In architecture, ‘span’ is the term given to the length of a structural component that extends between two supports, or the continuous space created between two pillars of a building structure, and when we think of this element, one cannot help recalling classics such as Lina Bo Bardi's MASP, Álvaro Siza's Expo'98 Portuguese National Pavilion, and the Roman Pantheon. However, there are several other buildings with this feature, and recent projects have been using innovative and bold structures to create even more unexpected designs.
Here, we have gathered some of these creations featuring structures that span long distances using different materials, such as steel, concrete, and bamboo. Among the many different types of buildings, some even use unusual materials such as polyurethane foam and plastic, proving that there's always room for creativity and innovation in architecture.
Tianjin Binhai Library / MVRDV + Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute
Teshima Art Museum / Ryue Nishizawa
Soft Matter / NATURALBUILD
Tian Han Cultural Park / WCY Regional Studio
Hangzhou Xixi Green Office Complex / gad
Changsha Meixihu International Culture and Art Centre / Zaha Hadid Architects
Jewel Changi Airport / Safdie Architects
Upper Skeena Recreation Center / Hemsworth Architecture
The Arc at Green School / IBUKU
Taiyuan Botanical Garden / Delugan Meissl Associated Architects
BUGA Fibre Pavilion / ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart
Urban Podium In Rotterdam / Atelier Kempe Thill
Bridge Gallery / Atelier Lai
Tianjin Binhai Cultural Center / gmp Architects
Beyond the Geometry Plastic 3D Printed Pavilion / Archi-Union Architects + Fab-Union
Le Monde Office Building / Snøhetta + SRA Architects
Suzhou Bay Grand Theater / Christian de Portzamparc
Moynihan Train Hall / SOM
Habitat Qinhuangdao / Safdie Architects
PGA TOUR Headquarters / Foster + Partners
