Fabric Structures In Architecture

Fabric Structures in Architecture covers the varying ways textiles and their properties are used in building construction, with particular focus given to tensile structures. The text begins with the fundamental principles of textiles, including the origins of fabric architecture, then progressing to a discussion of the modern textiles of today. It covers relevant textile materials and their properties, including coatings and membranes. In addition, a range of design considerations are discussed, with detailed information on installation and failure modes. A series of case studies from around the world accompany the discussion, illustrating the applications of textiles in architecture. Offers key coverage of the fundamental principles, from the origins of fabric architecture to modern textile Provides analysis of relevant textile materials and their properties, including coatings and membranes Contains expert insights in to the applications of textiles in architecture, presenting a series of relevant case-studies from around the world

This reprint of the 1985 architectural classic discusses a technology that offers an important alternative to conventional construction, having unique properties that make it useful for certain applications. Due to improvements in materials, structural analysis, and environmental control, these structures can often be considered permanent buildings.The membrane is the principal structural component of a tensioned fabric structure. Under certain circumstances, a tensioned fabric structure can reduce energy consumption in a building. The natural light from the translucent surface reduces requirements for artificial lighting, the reflectivity of the skin reduces heat gain, and the radiation of waste heat from the warm fabric surface to cool sky results in an energy-efficient building in warm climates. In cold climates, a second skin or liner is often used, often with glass fiber insulation in the cavity to further reduce heat loss.In general, as permanent structures, tensioned fabric technology is underutilized. There are many projects or parts of projects that could employ this system.

This reprint of the 1985 architectural classic discusses a technology that offers an important alternative to conventional construction, having unique properties that make it useful for certain applications. Due to improvements in materials, structural analysis, and environmental control, these structures can often be considered permanent buildings.The membrane is the principal structural component of a tensioned fabric structure. Under certain circumstances, a tensioned fabric structure can reduce energy consumption in a building. The natural light from the translucent surface reduces requirements for artificial lighting, the reflectivity of the skin reduces heat gain, and the radiation of waste heat from the warm fabric surface to cool sky results in an energy-efficient building in warm climates. In cold climates, a second skin or liner is often used, often with glass fiber insulation in the cavity to further reduce heat loss.In general, as permanent structures, tensioned fabric technology is underutilized. There are many projects or parts of projects that could employ this system.

Concrete is the most used man-made material in the world and is the fundamental physical medium for most of the world’s architecture and construction. The character of concrete is largely the product of the rigid moulds that have shaped it since its invention in antiquity. The advent of flexible moulds, however, marks a radical break from conventional practice – and conventional concrete architecture. The Fabric Formwork Book provides the first comprehensive handbook on the emerging technology of flexible moulds for reinforced concrete architecture. Written by the foremost expert in the field, this book takes a comprehensive and generous approach that includes technical, historical and theoretical aspects of the subject. The book: concentrates on simple flat-sheet formworks contains detailed technical descriptions of how to construct a wide range of formworks for various applications features case studies from around the world critiques the difficulties and advantages in each case it covers provides instruction and guidance on how to model and design fabric-formed structures includes the most comprehensive history of fabric formwork yet published features essays from guest expert authors, which explore the theoretical, historical, and poetic significance of flexibly formed architecture and structures discusses fabric formwork as an exemplary approach to sustainable construction through its simplicity and efficiency. Beautifully designed and illustrated with a superb range of images, diagrams and technical drawings, the book both informs and inspires. Speaking directly and plainly to professionals, students and academics, the language used is both clear and precise, and care is taken to avoid opaque technical or academic jargon. Technical terms, when used, are clearly described and a special glossary is included to make the book as widely accessible as possible.

A breathtaking view of state-of-the-art technology for projects ranging from simple awnings to dome stadiums. Architects, landscape architects, interior designers, fabricators, and owner/developers seeking creative, green solutions for a wide array of structures-shelter, shade, and water protection; outdoor and indoor; permanent and temporary-will find a broad array of ideas in this visual catalog of the latest materials and methods for designing canopies, tents, umbrellas, facades, signage, walls, and ceilings.

Architectural work on existing structures has become enormously important in recent years. For the majority of architects, this is where future market opportunities will lie. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field and is thus addressed to all practitioners, students, and building sponsors whose interest goes beyond an initial encounter with this wideranging field of activity. Contradicting the conventional view that creative design work is the exclusive province of new building design, the authors offer a nuanced account of active and creative strategies for planning, design, and execution. Subjects considered range from town planning issues through the overall project cycle and its individual phases all the way to building management. Special focuses are the "grammar of design" as well as the issues arising through collaboration of different experts. In order to illuminate this broad and complex spectrum of topics, the book incorporates thirty examples of projects from Europe and North America, in which buildings from a huge variety of periods – from the Middle Ages to the 1960s – are transferred into the present.

Tensile Fabric Structures: Design Analysis and Construction summarises the range of tensile membrane structure forms and their applications and documents the current state of knowledge regarding loading form finding and nonlinear analysis of membrane structures. Structural forms and details are generally left exposed in tensile membrane designs and are strongly tied to architecture and aesthetics. These environmentally friendly and economically competitive structures are found in a wide range of recreational and transportation facilities. This report updates the earlier Tensioned Fabric Structures: A Practical Introduction.Topics include: history of tensioned membrane structuresmechanical lighting and thermal properties of membrane materialsfire safety and durability of membrane materialsshape determination and analysisfabrication and erection process attachment to supporting structuresstructural design and aestheticsThis report will provide practical guidance to structural engineers architects and builders of tensile membrane structures.