Examination and evaluation of pneumatic systems in the world and in Turkey from past to present

Throughout the ages peoples always sought place to shelter. This effort, which started by using places that are spontaneous in nature, paved the way for formation architectural searches with aim of producing new structures. From ancient times to Industrial Revolution, spontaneous shelters or primitive structures built with traditional materials were used. Thanks to this; new materials, technical knowledge, science and technology that will meet needs of people have become applicable. The goals of accommodating the increasing population in large volumes economical way by using less material have resulted in modern structures. Contemporary structures, which have many architectural advantages, have started to be applied by developing various structures in the world and Turkey. Pneumatic-inflatable systems, which are the subtitles of suspension-tension (membrane) systems, constitute the main subject of the study. Although there are many applied examples the use of pneumatic systems as carrier, auxiliary structural or formwork element in architecture; there are few examples and literary studies in Turkey. Pneumatic systems were chosen as the subject of study for determine-examine this situation. Introduction part of the thesis, given about purpose, method and scope of the research. Theoretical foundations and resource research, information is given about contemporary and pneumatic structures; development, structural features and classifications in historical process. Material and method, determined pneumatic (inflatable) systems examination criteria and the selected pneumatic system structure examples are explained. Findings section, the selected pneumatic structure samples were evaluated according to determined parameters. The advantages and disadvantages the use of pneumatic systems in architecture are discussed.