What 20+ years in live events teach you about temporary structures

The temporary structure industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. While the fundamental need, providing shelter, remains the same, engineering standards, safety regulations, and client expectations have evolved, creating a highly specialised sector.

How the industry has evolved

Two decades ago, the “standard marquee” dominated outdoor events. Today, organisers can choose from a wide variety of technical solutions:

• Air-supported structures: Quick to deploy, lightweight, and modular.
• Geodesic domes: Clear-span, structurally robust, ideal for immersive environments.
• Modular cube systems: Highly configurable, suited for multi-zone events.

This evolution reflects a move from simple shelter to performance-grade environments, where acoustics, thermal comfort, and aesthetics meet the same expectations as permanent buildings.

Regional callout:

• UK: Compliance is guided by The Purple Guide and BS EN 13782 standards for structural integrity.
• US: Organisers follow IBC, ICC/ANSI A117.1, and local building codes for temporary structures.

Lessons learned from large-scale delivery

Experience shows that the site always dictates the solution.

• The “Invisible” Challenges: Look beyond the site map—underground drainage, subtle gradients, or microclimates can impact floor levelling, staking, and wind performance.
• Redundancy Matters: Single points of failure are risky. Experienced suppliers incorporate backup systems—such as secondary inflation fans, additional ballast, or contingency anchoring points—to maintain safety in extreme conditions.

Regional note: Wind patterns vary significantly: UK coastal sites may see gusts up to 55mph, while US events in tornado-prone or hurricane-prone areas require adherence to local wind-load specifications.

What hasn’t changed—and why

Despite new materials and modular designs, core engineering principles remain constant:

• Gravity, wind uplift, and fire safety must always be accounted for.
• The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) guidance in the UK and ASCE/SEI standards in the US remain the foundation for structural reliability.

The secret to longevity is not just new technology—it’s rigorous adherence to engineering fundamentals.

The value of experience under pressure

Live events rarely go perfectly to plan. Sudden weather changes, delayed contractors, or unexpected load requirements demand a supplier who can adapt safely and efficiently.

• Experienced teams anticipate extreme conditions: 60mph gusts, heatwaves, or saturated ground conditions.
• Confidence in the structure’s response ensures operational continuity, protects the audience, and preserves brand reputation.

Regional considerations:

• UK: Safety advisory groups (SAGs) may require detailed structural and wind-management plans.
• US: Local authorities often require engineered sign-offs and detailed method statements for public events, particularly in municipal or high-occupancy venues.

Reference: IStructE: Temporary Demountable Structures (The Blue Guide)

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