1. Summary of the general objectives of the thematic network for tensile architecture TEST

TensiNet is an association or platform for all parties interested in tensioned membrane construction. TensiNet is a multi-disciplinary association, conforming to the initial objectives of the EU-funded thematic network (2001-2004).

TensiNet supports teaching and training activities in the field of tensioned membrane construction.

TensiNet supports (by announcement, programme, mailing) at least one workshop a year organised by one of its members and provides information about other events in the field of tensile architecture.

TensiNet disseminates information about ongoing research.

TensiNet publishes the TensiNews newsletter twice a year.

The TensiNet partners are the editors of the European Design Guide on tensioned membrane construction, and will continue to publish reference documents on this and associated topics.

TensiNet maintains the website www.tensinet.com, containing a projects database as well as articles and links to manufacturers, fabricators, material producers, coaters, weavers, architecture and engineering offices, distributors of machinery, steelwork and ropes, software companies, academic and research institutes.

Members pay an annual fee: normally this will cover membership from the 1 st of January till the 31 st of December.

The Annual Members’ Meeting will be organised in September.

• Partners may participate in the Management Board Meetings (twice a year) and decide on organisational and strategic issues. An organisation, which has been a partner (or associate) within the EU project, remains a partner as long as it pays a fee.

The secretariat of Tensinet will be held by the VUB, Marijke Mollaert

The Mill be elected by the members (with a maximum of 35 Board members). ????????????????????????????????????????

TensiNet has regional representatives. They will be elected during the Annual Member’s Meeting.

The following table indicates the different possibities to become a member and the correspondibg advantages:

2. Memorandum of understanding : governing the formation and functioning of TensiNet

2.1. This memorandum of understanding establishes and provides an operational framework for TensiNet: the thematic network for tensile architecture.

2.2. It is intended that TensiNet should include members involved in tensile architecture or related activities.

2.3. The members of TensiNet are listed in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this document and on www.tensinet.com (list updated once a year).

AIM

2.4. The aim of TensiNet is to enable its members to contribute more effectively, within the scope of their activities, to

• Provide information and advice in the field of tensile membrane buildings;
• Inform about research and other technical studies necessary to support such advice;
• Inform about application of research findings.

2.5. In addition, the members of TensiNet will encourage and facilitate exchange of information and joint working in order to increase the quality of tensile architecture.

THE BOARD

2.6. A Management Board, consisting of partners and elected current members (with a maximum of 35 Board members), will make the decisions on the policy and activities of TensiNet.

An organisation, which has been a TensiNet Partner (or associate) within the EU project, may participate in the Management Board Meetings as long as it pays a membership fee.

A partner paying the 2000 Euro membership fee will become a member of the Management Board.

Board Members may nominate deputies to attend individual meetings, and may be accompanied by non-voting colleagues. Simple majority voting of those members present and voting may take decisions.

2.7. No Board member can be bound by a Board decision that is in conflict with their institution\'s or national government\'s policies or practices.

2.8. The Board will meet at least twice a year. The date and location of each meeting will be notified to Board members at least one month before the meeting.

THE CHAIRMAN

2.9. The Board will elect one of its members as Chairman for a period of two years. The President will chair Board meetings and represent TensiNet as necessary, following the policies agreed by the Board.

THE VICE-CHAIRS

2.10. The Board will elect two of its members as Vice-Chairs for a period of two years. The Vice-Chairs will chair Board meetings in the absence of the Chairman and will otherwise carry out the duties of the Chairman as required.

THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

2.11. As long as the financial situation can support it the VUB ( Marijke Mollaert ) will function as Executive Secretary and provide administrative support for the Board and TensiNet generally. The duties of the Executive Secretary will include:

- Maintain the website www.tensinet.com and hence provide a channel through which the collective expertise of TensiNet members may be offered to other organisations;

- Provide TensiNet members with information relevant to their interests;

- Arrange Board meetings, recording decisions and taking appropriate follow-up actions;

- Publish the TensiNews newsletter twice a year;

2.12. When preparing a proposal on behalf of TensiNet members, the Executive Secretary will consult those members which appear to them most suited to the task and draw up a draft proposal for circulation to all TensiNet members, with a time limit for comment or acceptance. The Executive Secretary shall have authority to draw up the final proposal following explicit agreement to the work involved and the conditions from those members participating; they shall not take lack of response to imply acceptance of their draft proposal. They will not be required to involve every member institute in each proposal.

2.13. The Executive Secretary will present a report to each Board meeting on the actions taken and the results achieved since the previous meeting and will provide the Board with a forecast for the six months following the Board meeting.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

2.14. TensiNet has regional representatives. They will be elected during the Annual Member’s Meeting. They actively support the Tensinet activities at regional level.

FUNDING

2.15. The TensiNet financial year will run from 1 January to 31 December.

2.16. The member institute providing the Executive Secretary will submit to the Board before the start of each financial year a request for funding for the services of the Executive Secretary in that year. This will be accompanied by an estimate of TensiNet\'s expenditure in the current financial year. Following the Board\'s agreement to an expenditure total,

TensiNet members will each pay to the Executive Secretary\'s institute, on receipt of an appropriate invoice, a membership fee.

2.17. Following the end of TensiNet\'s financial year, the Executive Secretary\'s institute will present to the Board an audited statement of expenditures incurred in connection with TensiNet.

2.18. Members will bear individually any other expenditure associated with TensiNet.

LANGUAGE

2.19. The language for TensiNet Board meetings and papers will be English.

CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP

2.20. A member institute may withdraw from TensiNet following written notice to the Executive Secretary. Six months notice of withdrawal must be given.

AMENDMENTS

2.21. The Board may amend this memorandum of understanding by a two-thirds majority of those Board members present and voting. The Board members shall receive the text of any proposed amendment at least one month before the meeting.

SIGNATURES

2.22. We, the undersigned, on behalf of our respective institutes, agree to the formation of TensiNet on the terms set out in this memorandum of understanding, and will work towards greater co-operation among our institutes.