Investigation about the choice of tensile membrane in city metabolism

Abstract

Today in the world of construction, textile and inflatable structures have seen an evolution from a technical and technological point of view (from the design of the material itself to the maintenance of these structures). The computer implementation in turn allows this sector to adapt to the needs and architectural and temporary constraints. Membranes are very efficient structures, which have many qualities: (1) architectural: lightness, shape, resistance, ambiances..., (2) implementation: ease of installation and removal, time, space..., (3) adaptation, communication: advertising, commercial..., aesthetics etc. They are also a low polluting alternative to traditional materials used for construction. In spite of all the technical performances and the capacities of adaptation of these envelopes, they have difficulty in finding their place within the urban metabolism of our cities, and remain an under-used architectural solution compared to the other traditional building materials (such as concrete, steel, wood, glass.