discover new forms of architectural expression, as well as develop new means of material production.