Lightweight Structures such as cablenets and tensioned fabric structures often exhibit relatively large deformations under changing loads.
Rock climbers will rely on the extension characteristics of their ropes to cushion any fall to a deceleration that the body can withstand.
However the following link points to an extreme case of an engineered net to safely catch a dear-devil sky diver from a 7600m free fall without a parachute.
A parachute is also an example of a tensioned fabric structure which adopts a geometric form in response to applied loads (person plus air resistance).
See: https://www.createdigital.org.au/extreme-engineering-luke-aikins-skydive/ where the source of this image is acknowledged.
Great find Thin shells, very clean detailing.
Boathouse, by
Architecture: Shigeru Ban
Engineering: Buro Happold
A tower that used the drying process of timber to make the structure self twist
A BBC article on current and future thinking in robotic construction and construction monitoring
Tensinet, our European equivalent, publishes a newsletter twice a year. Even if you are not a member there are a few articles that they share as a teaser
The Jewel in Singapore is the latest extension to Changi Airport and is opening soon on April the 17th. Definitely recommend for you next stop over


WATCH: Some of the highlights at Jewel Changi Airport, which opens next month. Checking it out?