Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate and develop a script for a lightweight membrane structure. The research investigation seeks to understand the types of membrane forms and the process of finding such forms through empirical experimentation. The outcome of this project is to present an optimized membrane structure through computational form-finding which can be visualised in a real-life setting.

The primary model has been designed using a Grasshopper pluggin to simulate a real-life tensile structure visually through Rhino. The script follows a 9 step-by-step process which can be adjustable to the user and optimised to suit the structures location and intended purpose. Finally a visual representation of a Light-weight membrane structure is presented as a sheltering structure for a local park within the Manawatu District.