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Fabric structures provide crucial support in disasters
April 1st, 2024
This 55-foot-by-103-foot clearspan structure from Warner Shelter Systems Limited (WSSL) served as the mess hall and headquarters for Canada’s Department of National Defence. WSSL also manufactures pole tents and both types have been deployed for disaster-response purposes and utilized as command posts and mess halls and for storage and warehousing. Image: Warner Shelter Systems Limited […]
The happiness effect
April 1st, 2024
Photography by © 2023 Mark Skalny Photography Tony Ehrbar, owner and CEO of American Tent LLC, in Green Bay, Wis., didn’t realize he wanted to be an entrepreneur until he was 32. Burned out from years of consulting work and dissatisfied with corporate life, he was inspired to take on a new professional challenge after […]
AI saves businesses time, but it needs to learn physics
April 1st, 2024
In October 2023, Rick Collins, ATA’s IT director, conducted a series of experiments with Midjourney to explore its potential. Using GPT-4, he created descriptions to feed to Midjourney, instructing the latter to generate images of the ideal event tent for hosting 200 attendees Although computers have been working with large amounts of data since their […]
2024 IBC code changes affect temporary structures
April 1st, 2024
Changes to the International Building Code® text for the 2024 edition involve temporary structures, many of which needed to be set up for more than the previous maximum of 180 days during the pandemic. The limit for a temporary structure in the U.S. is now up to a year. Pictured: An inflatable COVID-19 testing and […]
From outlet mall to entertainment outlet
April 1st, 2024
Changing buying habits over the last couple of decades have spurred shopping centers to evolve as well. Many have been reimagined and reborn, such as the continuing transformation of the former Chesterfield, Mo., outlet mall into The District. The entertainment hot spot is now anchored by restaurants, a brewery, special events space, concert venue, fitness […]
Textiles and PFAS: Managing the legal risks
April 1st, 2024
A lack of oil repellency for non-PFAS finishes could lead to flammability hazards for firefighters’ gear if exposed to substances such as diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid, NC State researchers have found in tests comparing PFAS-treated and untreated turnout gear. Future work will explore how much oil repellency firefighters need in the field. Image: NC […]
Commercial renovations focus on comfort, the warmth of home
March 1st, 2024
Rich color and pattern in modular carpet add design and warmth while supporting acoustics in commercial spaces. Trends are moving toward colors like blues and greens, rather than the neutral grays and beiges used in carpeting in recent years. Pictured is the latest carpet launch, Notable, from Mannington Commercial. Image: Mannington Commercial In a lightning-fast […]
Rachal McCarthy builds on 40 years of progress at NTI Global
March 1st, 2024
Photography by Jason Kindig When life throws you curveballs, you either need to duck or hit them. Just ask Rachal McCarthy, who is redefining what’s possible for women in the textiles and manufacturing industries. “When I was growing up, I swore I’d never work for the family business,” says McCarthy, 37, president of NTI Global, […]
Pvilion solar canopies win BLT Built Design Award
March 1st, 2024
Visitors to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx looking for a brief respite to refuel and recharge have been doing so for the past few years under canopies that now can be called award-winning. Last fall Pvilion received recognition in the BLT Built Design Awards in one of the Landscape Architecture categories for […]
Tent Expo victorious at Daytona
March 1st, 2024
Despite the threat of high winds, severe thunderstorms and dangerous tornados causing some delays with tent installations, Tent Expo 2024 kicked off on January 9 in Daytona, Fla. Over 550 attendees and exhibitors came from as far away as China, Poland and even the United Arab Emirates. “It was an incredible gathering of tent professionals,” […]