Temporary Pavilion in Noda
Architectural students at the Tokyo University of Science, in conjunction with lecturers, a structural planner and a membrane manufacturer, developed an experimental, extremely lightweight, load-bearing structure for a temporary pavilion. The 26-metre-long, up to 7.5-metre-wide and 4.25-metre-high volume is self-supporting and comprises only two kinds of component: the metal bearing elements and a delicate space-enclosing skin. The latter, consisting of an 0.7-mm membrane of elastic polyester fabric, is drawn over metal tubes that create a tensegrity system. In this case, the membrane forms the tension element. The compression bars are 25 mm diameter aluminium tubes of various lengths. There is no contact between the 131 individual tubes; instead, they are connected to the membrane by sliding the ends into sheaths sewn on. The skin is anchored at the base like a conventional tent with pegs. Here, they are in the form of aluminium tubes, the tips of which are pressed together to form a point. The compression members are pushed into these pegs and fixed in position by means of steel pins. Also attached to the pins are the eyelets by which the foot of the membrane is secured. With a weight of only 600 kg, this airy structure covers a ground area of 146 m².
