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2026
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05
Is an air-supported structure considered a building or a facility?
Author:
Air-supported structures are both architectural and infrastructural; fundamentally, they are a novel type of building that uses high-strength membrane materials as the envelope and relies on air pressure differentials for structural support, thereby exhibiting both the structural characteristics and functional attributes of architecture.
Air-supported structures are both architectural and infrastructural in nature. At their core, they represent a novel form of architecture that uses high‑strength membrane materials as the envelope and relies on air pressure differentials for structural support, thereby embodying both the structural characteristics and functional attributes of buildings. From an architectural perspective, these structures employ a membrane‑and‑cable system to achieve a stable configuration, with spans exceeding 200 meters and eliminating the need for internal beams or columns, thus creating unobstructed, continuous spaces that align with the architectural definition of “enclosing spatial volumes.” From an infrastructural standpoint, air‑supported structures can be erected rapidly and relocated with ease, making them well suited for applications such as sports venues, industrial storage facilities, and temporary shelters—combining the practicality of infrastructure with the flexibility of temporary use.
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