Large-span Grid Structures Are Quietly Changing Our City Skylines

From Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” to the Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi, large-span grid structures are not only showcasing their exceptional technical strength but have also become symbols of modern architectural aesthetics.

The charm of grid structures lies in their unique mechanical properties and aesthetic value. By evenly distributing loads across the entire structure, they achieve lightweight coverage of large-span spaces. At the same time, their grid-like appearance adds a distinctive visual effect to the architecture. As pioneered by German engineer Schwedler in his “shell structure,” the grid divides the dome surface into longitudinal ribs and latitudinal horizontal rings, and then further divides it into triangular grids with diagonal rods, making the structure both light and stable.

In modern architecture, the application of grid structures can be seen in various forms. Taking the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center as an example, its steel roof structure consists of a single-layer shell, double-layer curved grid, and vertical support system, forming an overall structure that is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Meanwhile, the unique streamlined “Galaxy Mirage” of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Swimming Pool showcases the potential of grid structures in free-form architectural designs.

However, the significance of grid structures goes beyond their aesthetic value. In the field of sustainable architecture, they also play an important role. Due to their lightweight nature, grid structures can reduce material usage and lower energy consumption in buildings. Additionally, their open grid structure allows for natural lighting and ventilation, contributing to improved environmental performance.

From sports venues to transportation hubs, from cultural landmarks to ecological buildings, LF grid structures have supported the successful implementation of over 600 landmark projects through a full lifecycle service system covering “design – construction – operation and maintenance.” We believe that each grid building is not only a crystallization of technology and art but also a bridge connecting the future.

In the future, LF Grid will continue to push the limits of structure through innovation, injecting more possibilities into urban spaces with professional expertise. To explore innovative applications of grid structures, please visit the LF-BJMB official website.