Gridshells in composite materials: Construction of a 300 m ² forum for the solidays' festival in Paris

Composite materials are well known for their low density, high strength and high resistance against corrosion and fatigue; but so far only few constructions have been built with these materials. This article shows how composite materials might be an original and profitable solution for lightweight structures called gridshells. In this paper, the principal characteristics of gridshells are recalled first and a demonstration that glass fiber reinforced polymers are suitable for these structures is shown. Then the concept is applied to a functional structure built to house people in a festival. The formfinding of the structure, as well as the construction and some improvements are included.