Engineering a New Architecture

Explores the beauty and utility of structures made of fabric, film, and “smart materials” that can be disassembled or redeployed for various uses. Describes tensegrity systems, hybrid structures, plate structures, and shells, and discusses engineering developments including shape memory alloys, micro-defect-free concretes, and computer generated forms. Includes b&w diagrams, and color and b&w photos. For architects, engineers, and those interested in the creation of buildings. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.