INTRODUCTION TO FABRIC STRUCTURES
   
Fabric structures may be divided into two categories: air-supported and tension. Air-supported structures use a membrane, supported by air pressure, to act as the walls and roof of the structure. Some local examples of this type of structure are at Rutgers University at Newark's gymnasium and Essex County Community College's tennis court covering. Tension structures use a membrane, supported by a cable net, to act as the roof of a structure. An example would be any "dome" sports arena.  
  
The main use for fabric structures is for sports stadiums, but the architectural drama created by these types of structures has propagated it uses into shoppping malls, harbors, and airports (the new Denver International Airport).  
  
You may begin your study with a discussion or a Q & A by David Campbell, a leader in the fabric structures field.