As a developing country, the development of modern space structure in China is obviously influenced by the advanced technology of Western countries. In recent 10 years, the application of membrane structure has shown an unprecedented active trend. Although it started late, its starting point is very high. For example, the 80,000 people stadium in Shanghai built in 1997 represents the highest level of membrane structure at that time and has become a classic masterpiece of membrane structure. Although the technology and materials used depend to some extent on American companies, the main installer is Shanghai Machinery and Technology Company but, the main installer is Shanghai Machinery Works Company. It is also through the construction of the building that we have a certain understanding of the membrane structure and accumulated valuable construction experience. In the past decade, many cities in China have been planning to build new sports facilities. Because of its light weight, membrane structures are often used. Sports architecture can be said to be a breakthrough in the application of membrane structure in China. Before 1997, only a small number of small and medium-sized membrane structures were constructed. At the 8th National Games held in Shanghai in the same year, membrane structures were used in the grandstand canopy of the main stadium with a total area of 36,100 m2. This is the first time that membrane roofs have been used in large permanent buildings in China, which has a far-reaching impact. After the successful completion of Shanghai Stadium, although its price is still higher than the traditional structure, it is still favored by architects and construction units. Later, some new membrane structure stadiums appeared one after another. Ruyizhong Stadium is located in Qingdao, a coastal city of Shandong Province. It is the first large-scale membrane structure stadium designed and constructed by China on its own strength. Outsourcing size is 266m * 180m, which can accommodate 60,000 viewers. The roof with 40 m cantilever is a typical tension system including membrane, cable and steel supporting structure. The whole roof consists of 70 conical cable-membrane elements with a total area of 30,000 m2. Looking around China, new sports centers are being planned one after another. Membrane structure is the best choice to cover the main stadium.
With the development of membrane structure technology in China, membrane structure has been used in various fields of architecture, and most of the performance facilities are tensioned membrane structures supported by steel frames. Examples built in China include Changsha World Window Theatre (3500m2), Shenzhen Happy Valley Center Performance Hall (5800m2), Guangzhou Ocean World Dolphin Hall (2840m2) and Tianjin Taifeng Wind and Rain Theatre (1000m2) and Zhengzhou Acrobatics Hall (3666m2).
Due to the rapid development of the exhibition industry, many new types of conference and exhibition buildings are needed. In 1999, China Hi-tech Achievements Fair was held in Shenzhen. Two 2400 M2 pavilions adopt membrane roofs, which show their outstanding advantages of light weight and light transmission. Boao, a small town in Hainan Province, is famous for a series of high-level meetings attended by important people from all over the world. Membrane structure was adopted in the main venue, and the construction period was very urgent. The 4 000 m2 membrane roof was completed in 40 days. In Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the International Conference and Exhibition Center was built. The Steel Dome covered with membrane material was located over the multi-functional hall. The double-layer PTFE glass fabric covering on both sides of the steel structure became the focus of the whole building. Tens of thousands of square meters of Shanghai New International Expo Center are roofed with membrane structure. Membrane structures can also be used to cover a variety of small buildings, such as gas stations, toll stations, service centers, gate entrances and shading facilities. Although the area of each project is only a few hundred square meters, the number of projects is very large. The number of membranes is considerable when the national projects are added up.
In recent years, the domestic membrane structure has developed rapidly. Including the main venue of the Beijing Olympic Games, the National Swimming Center and the Shanghai World Expo are all classic membrane structures. The development of China's construction industry is creating a stage for today's top architecture and technology. Thanks to the strong support of the booming economy, the world's largest ETFE membrane structure like "Water Cube" will be born in China. The National Swimming Center is also a model of energy-saving and environment-friendly buildings. The water in the swimming pool will be heated by solar energy. The dual filters of the swimming pool can reuse the water. Even the excess rainwater will be collected and stored in the underground pool. The complicated engineering system and bent steel structure make the external structure like a foam. This unique structure design makes the water cube almost withstand any earthquake attacks. The National Stadium next to the other can bring the perfect combination of natural modeling, environmental protection, energy saving, new materials and new technology to reflect the membrane structure. In addition, the application of membrane structure in Shanghai World Expo is nearly 100,000 square meters, which has become another cultural heritage left to us by 2010 Shanghai World Expo. In summary, the development of membrane structure and the promotion of city image are inseparable. I believe that membrane structure industry will bring us more artistic enjoyment and visual impact in the future. Let's wait and see!