Tensinet symposia
Tensinet Symposia
TensiNet Symposium 2026 & Essener Membranbau Symposium 2026
This combined symposium Shaping the pathway to future tensioned membrane design was held from 30th September – 2nd October 2026 at the Institute for Metal and Lightweight Structures, Campus Essen.
Three main topics
Design, Modelling and Simulation of Structural Membranes
Structural membranes are lightweight and efficient solutions for architectural applications in roof or façade structures. Their complex load-bearing material behaviour requires advanced design approaches, computational modelling, and simulation techniques to optimise performance and durability. Innovative solutions have to be developed integrating different materials, structural analysis, and digital tools to push the boundaries of contemporary membrane structures.
- Administrative Regulations in Europe
- Material Modelling and Testing Procedures
- Numerical Methods and Formfinding
Materials and Execution
The selection of materials and type of execution are crucial for ensuring the performance, durability, and efficiency of structural systems. Advances in material science, fabrication techniques, and construction processes play a key role in optimising the structural behaviour and sustainability. Innovative materials and manufacturing technologies as well as best practices in execution are needed to enhance the quality and reliability of membrane projects.
- Construction Methods
- New Materials
- Execution Procedures
Sustainability and Building Physics
Sustainable building design integrates energy efficiency, material recycling, and environmental impact reduction to create resilient and responsible structures. Building physics plays a key role in optimizing thermal performance and comfort while ensuring energy efficiency. The use of recyclable materials reduces waste and promotes circular construction practices, while fire safety considerations ensure compliance with regulations and enhance occupant protection. The balance between sustainability, safety, and performance has to be enhanced to advance the future of eco-friendly and resilient buildings.
- Climate Impact / Shading of Places
- Life-Cycle Assessment / Recycled Materials
- Fire safety
Keynote speakers
- Roberto Canobbio, Canobbio Textile Engineering, Italy - La mia vita, una passione per le membrane (My life, a passion for membranes
- Marc Gabriel, Werner Sobek, Germany - Shading of places
- Abigall Matthews, Momentum Engineering, UK - Membranes and rapid build entertainment venues - balancing lightweight forms with acoustic requirement
- Christoph Paech, schlaich bergermann partner, Germany - Durability assessment and enhancement of membrane structures
- Farid Sahnoune, Serge Ferrari Group, France - Fire safety of textile
- Bernd Stimpfle, formTL, Germany - Membranes refreshed
- Natalie Stranghöner / Dr. Jörg Uhlemann, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany - Advancements in testing, modelling and standardization of structural membrane
- Alessandra Zanelli, Politecnico di Milano, Italy - Membrane as sunlight controller: The crucial role of textile architecture in cultural heritage protection
Programme Link
Open Access Proceedings & Awards
Accepted symposium papers has been published by Wiley – online library.
Notice also the Young Engineers Awards TensiNet Symposium 2026 & Essener Membranbau Symposium 2026. We have encouraged young researchers and practitioners, structural designers and architects, as well as students to participate in the TensiNet Symposium 2026 & Essener Membranbau Symposium 2026 Young Engineers Awards. The best papers will be published in a peer-reviewed journal!
Proceedings
Website link.
Brussels - 2003: Designing Tensile Architecture
Milano - 2007: Ephemeral Architecture: Time and Textiles
Sofia - 2010: Tensile Architecture: Connecting Past and Future
Istanbul - 2013: [RE]THINKING Lightweight Structures
Newcastle - 2016: Novel structural skins - Improving sustainability and efficiency through new structural textile materials and designs. E-book proceeding
Milan - 2019: Softening the Habitats: Sustainable Innovations in Minimal Mass Structures and Lightweight Architectures. E-book proceeding
Nantes – 2023: Membrane architecture: the seventh established building material. Designing reliable and sustainable structures for the urban environment. E-book proceeding
Essen - 2026: Shaping the pathway to future tensioned membrane design. E-book proceeding
You can order the proceedings of the previous symposia.
Announcements & Reports
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