09-02-2010, 07:10 PM
I would also add that owing to the fact that space frames comprise of handy-sized members, they offer the shape plasticity (see for example the Great Court at the British Museum) that can only be matched with that provided by concrete (in the form of ribbed concrete shells). Another hint would be the Eden Project in Cornwall or even the Water Cube in Beijing. On the other hand if you dont want to focus on the space enclosure aspects of such structural systems you can alternatively have a look on assembly issues of patented forms like the Mero joints and how these can be designed/dimensioned/improved etc or even construction detailing issues. Hope this helps