The Lightweight Structures Association of Australasia (LSAA) is a Not for Profit, autonomous, inter-disciplinary group of interested parties involved in the field of lightweight architectural structures. We started in 1981 as the Membrane Structures Association (MSAA) but expanded in 1994 to include other innovative structures such as cable-nets and high-tech glazing facades.
Operating primarily in Australia and New Zealand our basic aim is to promote the proper application of lightweight structures, their design, fabrication, construction and materials and to encourage the development of these and other aspects essential to lightweight structures.
Our mission is to "To lead, promote and develop excellence and innovation in lightweight structures by inspiring research and disseminating expert knowledge to expand the industry and opportunities for our members".
We do this by holding Conferences and our industry leading LSAA Design Awards.
Our next event is the LSAA 2024 Conference and Design Awards September 12-13 2024 at Swinburne University.
The theme is 'Connecting to Tomorrow' See Menu items for the Conference and Awards
Our members have completed outstanding structures around the globe and this enables us to draw on these contacts for our Conference Keynote speakers. These speakers also serve as Judges for our Design Awards and are able to recognize innovation and excellence.
Our members - whether they be architects, engineers, contractors, material suppliers or installers - are expected to adhere to our LSAA Code of Ethics.
In 2022 the LSAA awarded two long term individuals - Dr Paul Joseph and Mike Lester - the coverted Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Association is governed by a committee of volunteers drawn from the membership and supported by a part-time Executive Officer.
When required, specific issues are dealt with by a sub-committee. An example pertains to Fire with fabric structures. Members may access reports.
Members - and non-members - are encouraged to enter recently completed projects for our Lightweight Structures Design Awards. These entries serve as the basis for our growing record of projects. These projects are organized into various categories on the Projects Page of our website.
The LSAA also supports outside events and like-minded organizations - such as the IASS Annual Symposium 2023 - Melbourne - and will list their Events on our website.
