A few years ago, building involved large amounts of concrete and other heavy structures. Modernity brought with it important reinventions in architecture, in the conception of habitat, and with it, lightweight structures also arrived. What do they consist of and what are their benefits?

When we talk about light structures in construction, we are referring to those that are mostly made of steel or aluminum bars, although in some cases they can be made of wood to give a more natural feel to the works.

We are seeing more and more structures of this type around us. However, it is not a trend that has just appeared on the market; there are many examples that demonstrate the innovative, profitable and long-lasting nature of this approach. 

Let's start with Richard Buckminster, the architect who revolutionized the field of engineering during the 1922th century thanks to the development of the geodesic dome, first designed in XNUMX by Walter Bauersfeld.

Buckminster opted for a lightweight structure that included aluminum tubes and a 4,2-meter-high vinyl roof. This was able to withstand large loads without the need for foundations, all thanks to a complex geometric system.

Let's now take the example of Frei Otto. This architect, who is known for a trend known as textile architecture, was committed to developing important works based on organic, natural and functional forms. One of his great examples: the dome of the Olympic stadium in Munich.

We end with a more recent example: Frank Gehry. His worldwide recognition is due to his commitment to organic architecture, a trend that uses light metal structures mixed with light metals and laminated wood. Among his most representative works is the Olympic fish pavilion in Barcelona.

Three architectural icons who used lightweight structures as their basis demonstrate their efficiency, support and creative capabilities around their structures. What other advantages does this trend have? 

• Custom design and execution: In this trend there is freedom of design and finishes. Added to this is a great precision in the construction concept, which contributes to a greater coincidence between the projected and the executed. 
• Investment control:  Custom development allows for more detailed control over the entire project.
  
• Quality: This construction approach is based on more industrialised solutions and materials, produced under approved quality standards and certified in the factory.
• Control over time:  We are talking about dry systems, which translate into greater speed and quality of execution.
• Environmental friendly:  This system minimises waste during construction, thus promoting greater sustainability and economy of materials.