The architectural and engineering design of contemporary sporting venues has changed significantly in recent years, with lightweight tensile structures emerging as one of the most compelling approaches. Visually striking, functional, cost-effective, and flexible, tensile structures have proven to be exceedingly advantageous for the creation of sports venues for a wide range of high-profile global events – among them being the 2012 London Olympics.
Two of the most striking tensile architecture projects we had the pleasure of contributing to at Fenton Holloway in the runup to London 2012 were the Basketball Arena and the Olympic Shooting Arenas. These contemporary venues are shining examples of the dramatic aesthetic and functional qualities that can be achieved through tensile structures. The structures' lightweight and flexible nature allowed for the creation of easily adaptable spaces, providing optimal conditions for athletes to showcase their talents and for audiences to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
To better understand the versatility of tensile structures, it is important to establish their basic concept. Tensile structures use tension, rather than bending, to establish load-bearing stability, often utilising elements such as fabric membranes, thin metal sheets, and steel cable networks. The material is stretched and held in tension between several points, creating a surface that can withstand surprisingly heavy loads. This can result in a variety of shapes, from simple flat surfaces to complex, curvilinear forms. These materials collectively work together to allow unprecedented design flexibility and safety, enabling architects to create unique, lightweight, and intricately detailed sports venues.
A primary advantage of tensile structures is their ability to be customised to accommodate the specific needs and requirements of individual sporting events – from football, swimming, and cricket to basketball and competition shooting. From powerful acoustics that intensify the excitement for fans to engineered shading and natural lighting that enhance athletes' performances, tensile structures can reimagine sports venues in many innovative ways.
With the rising demand for sustainable, efficient and eye-catching structures in the field of professional sports events, architectural professionals should consider engaging in this distinctive structural system. Get expert advice from Neil Holloway, our lead specialist in sports venue design, by emailing him directly at nholloway@fentonholloway.com.