Supersheds: The Architecture of Long-Span, Large-Volume Buildings (Butterworth Architecture New Technology) - Hardcover

Wilkinson, Chris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0750612215 ISBN 13: 9780750612210

Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, 1991

Synopsis

Supersheds: The Architecture of Long-Span, Large-Volume Buildings deals with large single-volume buildings known as supersheds. This book explains and catalogues the changes in modern architecture of supersheds and illustrates this with significant and important examples. This text is composed of six chapters. The first chapter gives a background of 19th century architecture that made possible great exhibition halls and long-spans of the railway era. The second chapter deals with another type of supershed: airship and aircraft hangars. In the third chapter, industrial architecture in Europe and in the U.S. during the early 20th century is examined. Examples of beautiful factories and building designs are mentioned, and the effects of World War II on the type of building constructions are also discussed. The fourth chapter traces the evolution of the well-serviced multi-use shed. The architecture of the extruded shed, the cool box, and special structures are described as well. The major influences that affected building design in the second half of the 20th century are mentioned as the machine transfer technology and computers. The fifth chapter explains the concept of ""more with less,"" where the task is to accomplish more with less material. Space structures, suspended roof structures, and air-supported structures are given as examples. The last chapter discusses the future of modern architecture along with new forms, materials, and technology, such as solid state chemistry, computers, and biotechnology. Architects, civil and construction engineers, architectural students, and the general public who has an interest in reading about large building designs and supersheds will find this book interesting.

About this title

Review

'Copiously illustrated with many familiar photographs and illustrations, the book is a wonderful record of
modern day achievement and a source of inspiration to engineering and architecture students'. RIBA Journal. ' ... as a source book it works beautifully with enough of a taster of the buildings described to excite the reader ...' Building Design. '
... a marvellous addition to the library of any architect, engineer or designer. buildings 'Following its sell-out success, Chris Wilkinson's Supersheds, the book that put the glamour back into the large-volume, clearspan space, is back in print in an
updated form.' - Building Magazine, March 1996
'Recognising the increasing need for large column free spaces, this
intriguing publication traces the early developments in the Crystal Palace,
train sheds and airport hangars. Developments since the second world
war are well described and illustrated covering an impressive range of
building types and outstanding constructional techniques and design
solutions in the UK and overseas.'
The ASI Journal, July 1996

Synopsis

Sheds are a form of architectural construction which are simple in form and merge the requirements of function and economy. "Supersheds" follow the same design but are buildings enclosing large single-volume spaces without major subdivision. From these basic structures, different design models can be constructed. These constructions have emerged alongside the technological advances of the 19th century. Using different construction models as examples, the author catalogues the changes which have taken place since the 19th century. The book provides a focus for modern architectural design and construction.

Edition details

• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0750612215
• ISBN 13: 9780750612210
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 128