For various reasons, membrane construction still plays a subordinate role in building. The technology is treated as a specialist discipline; and the relevant standards are partly outdated, with the result that building permission is granted only in individual cases. For architects with little experience in this field, therefore, it is difficult to gain a clear view of the subject and to judge the arguments of specialist planners. On the other hand, a comprehensive and scientifically substantiated body of knowledge exists on the principles of modern tent construction. (Alfred Rein, Viktor Wilhlem)