Evolution and Trends in Design, Analysis and Construction of Shell and Spatial Structures

In 1959 Prof. Eduardo Torroja founded the International Association of Shell and Spatial Structures. Since then, the IASS has been a major reference in all fields related to spatial and shell structures, from concept to practical execution. Engineers, architects, researchers and educators have addressed structural science topics in yearly symposia, colloquia and working groups with highly valuable results. For 50 years the association has witnessed the evolution of concepts, materials, systems, procedures and tools that are all related to structures. The combined action of each of these factors has led to the present panorama of structures and steers future progress in our discipline. The 2009 Symposium which, as is customary, is held in Spain every 10 years, aims to gather a wide group of engineers, architects, researchers and educators able to contribute with their work, experience and perspective to the understanding of this past evolution and the exploration of future trends in the field of shell and spatial structures.