The summer school offers a comprehensive exploration into the innovative realm of structural design, focusing on form-finding techniques and the application of shells, vaults and prestressed structures. Participants will gain proficiency in building the designed shapes supported by computational tools and parametric design software. Students will possess a deep understanding of the principles governing form finding and preliminary structural design, enabling them to tackle complex architectural challenges with creativity and confidence.

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Shell and spatial structures are representative of some of the most efficient structural systems in which the optimized use of materials is combined with effective structural forms. The continuing development of analysis methods, design approaches and construction techniques of shell and spatial structures has resulted in an increasing interest to engineers, architects, and builders.

The Italian Association for the Studies on Shell and Spatial Structures (4S) is interested in the design, modelling, analysis, construction, and other aspects of the technology of all types of shell and spatial structures. These may include, but are not limited to, tension and membrane structures, framed and lattice structures, gridshells and active-bending structures, shell roofs, tensegrity structures, pneumatic and inflatable structures, active and deployable structures, concrete, metal, masonry, timber and bio-based, spatial structures. The 4S is devoted to experimental and theoretical studies, analysis methods and approaches regarding their design, computational form finding, structural optimization, manufacturing, testing and maintenance techniques and historical reviews.