Sheer Pressure

Inflatable Structure designed for the USC Top Fuel 2012 Material Studies Workshop.

Prompt: Design an pneumatic structure that can overcome heat gain and comfort for people to gather inside.

Design: Our team developed Sheer pressure from a multi-material standpoint. Inflatable structures need a constant stream of air flowing, yet it does not need to be fully sealed. To reduce heat gain and sunlight, our team made a material quilt of transparent, netted, and solid material. We gave the upper area extra air space to reduce the heat and allowed the light to give our balloon bulbs a glowing effect.