The use of texti̇le-based materials in shell system design in architecture and an evaluation in terms of sustainability

The textile that has emerged from dressing and protection need of people against the variable weather conditions since the primeval ages, has gained performance characteristics with the rise of artificial fibers apart from natural fiber production and with increasing technology, and has gained a good position in architectural applications. In this thesis studied in this context, utilization areas and probabilities of textile material from architectural aspects are examined and evaluated with regard to sustainability in shell design in architecture. In the first part; the aim, content and method of the study is approached, and it has been expressed that the issue is considered within which limits by the subject and process of the study. In the second part; the improving change of textile, that was traditionally used as gear, as indoor element, and upholstery on furniture, by the emerge of smart and technical textile. Definition of technical textile and application types according to the sectors are explained by drawings and charts, the latest construction textiles are brought out. In the third part of the study; it's come up with an explanation about the production and performance and functional characteristics of fiber that is the essential material of textile fabric which is used on building and shell systems. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene (ETFE) that are making the major essential materials of textile used in architecture are explained with sample constructions and their visuals. After that, the phases of tent, pneumatic body, canopy, pleated roof, umbrella, parasol, outer curtain, shear wall and façade as utilization style of textile materials on construction forms, since the earlier periods of the history until today are explained. In the fourth part; the interactions between textile and architecture are examine in visual respect, and are explained under three major topics as body and form, technology, and aesthetics. At the fifth part; primarily the architectural sustainability is explained, and then sustainability characteristics and utilization advantages of the textile in architecture are mentioned. Sixth part includes; sample applications on the subject of the thesis. They consist of; Eden Project-Cornwall, Water Cube-Beijing, and Alliance Arena-Munich. The characteristics of textile material used in the shell system of these bodies??? (building) are explained, and the assessment of them in respect to sustainability is done. At the final part; an assessment that general outcomes about the thesis study are presented is stated. Beside the feature such as being recyclable of ETFE textile materials used in architecture, having very good insulating properties, and reducing the need for energy since they optimize the solar energy, it is seen that peculiarities such as their fire resistance, self-cleaning feature, less maintenance cost comparing to traditional materials make them have advantages. With these aspects, it is stated that they are both successfully applied at long-span forms which cannot be handled with traditional materials and they become the symbol of the cıty they are stated by attracting the millions of travelers via the worldwide unique samples.