A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

A tornado shelter has a dome-shape, sheltering wall formed by a multiplicity of modular, hollow/cavitied wall panel units manually assembled together at respective peripheral edges by the mating engagement of interlocking, male and female portions. Each wall panel unit is a one-piece molding with opposed side wall portions in spaced apart, parallel relation defining between them respective containers with filler openings adjacent a top and containing a filler material of alternately water, a rheopectic fluid, gel or granular particles, thereby increasing impact strength and anchoring weight. Selected base panel units are formed with respective eyes receiving ground anchoring stakes. Panel portions can be laminates reinforced by wire mesh or KEVLAR integrally molded therein.

A venue includes a display screen, a performance stage, and an audience area. The display screen has (i) an inner periphery, (ii) an outer periphery, and (iii) at least one of a non-linear or a curved cross-sectional shape that is at least partially revolved around a center point. The performance stage (i) is positioned between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the display screen and (ii) at least partially extends along at least one of the inner periphery or the outer periphery of the display screen. The audience area is positioned between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the display screen.

A panel member for a cyclorama includes a concavo-convex body having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane to uniformly reflect or diffuse sound and light incident on the panel member.

A publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex is disclosed, with a man-made tropical, pristine-clear lagoon as the centerpiece of the complex. The lagoon includes a surf feature and surrounding the lagoon are entertainment, educational, sports, and commercial facilities. The complex has a controlled public access and provides the look and feel of a tropical beach with clear waters and sandy beaches. In addition a method for efficiently utilizing facilities and land that are vacant, underutilized, have limited uses, or that are contiguous to or nearby recreational, educational, sports, or commercial venues is disclosed. The method providing a publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex with a centerpiece man-made tropical-style pristine-clear lagoon having a surf feature. The method allows for generating revenue and increasing efficiency by pairing vacant sites, underutilized sites, limited use land, or sites that are contiguous to entertainment, educational, sports, and/or commercial venues with urban beach entertainment complexes. The complex preferably has a controlled public access, thereby allowing entrance upon payment of a fee.

A publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex is disclosed, with a man-made tropical, pristine-clear lagoon as the centerpiece of the complex. The lagoon includes a surf feature and surrounding the lagoon are entertainment, educational, sports, and commercial facilities. The complex has a controlled public access and provides the look and feel of a tropical beach with clear waters and sandy beaches. In addition a method for efficiently utilizing facilities and land that are vacant, underutilized, have limited uses, or that are contiguous to or nearby recreational, educational, sports, or commercial venues is disclosed. The method providing a publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex with a centerpiece man-made tropical-style pristine-clear lagoon having a surf feature. The method allows for generating revenue and increasing efficiency by pairing vacant sites, underutilized sites, limited use land, or sites that are contiguous to entertainment, educational, sports, and/or commercial venues with urban beach entertainment complexes. The complex preferably has a controlled public access, thereby allowing entrance upon payment of a fee.

A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

The invention is a system and method for building a polar zonohedron structure from precast cement panels. The building system may include a plurality of panels configured to register with each other. Each panel includes a precast cement base with side walls enclosing a cavity within the precast cement base. The panels include at least one ridge protruding from at least one surface of a side wall of the panel and at least one aperture on at least one surface of a side wall of the panel. Each ridge is preferable configured to interlock with each aperture; in his way, the panels interlock with each other to form the polar zonohedron structure.

An underground shelter assembly for accommodating a small group of people, the shelter assembly comprising: a generally cylindrical body with a hollow internal space for accommodating the small group of people, the cylindrical body being adapted to be positioned underground, an access passage extending into the internal space of the cylindrical body through an entrance of the cylindrical body to allow one or more people to enter the internal space of the cylindrical body, the access passage being defined by one or more passage walls extending transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body towards ground level during use to terminate in an access opening wherein at least a portion of the passage walls defining the access opening comprises fire resistant material and wherein the access opening comprises a fire resistant access door.

A venue includes an exterior structure, a theater area inside the exterior structure, an audience seating area positioned in the theater area and facing the stage, and a mezzanine area positioned inside the exterior structure, outside of the theater area, and at least partially beneath the audience seating area. The theater area includes an interior surface that provides or supports a display. The display is an immersive display that extends along the interior surface such that the display is positioned in front of, to the sides, above, and behind at least a portion of the audience seating area.