"I have selected the use of hanging models to simulate compressive forces. This is one of the longest-used form finding techniques. It has its roots in physical models, but in recent years it has also given rise to a range of digital tools that are fairly accessible to an uninitiated designer... Hanging models... can be used to simulate... funicular structures. ...derived from the Latin word for “rope”... a structure takes its shape in response to the magnitude and location of forces acting upon it. For example, a rope suspended from two level points will form a “V” when a single point load is added at midpoint, but will form a catenary when under an evenly-distributed load. While a suspended rope is a purely tensile system, if inverted and made rigid that same form converts into a system that is in pure compression. This was first postulated (and wonderfully expressed) by the English scientist Robert Hooke... The value of a structure that is purely in compression is that it experiences no due to structural loads. With no bending present materials can be used very efficiently, allowing for the use of extremely thin elements... materials that are strong in compression... as tiles or masonry, can... be employed."