Advanced software tools for lightweight cable structures

Abstract The urban energy transition requires synergistic solutions combining energy generation, architecture, and structural design. While photovoltaic systems are primarily implemented on rooftops and peripheral areas, inner‐city surface potentials remain underutilized. This paper addresses this gap by developing lightweight, energy‐active cable net systems with integrated photovoltaic modules. A digital planning tool that integratively represents form finding, structural analysis, and energy simulation is described here. Since the geometric configuration of the cable net directly influences the orientation of the PV modules and thus the solar yield, the tool enables consistent optimization of both form and energy efficiency already at the planning stage. To increase economic efficiency, equidistant‐mesh cable nets can be included into the planning process. These enable standardized, machine‐based prefabrication and reduce the need for on‐site adjustments, therefor it lowers installation time and costs. The results demonstrate how coupling of structural design with digital simulation can supports new potential for large‐scale, energy‐generating lightweight structures in the urban context.