An important element of the 2016 Conference is our "mini-workshop". It will be a unique opportunity for current architecture students to interact with established members in the lightweight structures industry.
It is also an opportunity for those in the industry to reflect on the inspirational methods used by Frei Otto - the acclaimed father of modern membrane and other forms of lightweight structures. Frei used many forms of physical models such as hanging chain meshes, soap films and "stretchy" materials.
In the mini-workshop we will be tackling a design brief brought to us by a company commissioned by a planning authority to assist in the planning of a new community "central park" complex in a rapidly expanding regional centre.
Workshop groups will develop conceptual designs for a number of small to medium sized tensioned membrane structures to provide coverage to seven identified venues. The concepts will be represented by physical models (made from lycra etc) which will be invaluable for the bureacrats to get excited and fund a further stage in the design contract.
The workshop will be assisted by a number of mentors with extensive expertise in model building and suitable structural forms for tensioned membrane structures. Key Mentors include Prof Vinzenz Sedlak, the founding President of LSAA, and Dr Robert Roithmayr from Vienna. The mentors will circulate around the various creative groups.
Watch this space for further details.