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Spatial Structure Sub-association hosts 11th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference

April 18th, 2023

Chairman Xue Suduo The "20th Anniversary Celebration of Membrane Structure Innovation and Development and the 11th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference" hosted by the Spatial Structure Sub-association of China Steel Construction Association and undertaken by Beijing University of Technology was successfully held this spring in Beijing, China. Nearly 400 delegates from all over the […]

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Imaginative shade structures

April 1st, 2023

Stretch Shapes For the Hard Summer Music Festival in Southern California, event promoter Insomniac reached out to Stretch Shapes, Eugene, Ore., to create colorful, airy shade structures that doubled as artistic elements. Stretch Shapes proposed three massive geometric pinwheels, each measuring 110 feet in diameter. The manufacturer partnered directly with a mill to custom build […]

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Mar Ricketts and Guildworks soar to new heights

April 1st, 2023

Photography by Mark Skalny Growing up in Maryland, Mar Ricketts liked flying kites and architecture, two interests that continue to influence him today.  Ricketts is the principal and founder of GuildWorks LLC, a full-service design, specification, fabrication and installation company that creates permanent and temporary tension and fabric structures.  As unlikely as it may seem, […]

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ETFE enhances Oregon stadium acoustics, fan experience

April 1st, 2023

The soaring canopy structure, or “bents,” surrounding the stadium are designed to be a connection to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Paired with the light, airy, translucent ETFE canopy roof, the environment enhances acoustics and provides rain protection and shade for the fans below. Photos: Kevin Scott Envisioned as the “finest track and field facility […]

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EAA Foundation tents

April 1st, 2023

More than 70 million people worldwide are currently displaced from their homes because of wars, violence and persecution. More than half of those are under the age of 18, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. While many people have suggested ways to create emergency housing for displaced populations, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), […]

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Out of this world inflatables

April 1st, 2023

NASA’s Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) demonstrated inflatable heat shield technology. After launch LOFTID inflated and deployed in space. It was released and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Photo: NASA When you hear the phrase “inflatable structure,” the first image that comes to mind is likely to […]

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Recyclable tent alternatives

April 1st, 2023

American Tent’s Renegade Series feature the first fully recyclable tents that are an alternative to PVC-coated fabrics. American Tent’s Renegade Series, the first fully recyclable tents, feature a polypropylene-based fabric that is an alternative to PVC-coated fabrics. The tents are lighter weight than their counterparts and are more UV stable because they don’t use plasticizers, […]

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