Suspended structures of the center column type utilize high-strength cable to suspend or support the floors. In some cases beams are cantilevered out from the concrete column at the center of the building. From the top of the center column, cables are used to support the roof system and the walls. Cables run down from the top of the tower to support floors. The external skeleton of the structure is a type of curtain wall which also is supported by cables. Suspended structures often allow much light to enter, because of the unobstructed interior. in
Tokyo An example of a
catenary-shaped suspended structure is the
Eero Saarinen designed
Dulles International Airport Main Terminal. The roof of the structure is made up of suspension cable which stretches across angled concrete columns. In the design of Dulles airport, the floor, the columns and the roof all work together to allow the walls and ceiling to float. This leaves a large open space for the building. The
Yoyogi National Gymnasium in
Tokyo is an example of a cable suspended structure. The roof system is a large span and the structure has been called "one of the most beautiful buildings in the 20th century", largely due to the suspended roof system. == Examples of suspended structure buildings ==