TensiNet is a multi-disciplinary association for all parties interested in tensioned membrane structures.

The Pritzker Prize 2026 award recognizes his work that explores architecture through material experimentation, spatial perception, and a careful engagement with landscape and context.

Inflatable stage In 2023 Smiljan Radić together with Nicolás Schmidt designed an inflatable, metallic structure that acts as a stage for the country's architecture biennial in Santiago. The installation was sited at the Plaza de la Cultura in the Chilean capital and served as a stage for programming at the country's Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism. Their work consists of a large metallic bag-like structure situated on a grassy area between the street and the plaza. For more information see links

https://www.archdaily.com/1039553/smiljan-radic-clarke-receives-the-2026-pritzker-prize-the-artist-of-unspoken-architecture?utm_medium=email&utm_source=AD%20EN&kth=9,946,739&mc_cid=bd0f9c32f3&mc_eid=c040d4abd9

https://www.dezeen.com/2023/01/23/smiljan-radic-inflatable-chile-architecture-biennial-2023/

As most stakeholders in membrane structures will be aware, ECHA has launched a consultation on the draft SEAC opinion on PFAS.ECHA is inviting stakeholders to provide information on the proposed restriction of PFAS, as set out in the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC).The consultation is open until 25 May 2026 and can be accessed at https://ec.europa.eu/consultation/runner/echa_pfas_seac_do_consultation.

TensiNet Association 

On Friday, the TensiNet Association will submit a response to the consultation through Chemservice, based on the completed questionnaires received. The TensiNet Association is either asking for a full exemption with respect to the scope of the proposed PFAS restriction or, if this is not accepted, for a time-unlimited derogation for the specific use of fluoropolymers in tensioned membrane structures. The main statements are: (1) a Responsible Manufacturing Programme for fluoropolymers is in place, aiming to reduce emissions throughout the manufacturing stage and the supply chain; (2) the use stage is safe; and (3) concerning the end of life, fluoropolymers can be recycled (ETFE), landfilled or incinerated without degrading into hazardous PFAS, as proven by recent studies.

Individual parties can still reply before 25 May with additional specific information or state their support for the TensiNet Association's response.

https://ec.europa.eu/consultation/runner/General_survey_final (EU login required).

For 'Background information', please provide the required answers. If you wish to specify the previous consultation: #8909. The sector: Technical Textiles.

For the 'General Survey Questions', from question 2.19 onwards, responses are not mandatory and stakeholders can indicate their support for the TensiNet Association's response.

Enjoy the latest TensiNews 50 - link

for members (login) - link

Interested in the content of the webinars organised by TensiNet and the WG Sustainability & Comfort. Find the links to the handouts

PFAS restriction process, fluoropolymers and PFAS, membrane materials and the next SEAC consultation. Link

Membrane Architecture – Life Cycle Assessment – Environmental Impacts. Link

DEADLINE APPROACHING 20.03.2026

The TensiNet association has engaged Chemservice to collect information on the socio & economical impact of a PFAS ban and to prepare a dossier to reply to SEAC.

We do need your participation. Chemservice has prepared a questionnaire.

Return this questionnaire no later than Friday 20^th March 2026, to assure a timely development of the TensiNet response to SEAC.

See link

Save the date - Friday 6th March from 13.00 till 14.00

Following the success of this first webinar, TensiNet has started to develop a full programme of webinars that could take place monthly around lunchtime (GMT +1).

Membrane Architecture – Life Cycle Assessment – Environmental Impacts

Organised by TensiNet and the Working Group Sustainability & Comfort (coordinator Carol Monticelli - Politecnico di Milano / Marijke Mollaert VUB)

Programme

13.00 – 13:05 Opening and Welcoming - Chair: Marijke Mollaert (VUB and Tensinet)

13.05 – 13.20 What is the Life Cycle Assessment? And what does it mean in Membrane Architecture Field? -  Carol Monticelli (Polimi – Dept. DABC – Textiles Hub - LCTeams)

13.20 – 13.35 Environmental Product Declarations in Tensile Architecture: Available Datasets and Environmental Impact based on Global Warming Potential -  Zehra Eryuruk (VUB – Dept. Mechanics of Materials and Constructions)

13.35 – 13.55 Q&A - Katja Bernert

13.55 – 14.00 Closure of the meeting - Marijke Mollaert

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a scientific methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or system throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life. In membrane architecture, LCA helps designers and engineers assess and reduce the environmental footprint of lightweight building solutions such as technical textiles and foils.

Compared to traditional construction materials, membrane and foil structures require significantly less material, thanks to their ability to work efficiently in tension. However, their fossil-fuel origin and their thermal, optical, and acoustic performance require careful environmental evaluation during the design phase. LCA makes it possible to identify both advantages and limitations of membrane materials, while tools such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) support informed decision-making and promote more sustainable membrane architecture.

Join the TensiNet FREE WEBINAR “Membrane Architecture – Life Cycle Assessment – Environmental Impacts” on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 13:00 to 14:00 CET. The webinar will introduce LCA principles, their application to membrane structures, and present the currently available Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for membrane materials and systems. Please find the link to add your name on this list. Registration to participate in the webinar is a two-step process. 

The TensiNewsflash WINTER 2025-2026 is online. Enjoy your reading. Link

The TensiNet association has engaged Chemservice to collect information on the socio & economical impact of a PFAS ban and to prepare a dossier to reply to SEAC.

We do need your participation. Chemservice has prepared a questionnaire.

Return this questionnaire no later than Friday 20^th March 2026, to assure a timely development of the TensiNet response to SEAC.

See link

The General Assembly will be held at Techtextil on Wednesday 22nd April from 14.00 till 15.30.

The meeting will be held in a hybrid format.

Members who aren't able to come to Frankfurt can join by Teams.

More info will follow soon.

https://techtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html

About the programme:

• This is an advanced professional training designed to provide a comprehensive education in membrane lightweight structures to a wide range of professionals — architects, engineers, craftsmen, managers as well as suitable for anyone working in this field.
• The programme is structured to be completed on a part-time basis and attended entirely online — with no travel or visa restrictions.
• We offer LIVE online classes on Fabrication & Construction, Detailing & Patterning, Structural Design, Structural Analysis, Membrane Materials, Sustainability and many more by industry experts and professors from renowned universities across the world.
• Upon successful completion, participants are awarded the title IMS BAUHAUS Degree® Archineer® for Membrane Structures — a protected, internationally registered trademark exclusively licensed by our institute as well as highly acclaimed and recognised within the industry.

Timeline: 24 February – 25 July 2026

Language: English 

Class Schedule: Fridays & Saturdays | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM CET LIVE via Zoom online

Tuition Fee: EUR 3,200 (total)

Official Structural Analysis Tool Partner: Dlubal Software GmbH

Online LIVE Open House (Q&A Session)

IMS BAUHAUS® Archineer® Institutes e.V.: https://www.ims-institute.org
Course details on website: https://www.ims-institute.org/ims-education/archineer/