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Spinoff story
Tension Structure
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
The campus center of La Verne College, built by Birdair Structures, Inc. is a tension structure. Its multi-coned fabric membrane is supported by a network of cables attached to steel columns which function like circus tent poles. Flexible design permits rearrangement of interior to accommodate athletic events, student activities, theatrical productions, and other recreational programs. Use of fabric covering, used for the Apollo program reduced building costs 30 percent below conventional construction.