The Effect of Membrane Structure on Contemporary Spatial Design

Abstract

The Effect of Membrane Structure on Contemporary Spatial Design Description: The structure systems and covering span ways have become various through ages, they differs from conventional systems that depend on Load bearing (beams and columns), Skeleton (frames, trusses), and ended to the Form-acting (shells, tensile and membrane structures). Membrane systems have an effective impact on covering large span projects, because their great advantages as: lightweight, low initial construction cost, less amount of used construction material, and quick erection time. This research aim is to highlight on membrane structure systems with their materials and types, to be used as one of preferable systems in covering large and mega span projects. This will be done by reviewing the historical development of membranes through history, studying membrane materials and systems which have been mostly used and their new trends and technology, and the research ended with case study for each system to extract the main aspects of architectural membrane design. Keywords: Membrane Structures - Tent Structures - Pneumatic Structures - Lightweight Structures - Anticlastic structures – Fabric architecture.