Architecture journalist and author Drew (Tensile Architecture ) has a long-standing interest in tents, and he sees a bright future for tensile architecture in today's fast-paced, mobile world. Lightweight and flexible, tents seem a natural fit for an urban-nomad culture, but, as this book demonstrates, tensile architecture offers more than just temporary structures. The first section covers the history of the tent, new materials with longer service lives (from 20 to 35 years), the contributions of innovators such as architect Frei Otto, and the influence of software on contemporary tensile design. The second section profiles 30 recent examples of tensile architecture—sports arenas, train stations, exhibition buildings, airports, office buildings, hotels, and other tensile structures are each described, illustrated, and critiqued in four to six pages. The emphasis is on the structures, forms, and materials that make the designs possible, but Drew also includes a historical perspective and critical review. Recommended for architecture collections and large public libraries.—Amy Trendler, Ball State Univ. Libs., Muncie, IN
