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LSAA Logo

The Lightweight Structures Association of Australasia (LSAA) is a Not for Profit, autonomous, inter-disciplinary group of interested parties involved in the field of lightweight architectural structures. We started in 1981 as the Membrane Structures Association (MSAA) but expanded in 1994 to include other innovative structures such as cable-nets and high-tech glazing facades.

Operating primarily in Australia and New Zealand our basic aim is to promote the proper application of lightweight structures, their design, fabrication, construction and materials and to encourage the development of these and other aspects essential to lightweight structures.

Our mission is to "To lead, promote and develop excellence and innovation in lightweight structures by inspiring research and disseminating expert knowledge to expand the industry and opportunities for our members".

We do this by holding Conferences and our industry leading LSAA Design Awards.


Our next event is the LSAA 2024 Conference and Design Awards September 12-13 2024 at Swinburne University.

The theme is 'Connecting to Tomorrow' See Menu items for the Conference and Awards


Our members have completed outstanding structures around the globe and this enables us to draw on these contacts for our Conference Keynote speakers. These speakers also serve as Judges for our Design Awards and are able to recognize innovation and excellence.

Our members - whether they be architects, engineers, contractors, material suppliers or installers - are expected to adhere to our LSAA Code of Ethics.

In 2022 the LSAA awarded two long term individuals - Dr Paul Joseph and Mike Lester - the coverted Lifetime Achievement Awards 

The Association is governed by a committee of volunteers drawn from the membership and supported by a part-time Executive Officer.

When required, specific issues are dealt with by a sub-committee. An example pertains to Fire with fabric structures. Members may access reports.

Members - and non-members - are encouraged to enter recently completed projects for our Lightweight Structures Design Awards. These entries serve as the basis for our growing record of projects. These projects are organized into various categories on the Projects Page of our website.

The LSAA also supports outside events and like-minded organizations - such as the IASS Annual Symposium 2023 - Melbourne - and will list their Events on our website.

About LSAA 1200w

LSAA 2024 Conference - Connecting to Tomorrow
LSAA 2024 Conference - Connecting to Tomorrow

This is a preliminary notice for the Lightweight Structures Association (LSAA) 2024 Conference and Design Awards.

The event will be held over two days (Thursday and Friday) 12-13th September 2024 at Swinburne University in Melbourne.

The Conference Theme is 'Connecting to Tomorrow'

It is intended to also hold our industry defining Design Awards for Lightweight Structure projects completed since early 2022.

New menu items have been added. For all Conference Details see LSAA 2024 Conf under the "Events" page and a sub-menu under LSAA Awards has been added for the 2024 Awards

Draft Rules and Entry forms are available. Closing date (TBC) is August 14 2024 or earlier.

Return to this article which will highlight new material that has been added.

Last update: November 27 2023

PFAS is the acronym for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

The European Commission is proposing that all PFAS be banned on the basis that they can be toxic, remain persistent and bioaccumulate in people and other organisms and may contribute to increasing health problems.

The number of everyday products that could be affected is staggering and various industries are starting to fight back against the proposal.

The membranes or architectural fabrics used by our Lightweight Structures Industry will be impacted if the proposed PFAS ban proceeds unless there are exemptions.