ETFE Membrane Structure Inverted Umbrella for Ningbo Jiangbei Future Community

As the core of the outdoor leisure facilities in Tianxin Future Community, this series of structures featuring inverted sunshade umbrella membranes has become a visual landmark for the surrounding area. Inspired by inverted umbrellas, these structures combine the tension of steel structures with the flexibility of membranous materials to create an appearance resembling inverted umbrellas. This design not only ensures the openness of the community landscape but also provides residents with shaded areas for relaxation and protection from the weather.

This “inverted umbrella” with its etfe roof structure has completely transformed people’s traditional perceptions of public facilities. By using extremely lightweight and highly transparent etfe membrane material in place of traditional, heavy and enclosed materials, the entire structure appears much more dynamic and flexible. During the day, sunlight passes through the membrane, creating dreamlike, flowing patterns of light and shadow on the ground; at night, when the built-in lights come on, it transforms into a “luminous umbrella” that illuminates the night sky, blending seamlessly with its surroundings and becoming an integral part of the landscape.

The biomimetic design of tensile umbrella structures creates an “airborne umbrella cluster” that infuses cities with a sense of natural vitality and technological elegance. The ETFE material used allows for flexible customization of either single-layer or multi-layer structures, depending on the specific requirements of the environment. This approach enables an organic integration of visual elements, functional purposes, and the surrounding landscape, resulting in public space landmarks that are both easily recognizable and artistically appealing.

The inverted umbrella membrane structure will become a new means for residents to share a better life, and it also provides an excellent example for the application of membrane structures in urban community settings.