The use of textile in architecture has become increasingly popular in the recent years. Therefore there is a growing demand for texts introducing this exciting topic. The aim of this thesis is to have a look at the possibilities related to textile architecture from the architectural point of view and also, from the point of view of textile design, and to combine these fields into a horizontal study. The aim is to provide an information package suitable for specialits of different, but related fields. Also, we look at the possibilities brought about by the study and picture a concept for the use of textile in architecture. In this thesis, we discuss the main lines of the development of textile architecture in three sections: Textile in Architecture, Textile for Architecture and Textile and Architecture. The study also introduces realized applications of textile architecture and architectural textiles and fabrics.

The section ”Textile in Architecture” discusses the roots of textile architecture. We begin by discussing the tents of the early nomad cultures in world history, starting from prehistory and continuing to our days. We have a look at other similar early applications related to the matter as well. We continue by investigating at the development of textile architecture in the western history of architecture of the early industrialization period. After this, we study innovations of the 20th century on the global scale. In particular, we discuss structures belonging to the three main technical categories of textile-based architectural structures: tensile fabric membrane and cablenet structures, large-span applications and (especially) air-structures, and finally fabric facades.

The section ”Textile for Architecture” is a general study of technical textiles and the most common textile structures for the purposes of architecture. The use of fabrics in architecture brings together the possibilities offered by both textile and construction industries. We also discuss the technicalities related to textile industry, with the focus on the properties of technical textiles designed especially for the use of architecture. We first have a look at composite fabrics, and then discuss the future generation of materials for textile architecture - the intelligent materials. We then provide detailed a study of a selection of fabric manufacture related techniques.

Finally, we conclude the study by a suggested application of textile architecture. The section ”Textile and Architecture” brings together the ideas and further suggestions brought about by the study. The result is a concept for a project ”Textile market”, an ephemeral event for architextiles for the World Design Capital Helsinki 2010.

This thesis was written as part of the Master’s Degree Programme in Architecture of Tampere University of Technology. The related work was conducted as an independent project. /Kir10