whats the name for this!

[tryingtolearn]

so last year i managed to build myself a 4v 15 foot geodesic dome thanks to the internet!! its a new year so now its time for something new. been looking all over the internet for the name of this shade structure and how to build it, so far no luck. i needz yo help!!!!

[Captain Goddammit]

My camp had something very similar a long time ago, except black, it was custom built.
I don't know, but that one is probably custom also.
We just called it a shade structure.

[FIGJAM]

Tensegrity?

[Eric]

I'd start googling "tension structures" and "tensegrity structures" (use the words "Burning Man" in your search parameters to narrow them). There's a huge range of possible structures using tension, but going with something that's actually been tried and proven in real playa conditions will give you a much better foundation for your structure.

[trilobyte]

Figjam got it, they're called tensegrity structures. You can probably find how-to's on a couple basic designs, and then from there as you gain experience you just modify or do your own thing as you see fit. Good luck!

[Token]

It all started here:

http://kennethsnelson.net/

[Simon of the Playa]

https://sites.google.com/site/potatotra ... tensegrity

[FreePeacelove]

Why not use normal, simple but practical tents? Something like this, for example. I mean a geodesic Dome is something really spectacular, but it is worth it? Would´nt be normal army tents enough? I saw some pictures you shared here, and there are some tent-similar constructions, but i still think a normal tent, (maybe from military purpose) would be better. Or is it just the optical effects/illusions?

Greetz.

[Captain Goddammit]

Because it's Burning Man, and style is a consideration too!

[Ratty]

Simon, You're last post here is great. Too lengthy to read now but thanks for the treat I'll have later. I'm enjoying it immensely.

[trilobyte]

A normal tent, on its own, would be pretty awful in my personal opinion.

The purpose of building a shade structure (whichever type you choose) is to block the heat and UV of the sun. In the desert, it's pretty intense most of the day, and without a shade structure any normal (including military) tent would become pretty inhospitable from shortly after sunrise until at least sunset. With a decent shade structure, your tent doesn't transform into a human-sized ez-bake oven by day, so you can take naps, sleep in, or sleep all day if you prefer to be up at night.

[Captain Goddammit]

Amen to all that, but looking awesome while you do it is extra bonus points on top.

[Shoeshine]

also Google "tension and suspension structure"

a little more general. but interesting math and theory.

[tryingtolearn]

Hello friends,

I'm trying to figure out the proper way to make a shade structure exactly like this. I don't how to call this shade structure therefore I haven't been able to find any instructions on how to do it. Any help on what materials, specifications and tools I need to set this up would be greatly appreciated. It will be for a good cause!

Also would the coin method apply to this type of shade structure? Not the tensegrity but the one I have no name for
http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew- ... /?ALLSTEPS

[Popeye]

That doesn't look like BRC, the hills are to close. Obviously somewhere with a lot less wind, as there does not seem to be enough support for the "roof" and it would blow away. You might think about a structure like Black Rock Hardware makes (Google them). You could tie dye some painters cotton drop cloths after washing out any waterproofing.

[trilobyte]

I've merged the two 'help me identify this structure' threads. The new post also appears to be a tensegrity structure.