Tensile membrane architecture: a New Zealand perspective

Abstract

Fabrics have been employed as structures for thousands of years; tents are civilization's earliest form of constructed dwelling . However, much of today's knowledge and skill has been developed by the sailmakers. Modern fabric structures were developed in the 1960's using tentmaking technology. These lightweight structures were considered temporary or makeshift, because of the short life of the materials used. Recent development of fabrics has extended the life of these structures up to 40 years. Membrane structures offer particular advantages over conventional structures: lightest possible weight, a large variety of shapes and spans, adaptability to the environment, translucency, prefabrication, ease of transportation, ease and rapidity of assembly, possibility of re-use on different sites as well as high aesthetic quality and pleasing appearance. The author describes the principles of design and the design process which is unique to this technology. In this country the cost is comparable to other forms of construction. The adaptability of membrane structures makes them suitable for a variety of building applications. Permanent applications have been roofs over sporting facilities, churches and assembly halls, departmental stores, and storage buildings. Membrane structures also cover airport buildings, exhibition halls, provide shade roofs over public malls and inner city plaza areas, temporary covers for out door theatres, cinemas, bandstand and orchestra awnings for cultural activities. Fabric buildings have just begun to appear in New Zealand. The author investigated two fabric structures built in New Zealand, and the process of how they came about is discussed. It is expected that New Zealand will see a few more of these structures in the near future.