TENSILE INTENSE — Intensive Course on Membrane Tensostructures for Architecture

Proposed by IMS Bauhaus Latino America with the support of AMA Association and presented to the international community at Techtextil in Frankfurt, TENSILE INTENSE is a compact training program that integrates academic foundations with hands-on, practice-oriented knowledge from industry.

The Architectural Membrane Association (AMA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tensile architecture worldwide. AMA represents industrial companies, professionals, and stakeholders engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of tensile membrane structures. Through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration, AMA advances innovation, best practices, and the global development of lightweight textile architecture. Within TENSILE INTENSE, AMA contributes technical insight, industrial perspectives, and direct engagement with professional practice, reinforcing the bridge between education and application.

Developed within the collaborative environment of the TENSOTALK initiative, the course demonstrates how academic methodology and industry expertise converge to advance textile architecture and membrane structures. While previous editions have been implemented in academic contexts, the program is conceived for a broad international audience of students, professionals, educators, and industry stakeholders seeking structured introduction and applied understanding of tensile systems.

The course provides an accelerated overview of the full lifecycle of a textile architecture project — from conceptual design and environmental response to engineering logic, fabrication processes, and implementation strategies. Emphasis is placed on innovation, sustainability, performance, and constructability.

Program Framework

Participants explore the international context of membrane architecture through representative works, built examples, and research programs that illustrate the evolution of tensile systems in contemporary design.

Key learning modules include:

• Architectural design principles and typologies of tensile and membrane structures
• Materials and technologies for textile architecture, including performance characteristics and environmental impact
• Sustainability strategies and long-term material behavior
• Form-finding methodologies, physical and digital modeling, and wind response analysis
• Load transfer, structural behavior, and patterning for fabrication
• Textile façades and envelope systems
• ETFE technologies and pneumatic form generation
• Cost estimation integrated within the design process
• Fabrication workflows, packaging, installation, and maintenance
• Quality control and lifecycle performance
• Modular systems for commercial applications
• Interpretation of textile architectural language within conventional building programs
• In-depth case study analysis exploring advanced technical limits
• Methodology of a complete project workflow through a real example

Applied Design Component

A central component of the program is a supervised conceptual design exercise. Participants develop a project proposal during course sessions, guided by instructors and supported through group discussion and critical review. The work is finalized after the course as a digital A4 submission including project description, visual documentation, and diagrams.

Educational Format and Industry Integration

The academic component is delivered by IMS Bauhaus Latino America and complemented by technical talks and project presentations from AMA members representing industry practice. This structure enables direct exchange between research, design methodology, and professional implementation.

Participation contributes to the international dialogue promoted by AMA and aligns with the educational spirit recognized by the AMA AWARD, which celebrates excellence in innovation, didactic value, and advancement of tensile architecture. Programs developed within the IMS–AMA collaboration have demonstrated this impact through award-recognized academic initiatives.

Membership and Sponsorship Engagement

Organizations and professionals engaging with the program gain direct exposure to AMA’s international network and activities. Membership and sponsorship opportunities within AMA provide strategic advantages including visibility within a global professional platform, participation in educational and research initiatives, access to knowledge exchange forums, and contribution to the advancement of sustainable tensile architecture worldwide.

Participants receive an official certificate of attendance recognizing completion of the program.

TENSILE INTENSE functions as a platform where education, research, and industry collaboration converge — strengthening international partnerships and fostering innovation in advanced textile architecture. Visitors are invited to discover the program, learn about AMA initiatives, and explore opportunities for collaboration at the joint stand.