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  Analyzing project size for fabric structure budgets

  How to make different-sized projects cost effective with maximum impact.

  January 1, 2010
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  Eye-catching entrance shade canopy acts as sales tool

  A south Florida awning company takes its own advice and installs a new entrance shade canopy; customers take notice.

  January 1, 2010

• Inside the distinctive Georgia Dome

  Atlanta’s Georgia Dome establishes a number of new fabric-roof records.

  January 1, 2010
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  Suzhou sky canopy features multimedia projection surfaces

  In Suzhou, China, Harmony Times Square, next to Suzhou Industrial Park Jinji Lake, is a new landmark for the city, including office buildings, retail streets, riverfront cafes and a state-of-the-art shopping mall.

  January 1, 2010
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  Alumni gift enables construction of open-air pavilion

  An open-air pavilion provides form and function for students and community alike

  November 1, 2009
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  Fabric pavilion pays tribute to architect’s Plan for Chicago

  Zaha Hadid’s tiny Burnham pavilion captures Chicago’s grand plans

  November 1, 2009
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  The green roofs of Vancouver

  The city’s new convention center brings together waterfront and city

  November 1, 2009
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  Wave form awnings and fabric panels add class to condos

  A Miami upscale condominium carries classy details through to its car park

  November 1, 2009
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  “Bird’s Nest” wins RIBA Lubetkin award

  Beijing’s National Stadium was awarded the prestigious Lubetkin Prize for most outstanding architecture built outside the European Union and designed by an RIBA member.

  September 1, 2009

• Air-supported membrane roof gets retrofitted

  The Dedmon Athletic Center at Radford University, Radford, Va., is known as “The Bubble” because of its air-supported membrane roof installed in 1981 by Birdair Inc.

  September 1, 2009
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  Commencement ceremony features colorful canopy

  Artists Jenna Didier and Oliver Hess created a shade canopy of blue and white streamers with designer Emily White for the spring commencement ceremony at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif.

  September 1, 2009
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  Coney Island amphitheater features fabric roof

  The iconic Coney Island has been through its share of troubles, but a $47 million, 8,000-seat amphitheater designed by Grimshaw Architects, New York, N.Y., could help bring more people to the famous location.

  September 1, 2009
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  Dutch firm designs scrim stage for culture points

  Delft-based design firm, cepezed, has proposed creating a temporary 5,000-seat theater for the forecourt lawn of The Hague in The Netherlands for that city’s bid to be the European Capital of Culture 2018.

  September 1, 2009
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  Rosa Parks Transit Center opens in Detroit

  Detroit has something to feel good about as the new Rosa Parks Transit Center recently opened to rave reviews.

  September 1, 2009
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  Fabric canopies provide shade for commuters

  A new park and ride near Austin, Texas, offers commuters a cool respite from the heat.

  July 1, 2009

• Industry Outlook: Lightweight structures

  Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

  Fabric suppliers see continued economic pressure for the remainder of 2009. Until the economy rebounds, the architectural building market segment will be sluggish. Growth will continue in selected areas of the world experiencing commercial building booms, such as China and Dubai. The industry will continue to consolidate and will emphasize higher quality fabrics where there tends to be a more steady, reliable demand (and better profit margins).

  Manufacturers see slow growth for the U.S. lightweight structures market in 2009, which will be aided by the growth of ‘green’ projects and the trend toward using fabric in building projects in place of traditional (and often more expensive and less efficient) materials such as steel and concrete. They feel that the industry will continue to suffer from a shortage of skilled labor.

  Coupled with the increasing cost of raw materials and a slowdown in both commercial and residential construction, these factors will likely continue to drive up the cost of doing business and inhibit business growth. Yet there are opportunities to grow and stay profitable for companies that manage their businesses closely, monitor all costs, and make smart, long-term decisions that focus on optimizing value (emphasizing quality and innovative products) for their customers.

  From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.

  Learn more…