Abstract: This paper systematically introduced the technological progress and application of the large span spatial structures in the last thirty years since the establishment of Committee on Spatial Structures.The following topics were reviewed and discussed: application of spatial structures in different kinds of public buildings, development and technological advancement of the structural systems and situation of compilation and revision of standards and specification in the field of spatial structures.In the end, the prospect of the development focus of research and development of the large span spatial structure discipline was presented, including the development strategy, green construction, innovation of structural system, application of high-strength material, research in wind engineering, earthquake resistance and prevention of progressive collapses, structural health monitoring, safety evaluation, and strengthening technique for existing large span public buildings.