A walk through the concepts of special structures with case studies compiled along.

1. PNEUMATIC, KINETIC AND MOBILE STRUCTURES
Arun M R
Fajas O K
Grace Henry
Jidhin Janardhanan
Ngurnuntluanga

2. Pneumatic structures are membrane structures that are
placed in tension and stabilized against wind and snow loads
by the pressure of compressed air.
The membrane is usually a woven textile or glass-fiber fabric
coated with a synthetic material such as silicone.
Translucent membranes provide natural illumination, gather
solar radiation in the winter, and cool the interior space at
night. Reflective membranes reduce solar heat gain.
A fabric liner can capture air space to improve
the thermal resistance of the structure.
Some air-supported structures
use a net of cables placed in tension
by the inflating force to restrain
the membrane from developing its
natural inflated profile.

3. There are two kinds of pneumatic structures:
Air-supported structures
Air-supported structures consist of a single membrane
supported by an internal air pressure slightly higher than
normal atmospheric pressure, and securely anchored and
sealed along the perimeter to prevent leaking.
Air locks are required at entrances to maintain the internal air
pressure.
Advantages of this structures are:
Their relatively low cost
Their simplicity of design and
fabrication
The flexibility to use the facility for
seasonal activities
Therefore installing and uninstalling
the
facility throughout the year, regardless
of size.
Common applications : sports
stadiums, the "bubbles" used to cover
tennis courts and pools, and many
other temporary shelters.

4. Air-inflated structures.
Air-inflated structures are supported by pressurized air
within inflated building elements.
These elements are shaped to carry loads in a traditional
manner, while the enclosed
volume of building air remains at normal atmospheric
pressure.
The tendency for a double-membrane structure to
bulge in the middle is restrained by a compression ring
by
internal ties or diaphragms.
Advantages of air- inflated / air
frame structure :-
The ability for self support
The potential to support an
attached structure
No restrictions on the number and
size of openings and design
geometry.
Common applications:
Hangars and Shelters, Bespoke
buildings, Permanent roof and
storage.

5. Its principle is the use of relatively thin membrane supported by a pressure difference.
Through increasing the inside air pressure not only the dead weight of the space envelope is
balanced, but the membrane is stressed to a point where it cannot be indented by asymmetrical
loading.
Principle

6. i. Light weight:
• The weight of the structure as compared to the area it covers is very less.
• The weight of the membrane roof, even when it is stiffened by cables, is very small.
• Low air pressure is sufficient to balance it.
• Even with spans of more than 100 meter, the weight of the structure does not exceed 3kg/square meter.
ii. Span :
• For pneumatic membrane, there is no theoretical maximum span as determined by strength, elasticity, specific
weight or any other property.
• It is hardly possible to span a distance of over 36km. With a steel cables as they would fail because of their
inability to sustain their own weight. But with pneumatics, such spans are quiet possible.
iii. Safety:
• Pneumatic structures are safer than any other structure. Otherwise, a proper care should be taken while
establishing.
• Accidental circumstances are avoided as they are very light.
• Pneumatic structures cannot be destroyed by fire quickly and totally.

7. iv. Theft:
• It is very safe nobody can or nothing can pass through a pneumatic structure. If an air bag is cut with a knife/ pin,
a bang is produced.
v. Quick erection and dismantling:
• Suitable for temporary constructions because they are as easy to dismantle and establish.
• 1 sq.km. of an area can be brought down in 6 hours and erected in less than 10 hours. The 4 hours difference is
due to establishment of pegs etc.
vi. Economy:
• First costs for a pneumatic structure always have compared favorably with those of conventional roof structures.
On a cost-per-seat basis, the advantage is even more evident. The savings come from lower construction and
supporting structure costs plus overall economy of design. Architecturally, the design is very elegant and
dramatic.
vii. Good natural light:
• Gives good natural light as translucent/transparent plastic sheets are used to cover air bags. We can even bring
the whole sun inside. There is a lot of flexibility in getting sun light (50%-80%).

8. MATERIALS for Pneumatic structures:-
Plastic films: - These are primarily produced from
PVC, Poly ethylene, polyester, polyamide etc.
Fabrics: - These may be made of glass fibers or
synthetic fibers which are coated in a PVC,
polyester or polyurethene film.
Rubber membrane: - They are the lightest and
most flexible.
Metal foils: - They possess a very high gas
diffusion resistance and high tensile strength.
One of the major problems in the use of metal
foils is in need to produce very exact cutting
patterns.
Isotropic: - These materials show the same strength and stretch in all directions.

9. Anisotropic materials: -
These do not show the
same strength and stretch
ability in all directions.
They have direction
oriented properties.
Woven fabrics: - They have two main
direction of weave. They can be made of:-
Organic fibers e.g.: - wool, cotton or silk
Mineral fibers e.g.:- glass fibers
Metal fibers e.g.:- thin steel wires
Synthetic fibers e.g.:- polyamide, polyester and
polyvinyl.

10. Gridded fabric: - These are coarse-weave made of organic
mineral or synthetic fibers or metallic networks. They are
particularly used where maximum light transmission and
high strength is required.
Synthetic rubbers: - Combination of plastic and rubber.
They can take better wear and tear. They are latest and are
more resistant to elongation.
Plastics: - like woven fabrics. Its advantage is that they
have more of tensile strength than normally manufactured
plastic sheets.

11. As soap bubbles demonstrate, the natural form
of pneumatic structures is the sphere. Any
inflated uniform elastic membrane tends to be
spherical.
Other basic pneumatic forms are the cylinder
and the torus.
Different forms can be generated by an
appropriate cutting pattern of stiff fabrics and
by boundary conditions.
Air houses have an elongated, mainly
shape which is familiar as the voluminous
sausage impression of most inflated structures.
Two major shortcomings of pneumatic
structures in architecture can be named:
Significant
load
limitations for
air beams.
Significant
form
restrictions for
air houses

12. DROP STITCH TECHNOLOGY
Drop stitch technology is in its infancy but has
a great future. Drop stitch structures are fast
to inflate and deflate, and it is the only way to
make an inflatable surface absolutely flat and
create a walking surface. The drop stitch
structures have working pressures up to 1
atmosphere - much higher than any other
inflatable shape. They are available in
thicknesses from 5 to 50 centimeters.

13. FABRIC
Almost all permanent fabric structures built today are entirely synthetic. The most common
fibers used for the membrane are fiberglass or polyester. Fiberglass is strong and durable but
deteriorates when exposed to moisture. Polyester is less expensive but it is not as strong and
degrades when exposed to sunlight. Silicon rubber and Teflon are usually used to coat these
materials.
The fabric is not made and shipped in one piece. It is made in sheets, usually about 12' wide
and varying length. The easiest and most common method of joining the fabric together is the
standard lap joint. The two pieces of fabric are overlapped by three inches and Teflon FEP film
is inserted between them. The joint is then heat welded together. When completed, the joint is
stronger than the fabric, and completely water and air tight.
CABLES
Cables are usually made from steel, because it has a low cost, availability, and long life. Kevlar
and glass fiber cables are stronger and stiffer, but are more expensive and degrade when
exposed to ultraviolet light.

14. AIR CELL TECHNOLOGY
Air cell technology marked a new era in the history of inflatable fabric engineering and pneumatic architecture.
Air cell inflatables are advanced constructions (often referred to as pneumatic structures) made with two layers
of material with fabric formers perpendicular in between. They are self-supporting and self-erectable by means
of an air fan only with no need for foundation, hardware or guy wires.
Air cell inflatable buildings (or pneumatic buildings) act as permanent structures rather than temporary ones
having high torsional stiffness, which allows them to withstand wind up to 80 knots and snow load up to
140kg/m2. Inflatable buildings can support loads on the roof and walls for lighting, lifting and other cabling
requirements. They have great thermal and sound insulation properties, and tolerate temperatures from -30 °C
to + 70°C.
Inflatable buildings fully comply with the standards applicable to pneumatic buildings - Fire Retardancy
Standards (BS 7837/5438) and Anti-Fungal Standards.
The life expectancy of inflatable buildings depends upon the climate in which they are installed and particularly
the levels of UV light to which the pneumatic structures are exposed. An inflatable structure erected outdoors
should survive for 10 years in the Tropics and for 20 years in European conditions. If the inflatables are kept
indoors they will last almost indefinitely.
There are almost no limitations as to design geometry for the inflatable constructions – present day facilities are
capable of producing almost anything in fabric. However, the building must have a sufficient air gap to create
the required rigidity, and large flat horizontal areas are to be avoided.
Portable architecture brings no disruption to the site because inflatable buildings are manufactured entirely off-
site and can usually be installed within a day. Pneumatic buildings and structures can be used in practically any
environment and are ideally suited both for military and civil applications.

15. PRIMORDIUMS
The first experiments with pneumatic structures were undertaken during the development of hot air
balloons. Brazilian priest Bartolomeu de Gusmão, in Lisbon, conducted a pioneering experiment as soon as
1709. However, an effective start for the development of balloons just occurred at the end of the 18th
century, when the Montgolfier brothers built an 11m diameter hot air balloon, made by linen and paper. At
the same year, Jaques A. C. Charles built the first hydrogen balloon (Figure 1b), whose apogee were the
zepellins, the large rigid dirigibles of the end of 19th century and beginning of the 20th century (Herzog,
1977; Forster, 1994).

16. THE WORLD WAR II AND THE U.S. ARMY
During the Word War II, and after the invention of nylon,
pneumatics started to be used in military operations, as
emergency shelters and decoys. At the end of the War, the
increase in the number of military air operations demanded
implementation of a large and sophisticated network of radars
over the American territory

17. THE BEGINNING OF THE ACADEMIC RESEARCH
If engineers like Bird and Stromeyer were the pioneers on
the commercial applications of the pneumatics and
acquisition of empirical knowledge, it was Frei Otto the
first to undertake
academic investigations, specially about the process of
form finding. Through the IASS Pneumatic Colloquium
(University of Stuttgart, 1967) and several publications and
designs, Otto
broadened the landscape, not only of pneumatics, but of
tension structures in general. Pneumatics were also part of
the repertoire of Richard Buckminster Fuller. His proposal
of a pneumatic dome to cover New York is a famous
example of Utopian pneumatic architecture.
Realization of this project would require a radical
environmental transformation, a sterilized enclosure
without dust, pollution, exhaust gases and so.

18. LARGE SPAN ROOFS
Inspired by the success of the EXPO’ 70 American pavilion,
David Geiger developed several projects employing cable
reinforced, insufflated membranes, for sport stadiums in
the United States and Canada, from 1974 to 1984.
The largest of these stadiums are the Pontiac Silverdome,
in Michigan (1975), the Vancouver Amphitheater (1983)
and the Minneapolis Metrodome (1982), all of them
covering more than 40.000m2, with capacities above
60.000 persons. (Foster, 1994). These roofs drastically
reduced the cost per seat, compared with conventional
stadium, and have worked satisfactorily, except for some
operational problems, leading do deflations, in the
Minnesota Metrodome, due to excessive accumulation of
snow (Liddel, 1994). It can be appointed as a paradox, that
the main factor driving to construction of closed
environments – harsh winter– is also the foulest enemy of
the large pneumatic domes.

19. DESIGN AND ARTISTIC INSTALATIONS
Pneumatics are frequently chosen in smaller and less
permanent buildings –for aesthetic, more than for
economical reasons– since their sights usually provoke
fascination among observers and bystanders, reporting to
something futuristic and revolutionary.

20. However, in some recent large buildings, pneumatics have shown good performance as complementary
elements to other stiff structural systems. This is the case of two projects of Nicholas Grimshaw: the Eden
Project located in Cornwall, and the National Space Center in Leicester, both in England. Moreover, already
remarked, pneumatics are blossoming out in fields like object design and small scale buildings, with a more
promising scenario to the inflated structures, compared to the insufflated ones.

21. Kinetic architecture is a concept where buildings are designed so that significant portions
can move while retaining structural integrity.
A building's capability for motion can be used just to enhance it aesthetic qualities - but can
also allow it to respond to environmental conditions and to perform functions that would be
impossible for a static structure.
Architecture stands at the threshold of a new evolution. Charles Darwin has suggested that
the problem of survival always depends upon the capability of an object to adapt in a
changing environment. This theory holds true for architecture. Architectural applications in
responsive kinetic architecture arise from issues of spatial efficiency and adaptability.

22. A kinetic structure can be design to control sunlight and
rain water in an open public space at the same time it
reconfigures itself to provide a duality of open and closed
space.
Applicable uses:
 Public squares
 Gardens
 Arenas
 Stations
 Cultural centers
 Galleries
Kinetic
structures

23. First of all, the structure should have such a geometry that, at the same time it enables the contraction and
deployment, is compatible with the environmental control elements (cladding or any other element that will serve for
sunlight and rain control).
As a first approach, a geometry was chosen that can, at first sight, achieve the configurations. This image shows a series
of deployable arches that, when placed together, form a roof. A similar geometry can be taken into consideration for
reproducing the desired configurations.
Another aspect of the structure should be the tessellation that would be chosen in order to cover the space. There are
some kinds of tesselations that are more appropriate to use for planar, or at least, single curved structures. If the
structure is double curved or has a free form, some other tessellations, or even different shape modules, should be
necessary to achieve the final form.

24. Kinetic structures are adaptable to multiple uses, transforming a building in ways that make it much more
useful and dynamic. Successful kinetic structure design requires both experience and creativity to capture
design opportunities while ensuring compatibility of structural movements and long-term reliability.

26. For small dimensions the structure can be made of composite
triangular plates, MDF or rollable intelligent
skins. It is also possible to make each triangle as a hollow wooden or
metallic frame filled with different
materials ranging from glass to wood, steel and polymeric fabrics. In
current design, the second method was used due to better influence
in the performance of the structure, ease of installation and the
ability to accommodate with different climatic and formal conditions.
The proposed structure can
make different forms
depending on:
Performance
dimensions
Grand slope
Space’s
function

27. GucklHupf
Completion Year: 1993.
Architect: Hans Peter Wörndl.
Kinetic Elements:
The movable wood panels creating the
GucklHupf can be rotated, pulled, tilted and
folded. These wooden panels act as a
wrapping that can be peeled away or pulled
up to open and close the space according to
its users desires.

28. The GucklHupf movable panels create a multi-
purpose structure. The structure is used as a lake
house that can hold different activities from being
a shelter in summer days to a contemplative space
with a small stage or even as storage in winter days
when closed.
Also, the movable panels helped the users to
control views and the amount of light according to
their needs and desires.
This transformation creates a communicative
interior-exterior space object that provides a
shaded, ventilated, temporary location in the
landscape while controlling the level of connectivity
with the nature and landscape around.

29. Kinetic Design Key Elements
The building was
constructed in
frame
construction, a
frame
construction
consisting of a
linear structural
skeleton of
squared timber
and an outer
cladding
stabilizing the
support frame is
formed.
Structural
Systems:
Plywood, wood,
aluminum, glass
and silk screen
printing.
Used Materials:
All moving parts
of the GucklHupf
are being
controlled
through an
automated
system that is
comprised of
automatic
devices and
retracing panels.
This system is
connected to the
structure
through dowels,
Embedded
Computation /
Control
Mechanism:
The GucklHupf is
a multi-purpose
private property
that creates an
experimental
living
environment.
The building is
being used all
year long, while
its uses vary
from being a
lake house to a
performances
stage and
Adaptive
Architecture:

30. • When inside the structure, the user has
the ability to edit and frame views of the
surrounding landscape. The user has a
control over their relationship with the
surrounding landscape, while hiding
within the protection of the small,
contorting structure.
Indoor Environment
Quality:
• The Guklhupf guides the eyes and the
movements of its inhabitants as everyone is
free to choose a visual sequence and the
number of openings, generating an intimate or
visually permeable space. Externally, the facade
recreates the interior losing its role of
wrapping skin. The structure creates a
continuous relationship with its surrounding
landscape as well as its users. The GucklHupf is
in harmony with its surrounding even when
not in use and close. The structure when
closed looks like a large wooden box that was
erected in the landscape. But once one begins
to open the many wooden panels that can
rotate in different directions, pull, tilt and fold:
There are ramps, doors, windows, terraces and
hatches
Building Visual
Quality:

31. Mobile architecture is vital in order to support traveling/temporary
exhibitions; they usually need to be demountable, and portable temporary
structures that don’t need to conform to the style and restrictions of
permanent structures in the area. As such they are an opportunity for exciting
architectural experimentation which can be used to make a statement, grab
attention or even prototype the design for regular use.

33. The Ark Nova project was created in response to the devastating earthquake and catastrophic tsunami that
took place in March 2011 in Japan. The mobile concert hall was designed to be easily transported to various
locations within the devastated area with the intention of bringing hope and promise to those struggling to
deal with the after effects of the earthquake. Designed by Indian born UK-based artist Anish Kapoor and
Japanese architect Arata Isozaki as an initiative of the Lucerne Festival, the Ark Nova has operated for three
years in a row, showing the endurability of what a unique project and inspired idea can achieve.
ART NOVA PROJECT

34. When Amsterdam served as Host to the
European Union, thousands of
politicians discussed the future of
Europe – in sterile rooms with bright
artificial lights. To offer an
alternative, Studioinedots set a campfire
in the temporary Campus FabCity, and
built a movable pavilion out of waste-
based bricks around it. Named the
“True Talker”, people were invited to
enter, take a seat, and discuss ideas,
thoughts and stories about Europe by
the light of the campfire.
msterdam: the Campfire Pavilion

35. Reference
Thank you…Signing Out…POWERSAVING MODE
Building Construction Illustrated, Francis D.K. Ching
AN OUTLINE OF THE EVOLUTION OF PNEUMATIC STRUCTURES
Jung Yun Chi and Ruy Marcelo de Oliveira Pauletti
Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning of the University of São Paulo
Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, ISSN 1934-7359, USA
Nature and Kinetic Architecture: The Development of a New Type of Transformable
Structure for Temporary Applications
Maziar Asefi and Aysan Foruzandeh
School of Architecture and Building Engineering, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran
Design Methodology: Kinetic Architecture
Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University