THE NORWEGIAN-BASED ARCHITECTURAL FIRM SNOHETTA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN OF THE KING ABDULAZIZ CENTER FOR WORLD CULTURE IN SAUDI-ARABIA. FOR THIS CULTURAL COMPLEX THEY WERE LOOKING FOR A MANUFACTURER OF OUTDOOR MEMBRANCE CONSTRUCTIONS. AS THEY WERE LOOKING FOR A DESIGN-ORIENTED PRODUCT, THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO BE CAPABLE TO CUSTOMIZE THEIR STANDARD PRODUCTS AFTER THE CUSTOMER'S WISHES.

Among others one of MDT's core competences is form-finding according to the design layout provided by the customer. Therefore MDT is using their own manufactured fabric "MDT-PTFE", weighing 700 g/m². This fabric is characterized by a long lifespan as well as UV-resistance. Furthermore, additionally to the TEFLON-coating, there is a “self-cleaning effect”, which prevents the fabric from aging and polluting. All membranes which are made of MDT-PTFE fabric are 100% waterproof, cross-breaking resistant, color-fast, tearproof as well as weatherproof. Besides that the MDT-PTFE fabric is easy to clean, UV-resistant as well as resistant against environmental influence. Due to its high functionality and durability the MDT-PTFE is suitable especially for public places and special constructions for permanent shading and rain protection.

Furthermore the customer demanded a storm safe construction, which resists both the weather conditions as well as strong winds. For that reason MDT designed specially shaped, inverted umbrellas. Altogether there will be six pieces of ø10m round inverted umbrellas as well as 13pcs in an asymmetrical version, measuring approximately 5x6m.