Grimshaw and MDT-tex have launched a tessellating canopy system at the Frankfurt Light + Building design festival and trade fair. The Tensilation Type EV canopy system is the result of a partnership that aimed to develop a product that not only offers the flexibility of modular canopy systems, but also has the engineering advantages of a unified structure.

Each canopy unit is structurally connected to its neighboring pieces via a watertight capping, with drainage taking place at a series of central supporting columns. A single unit stands at nearly four meters tall, and weighs under 30 kilograms, making Tensilation one of the lightest structures in its class. Through the utilization of tensile design and lightweight fabrics and cables, the product requires no special lifting equipment and can be erected by only three people.

“Tensilation’s overall form is comprised of tessellating diamond and square-shaped canopies that fit together in a variety of configurations, while creating an elegant overall impression,” states a press release. “The flexibility in its shape means the canopy system can be used independently, or annexed to buildings or marquees to deal quickly with changes in crowd size, seamlessly connecting fixed and temporary spaces. Its vaulted form provides an expressive structure designed for events and pop-up spaces, as demonstrated at Light + Building.”

http://www.archdaily.com/784681/grimshaw-and-mdt-tex-unveil-new-canopy-system-in-frankfurt