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Fibers and Fabrics — Exciting Prospectives for Architecture and Construction

Category No. 6: Inflatable Johannes Kraus Manuel Singer Technische University Wien, Usterreich Cybergothic Multimedia Hall This project makes an exciting exploration of free-form architecture using pneumatic tubes as structural elements, combined with a membrane surface acting in composite. The use of pneumatic high-pressure tubes as linear struts in a supporting framework is not part of the day-to-day repertoire of architects and engineers involved in lightweight-construction design. The project derives its appeal from this idea, which it combines with a membrane used as a spatial envelope. The irregular, amorphous arrangement of the tubes enhances the artistic effect, harmoniously complementing the structure's free-form exterior. Overall, this is a most impressive design, even though it does not go further into the design problems and how their possible solutions are to be implemented. For example, the points of intersection of the pneumatic tubes could present technical difficulties. The shape of the hall's interior, which harmonises with the translucency of the membrane envelope and the pneumatic tubular shapes, is certain to have a lasting impression on the user and to evoke an unusual but pleasant feeling of being in a space that is, architectutally speaking, very special. Markus Teige Technische Hochschule Darmstadt Swimming Pool Shelter The fact that pneumatic tubular arches can be stiffened and stabilised by means of cable-bracing provides an unusual design solution. This is where the originality of the project lies. The jury liked the combination of pneumatic and tensional elements. Even if the outward appearance of the parallel lines of tubular arches is not particularly attractive, the appeal of this project lies in the functional nature of the design system. The energy savings in the building through thermal insulation from the air-filled tubes, plus the translucency of the envelope facilitated and/or provided by the supporting framework of tubes and cables are additional positive aspects in the evaluation of the project.

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