In Ottobrunn, near Munich, Germany, the Airbus Headquarters for Defense and Space has a particularly striking building, its unique membrane structure. It is not only a functional building, but also an outstanding work of technology and art. When you drive to the headquarters entrance, looking up, you will see the 375-square-meter single-layer ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) membrane structure. It resembles a massive yet lightweight protective umbrella, shielding people from wind and rain while still allowing you to feel the open-air atmosphere through its unique light-transmitting properties. This magical experience is the unique charm of membrane structure architecture.

Perfect integration of membrane structure design: The ETFE membrane structure seamlessly integrates with the existing headquarters office building. It does not add a jarring visual burden to the area; instead, through skillful design and material application, it enhances and complements the original architecture, giving the entire headquarters complex a more layered and modern feel in harmony. As night falls, the membrane structure shines brightly. Integrated LED lighting emanates through the ETFE membrane, further enhancing the colors and making the office building particularly striking. The interaction between the lights and the membrane creates a dreamlike atmosphere, adding a unique touch of brightness to the night view of the headquarters, and making the Airbus corporate image even more prominent under the night sky. From a structural perspective, this membrane structure is composed of an independent steel frame and an ETFE membrane system. What appears to be a simple combination actually harbors many ingenious details. The steel frame provides stable support for the entire structure, ensuring it stands firm under various weather conditions. Meanwhile, the ETFE membrane material offers numerous advantages with its superior performance.

Advantages of membrane structure: Large spans are one of the significant advantages of membrane structures. The membrane structure at Airbus headquarters achieves a large coverage area without excessive internal support, creating an open and unobstructed space for the entrance area. This not only facilitates the entry and exit of people and vehicles but also makes the entire area appear more transparent and grand, effectively enhancing both spatial efficiency and visual appeal—effects that traditional building structures find hard to achieve easily.

In terms of aesthetics, membrane structures break free from the constraints of traditional building frameworks. Using ETFE film as the canvas and the architect’s creativity as the brush, they outline smooth and unique curves. This design not only echoes the fluidity and innovative spirit of Airbus as an aerospace company but also blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment, showcasing a perfect combination of strength and beauty. The colors are simple and vibrant, exuding a modern vibe that complements the overall style of the headquarters building, highlighting a strong sense of the times and distinctive artistic expression.

Self-cleaning is also a significant highlight of membrane structures. The surface of ETFE membrane is non-sticky, and daily dust and other dirt can be easily washed away by rain, achieving a self-cleaning effect. This not only significantly reduces the labor and material costs for maintenance but also keeps the building’s appearance clean and attractive, ensuring its long-term visual appeal and durability, achieving two goals at once.

From the perspective of energy conservation and environmental protection, membrane structures also perform excellently. ETFE film has a certain level of light transmittance. During the day, ample natural light can penetrate the film into the interior, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and thus lowering energy consumption. At night, when the membrane structure is illuminated by lights, it becomes a beautiful sight. This unique light and shadow effect not only beautifies the environment but also further highlights the brand image and innovative spirit of Airbus.

The membrane structure project of Airbus headquarters is undoubtedly an outstanding example of innovation and practice in the field of architecture. It not only provides a practical and comfortable space experience for employees and visitors, but also becomes a vivid reflection of Airbus’ innovative culture and excellent technology with its unique architectural charm.