This survey of lightweight specialty structures provides in-depth case studies supplemented with technical guidance and an overview of fundamental theories.

Drawing on almost 75 years of combined professional and academic experience, the authors guide readers through design of lightweight systems: spaceframes, grid shells, cable nets, ETFE membranes, rails, stairs, and canopies. Each chapter provides an overview of the evolution of each system and provides technical references for further study. Images, details and calculations from 18 actual projects showcase the process of design and the importance of close collaboration among all members of the project team. These case studies include discussion of design intent, analysis methods, architectural constraints, detailing, fabrication, and construction methods. Because lightweight structures blur the lines between architecture, engineering and fabrication, care is taken to share key lessons learned from over half a century of firsthand design. These topics can be highly technical and broadly extensive, and this book serves as a tractable introduction for designers.

Written for structural architecture students and early career professionals, this book is an essential introduction to the fundamentals of each lightweight structural system.