This book provides an historical perspective for modern tensile architecture in the 20th century. It explores the tents of nomad cultures, geographical distribution of tent types, the effect of the dromedary on the distribution of the black tent, and seasonal specialization of Eskimo dwellings.

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.

Tensile surface structures are the visual expression of an intensive rethinking of the topic of building envelopes by designers. Advances in design methods, materials, construction elements and assembly and erection planning in the field of lightweight construction are enabling ever more exacting applications of tensile structures with envelope and structural functions, especially in roofing over large clear spans without internal support. However, the particular mechanical characteristics of the materials used in the construction of textile structures demand consideration of the question of "buildability". This book provides answers by discussing the fundamental influence of material manufacture and assembly in deciding the most suitable type of building or structure and its detailing in the design process. The fundamentals of material composition, manufacturing process, patterning and the behaviour of flexible structural systems are all explained here, as well as their use as structural and connection elements, and special attention is given to the erection of wide-span lightweight structures. The erection equipment is described, as well as the lifting and tensioning process and the construction methods used to erect the characteristic types of tensile structures, illustrated with a selection of example projects. Forword by Werner Sobek.

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

"In this book tensile structures are explained and illustrated by its most prolific designer. The chapters take on the form of stories, richly illustrated and presented in a language easily understandable by a general audience; at the same time the book is a valuable source for students and practitioners of architecture and engineering. Beginning with a history of domes, the book explains the origins and principles of tensile structures and then moves on to demonstrate their application in Horst Berger's own work. This includes such landmark structures as the spectacular Denver International Airport; the Haj Terminal of the Jeddah International Airport, the world's largest roof structure; the record span Riyadh Stadium; the San Diego Convention Center; Canada Place in Vancouver."

The photographs and detailed scale drawings of the structures are accompanied by in-depth descriptions, giving a full account of the construction method and the characteristics of the materials.