UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA FACULTY OF BUSINESS - AMPHITHEATRE

Tension Structures was asked to design a fabric structure which would function as a sunscreen for the seating area of a multipurpose performance space outside the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Business. The layout of the amphitheatre was provided, and it was stipulated that there should be no structural supports within the theatre area that might obstruct the view. What resulted from this challenge was an undulating multiple hypar structure with the main support a high mast secured behind the space. The fabric was held up by tensioned cables, and having been supplied by Serge Ferrari was UV-resistant. An interesting feature to the amphitheatre was downward facing spikes attached to the structural supports to deter students from climbing the structure and possible vandalism.