Structural Systems

While our adaptive cladding systems focus on the building envelope, ABI's structural systems are designed to provide operable control over a building's shape and structural configuration.

Applications include retractable coverings to allow spaces to change from indoor to outdoor, transformation of interior space, and rapidly deployable structures.

Iris Structures

Iris structures provide coverings that smoothly extend from and retract to a compact perimeter. These systems may be configured as retractable domes having a wide range of different shapes: circular, elliptical, or in combination with highly customizable elevation profiles. Hoberman has built major installations of Iris Structures up to 80 feet in span, and 80 feet high.

Alternatively, an iris structure does not need to be a complete ring, it can be designed in sectional form, in which the edge of the section rides on support tracks.

Discover the possibilities with our Iris Structures Interactive

Iris Structures, US & International Patents Pending

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Expanding Structures

Hoberman Associates created the field of Expanding Structures over 20 years ago, and since then we have created dozens of large and smaller scale structures.

ABI is able to utilize Hoberman's Expanding Structures to create moveable, portable, or changeable environments. We can provide expanding, mechanical versions of virtually any three-dimensional surface.

Expanding Structures, US & International Patents Pending

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Linear Structures

Our Linear Structures have a similar quality of organic movement to both our Iris and Expanding Structures but do so with far fewer moving components. These structures can be installed in a wide variety of configurations ranging from large scale expanding structural umbrellas to retractable roofs over courtyards.

Linear Structures, US & International Patents Pending

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Spiral Structures

Our Spiral Structures are a hybrid of both our Linear and Expanding Structures. These systems extend and retract in a completely unique manner while retaining a structural simplicity that allows for large scale retractable cantilevered awnings or retractable roofs.

Spiral Structures, US & International Patents Pending

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