Technology: Lightweight construction with plastics

EFTE inflatable foil element, Eden Project, St. Austell/GB; Architect: Grimshaw Architects Structural engineer: Anthony Hunt Associates
Structural optimisation and lightweight construction are closely interrelated: Lightweight construction is an element of structural optimisation. Nature follows this principle rather ‘naturally’ and therefore comprises a plethora of lightweight structures. However, technical implementations are characterized by different premises and contexts than natural occurrences. Yet, the principle in question is of outstanding significance in all of these fields. Plastics are highly...
EFTE inflatable foil element, Eden Project, St. Austell/GB; Architect: Grimshaw Architects Structural engineer: Anthony Hunt Associates