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Please find the latest TENSINEWSFLASH WINTER 2024 Link

Frei Otto was a visionary innovative architect and master of lightweight structures.

To commemorate his extraordinary spirit of experimentation, his works, methods, and international networks, the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK) is organizing a two-day international symposium in collaboration with the Institut für Architecturgeschichte (ifag). The two-day event will take place on 5^th and 6^th June in the ILEK "Tent" designed by Frei Otto. This provides an inspiring space for open reflection on past and present achievements in the field of lightweight construction. The symposium will include a historical reflection on Frei Otto’s work, methods and networks, supported by the testimony of several contemporary witnesses. It will also focus on how different generations of researchers and practitioners interpret the legacy of Institute for Lightweight Structures at the University of Stuttgart. Invited keynote speakers include Achim Menges, Jenny Sabin, Werner Sobek and Georg Vrachliotis.

www.ilek.uni-stuttgart.de 

A brief presentation about TensiNet’s activities and aims was given by Marijke Mollaert during the annual IASS WG6 meeting. Enjoy this presentation.

IASS WG6 - Tension and Membrane Structures

Prof. Dr. Ken'ichi KAWAGUCHI (Chair) - Japan

Prof. Marijke MOLLAERT (Co-Chair) - Belgium

The 27th edition of Textile Roofs takes place from May 25th to 27th, 2025 in Berlin.

Further information on the venue, the program, participation and presentation options and highlights will soon be available on www.textile-roofs.com

The future of building

BAU, the World's Leading Trade Fair for Architecture, Materials and Systems, takes place every two years. Everyone involved in the international community for planning, building and designing buildings comes together here—i.e. architects, planners, investors, representatives of the industrial and commercial sectors, the building trades, etc.

Their primary interests include the latest techniques, materials and applications that can be put to use in actual practice. This is where visitors experience the future of building in person.

The TensiNet Association represents the tensioned membrane industry and is an expert in membrane construction products.

Today we have received from ECHA (European Chemical Agency) the confirmation that the TensiNet association has been accepted as one of ECHA’s accredited stakeholder organisations. Our application meets the eligibility criteria endorsed by the Agency’s Management Board and therefore our application has been accepted.

Accredited stakeholders in the Agency’s work in a variety of ways – through discussions, workshops and events, joint activities and regular updates about topical issues. We hope that you will join us in this important work of protecting human health and the environment and to ensure the safe use of chemicals. TensiNet will be represented by the following experts:

For the Committee for Risk Assessment meetings:

-        Carol Monticelli, Leader of the TensiNet Working Group Sustainability and Comfort, Associate Professor in Technology of Architecture, Politecnico di Milano, Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering Department,

-        Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heidrun Bögner-Balz, Leader of the TensiNet Working Group Specifications GOOD PRACTICE, Professor at the Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart, Fakultät Bauingenieurwesen, Bauphysik und Wirtschaft, Fachgebiet Nachhaltige Werkstoffe im Bauwesen,

-        If Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heidrun Bögner-Balz is not available due to other obligations (not yet confirmed), Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Stimpfle will attend the meeting: Chair of TensiNet, Managing Director at formTL, ingenieure für tragwerk und leichtbau gmbh, radolfzell, germany.

For the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis meetings:

-        Carol Monticelli, Leader of the TensiNet Working Group Sustainability and Comfort, Associate Professor in Technology of Architecture, Politecnico di Milano, Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering Department,

-        Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heidrun Bögner-Balz, Leader of the TensiNet Working Group Specifications GOOD PRACTICE, Professor at the Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart, Fakultät Bauingenieurwesen, Bauphysik und Wirtschaft, Fachgebiet Nachhaltige Werkstoffe im Bauwesen.

See link for more information on the PFAS restriction proposal.

Discover the almost 700 projects uploaded in the Database.

Above a picture (©Pillet Denis) of the tensioned membrane roof of the TGV Train Station in Nantes, built in 1991. It was demolished in 2019, after 28 years of service. Engineer Marc Malinowski clarified for the tensioned membrane roof: "All our efforts are aimed at reducing the visual weight" and adds: "A canvas weighs less than one kilo per square metre, whereas it resists wind pressure of sixty kilos per square metre." A completely different design and construction is now realised. Link

Dear member,

Please find the latest TENSINEWSFLASH AUTUMN 2024! Link

Get inspired by quotes of interesting people such as the French engineer Robert Le Ricolais (1894-1977), considered as one of the creators of the spatial structure principle, based on mathematical logic and observation of nature.

‘Les structures étudiées pour être le meilleur auxiliaire de l’homme obéissent aux lois du minimum, sont semblables à la nature en n’ont pratiquement rien d’artificiel. Discuter leur éventuelle beauté se ramène à discuter la beauté de la nature.’

'The structures designed to be the best helper of man obey the laws of the minimum, are similar to nature and have practically nothing artificial. To discuss their possible beauty is to discuss the beauty of nature.'

Robert Le Ricolais