In(flatable) Mod(uli): Air-buoyant, form-resistant, temporary structures

Abstract

Conventional inflatable material systems offer a quick and reversible means of construction, however presenting limitations in terms of adaptability. Conventional, discrete, form-resistant structures feature stability through the complex organisation of discrete ele- ments, however featuring inertias in terms of flexibility and disecon- omies if applied to projects with a short lifespan. This paper discusses an alternative application of inflatable buoyant moduli to a discrete form-resistant structure in order to provide an adaptive installation for temporary events. Numerical and physical models are developed through a series of benchmarks, first, and a design project application eventually. The inherent predictability of this complex system is stud- ied in terms of constructability, costs, flexibility and spatial quality.