This book is comprised of two parts both of which exploremodular systems: Pipe-Z (PZ) and
Truss-Z (TZ) respectively. It presents severalmethods of creating PZ and TZ structures
subjected to discrete optimization.The algorithms presented employ graph-theoretic and
heuristic methods. Theunderlying idea of both systems is to create free-form structures using
theminimal number of types of modular elements. PZ is more conceptual as it formssingle-branch
mathematical knots with a single type of module. Conversely TZis a skeletal system for
creating free-form pedestrian ramps and ramp networksamong any number of terminals in space. In
physical space TZ uses two types ofmodules that are mirror reflections of each other. The
optimization criteriadiscussed include: the minimal number of units maximal adherence to the
givenguide paths etc.
