The power to break through spatial limitations : space frame structure, supporting the backbone of modern architecture

Special report of the 2025 China Space Structure Technology Summit

Reporters learned that at the "2025 China Space Structure Technology Summit" opened in Hangzhou yesterday, the space frame structure, as a key technology for shaping modern architectural space, once again became the focus of the whole audience. As an efficient spatial structure form, the space frame is playing an increasingly important role in the field of large public buildings in my country and even the world with its excellent mechanical properties, flexible and changeable modeling capabilities and significant industrialization advantages, and continues to promote the innovation of architectural space and form.

The beauty of mechanics: small components weave large spaces

"The essence of the space frame structure lies in its perfect interpretation of the mechanical wisdom of "small wins big." Experts from the Space Structure Branch of the China Steel Structure Association emphasized in the theme report of the summit. Unlike the traditional beam-column system, the space frame is a three-dimensional grid structure system formed by the precise connection of a large number of rods (usually steel pipes or steel sections) through specific nodes (mainly bolt ball nodes or welded ball nodes). Its core charm lies in its ability to efficiently and evenly transfer the huge roof load to the surrounding supporting structures through the axial force (tension or compression) of countless rods.

This unique force transmission mechanism gives the space frame unparalleled advantages:

Amazing spanning ability: Easily achieve large-span space without columns of tens of meters or even hundreds of meters, providing the best solution for buildings with rigid requirements for open space such as stadiums, exhibition centers, airport terminals, and high-speed rail stations.

Lightweight structure: The material utilization efficiency is extremely high. Compared with traditional concrete structures, it can significantly reduce the weight of the building and reduce the foundation cost. It is especially suitable for scenes with limited geological conditions or requiring rapid construction.

Freedom of spatial form: The grid can be flexibly combined into flat shapes, curved shapes (such as spherical shells, cylindrical shells), and even various irregular three-dimensional shapes, providing a solid structural foundation for architects to realize their unrestrained creativity.

Node art: symphony of bolted balls and welded balls

The core "joint" of the space frame lies in the node. The exhibition area of the summit focused on the two mainstream node technologies:

Bolt ball node: Pre-cast steel balls with threaded holes, welded cone heads at the ends of the rods and tightened to the balls through high-strength bolts. Its biggest advantage is that it is highly standardized and factory-based, with controllable quality. On-site installation is like "building blocks", fast, and relatively low reliance on manpower, which is particularly suitable for large-scale standardized space frames. Technical experts pointed out: "The popularization of bolt ball nodes is a key step in the industrialization of space frames."

Welded ball node: Directly weld the ends of the rods to solid or hollow steel balls in the factory or on site. Its nodes have strong integrity, simple and smooth appearance, and often higher load-bearing capacity. Although the workload of on-site welding increases, it can better adapt to special projects with complex curved surfaces or extremely high force requirements. Experts added: "Welded balls are indispensable in iconic buildings that pursue extreme shape and performance."

Monument of the steel forest: classics cast glory

The space frame structure has long been deeply integrated into the skyline and living space of modern cities. The summit reviewed several milestone applications in China:

Large sports stadiums: From the huge portal trusses (containing the space frame principle) outside the Beijing Olympic Games "Bird's Nest" to the hyperbolic lattice shell of the newly built Hangzhou Asian Games E-sports Hall, the space frame provides an unobstructed and shocking space for dynamic events.

Transportation hub: The impressive "manta ray"-shaped roof of Terminal 3 of Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is supported by a giant space frame structure, which achieves the unity of function and aesthetics.

Cultural landmark: The lightweight roof above the National Grand Theater Concert Hall and the rotating large cantilever of the Shanghai Planetarium symbolizing the "celestial orbit" all rely on the precise realization of space frame technology.

Industrial backbone: Large modern aircraft maintenance hangars, clean workshops, coal yards and other industrial buildings, whose ultra-large span requirements are the main battlefield for the space frame structure to play its strengths. The large wooden lattice shell structure used in the Qingdao World Horticultural Exposition Botanical Pavilion shows the diverse exploration of the application of space frame materials.

Future direction: intelligent, green, and efficient

At the summit, industry leaders painted a picture of the future of space frame technology:

Intelligent construction empowers deeply: BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology runs through the entire chain of design, processing, and installation, achieving "what you see is what you get". Automated robot welding, intelligent measurement and positioning, and digital installation guidance systems will greatly improve accuracy and efficiency and reduce safety risks.

Prefabricated technology upgrades again: Efficient assembly with larger units and fewer types is the trend. Developing smarter and more adaptable connection nodes (such as new self-locking and semi-rigid nodes) is a research hotspot to balance installation convenience and structural performance.

New materials expand boundaries: The application research of high-performance steel, aluminum alloy, and even engineered wood and composite materials in space frames is in the ascendant, aiming to pursue lighter, stronger, and more durable solutions.

Greening the entire life cycle: From material production (promoting green steel), design optimization (reducing steel consumption), construction process (reducing energy consumption and pollution) to building demolition (high material recycling rate), the green and low-carbon path of space frame structures is becoming increasingly clear.

Conclusion

From magnificent sports temples to busy transportation hubs, from dynamic cultural venues to solid industrial plants, the space frame structure, with its scientific logic and sophisticated construction, continues to break through the physical boundaries of architectural space. With the deep integration of intelligent design, advanced manufacturing and green concepts, this space structure technology full of rational beauty will surely create a more magnificent, more dynamic and more sustainable future architectural space for mankind, and continue to write a magnificent chapter of "force and form". As the summit reached a consensus: the space frame is not only the skeleton of the building, but also a spatial bridge leading to infinite possibilities in the future.