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  Snohetta: architecture-landscapes-interiors

  The innovative, award-winning and environmentally conscious architectural firm Snøhetta, is featured in a multi-faceted exhibition at Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America.

  January 1, 2010
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  U2 fabric stage makes world tour

  U2, recognized worldwide for its driving yet melodic musical vision, launched the band’s “360° World Tour” in June 2009 on a fabric-clad stage that rocks around the clock.

  January 1, 2010
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  GINA Studio course teaches students valuable design lessons

  Last September, 13 architecture students at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design began a provocative one-semester studio program titled GINA Studio.

  December 7, 2009

• Upper South Studio adds three new divisions

  Upper South Studio has added three new divisions to meet the growing interior design and sourcing needs of commercial and residential designers, purchasing agents and architects.

  November 12, 2009

• UFS expands and re-brands

  Universal Fabric Structures (UFS) has announced the launch of its new custom architectural division, Fabritecture.

  November 6, 2009
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  Exhibition highlights structural innovations from Mamoru Kawaguchi

  A recent exhibition “Mamoru Kawaguchi—Structural Engineer: Innovation and Tradition in Structural Design” opened at the Sala Exposicions of the Universitat Politècnica de València.

  November 1, 2009

• Populous to design Olympic stadium in Russia

  The sports facility designers, Populous (formerly HOK Sports) has been selected to design the 40,000-seat main stadium for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games in Sochi, Russia.

  November 1, 2009
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  Retrospective exhibition honors Herman Miller designs

  The Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Mich., in collaboration with The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Mich., organized a retrospective exhibition of designs from the Herman Miller furniture and office systems manufacturer.

  November 1, 2009
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  Architects have their day in the Stuttgart

  The international trade fair for roller shutters, gates and sun shading draws wide interest.

  May 1, 2009
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  Architect’s Workshop presents opportunities for students

  The Architect’s Workshop: “How to Get Started with Fabric Structures,” was a wonderful opportunity for our architecture students.

  March 1, 2009
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  Navigating the complex world of building codes

  There are no simple answers, but there are successful strategies.

  March 1, 2009
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  Eco-conscious home offers smart green features

  Prefab green ‘smart home’ lets the sunshine in.

  January 1, 2009
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  Professional Awning Manufacturers Association publishes new reference guide

  The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association has published a new reference guide called the Fabric Awning & Canopy Building Code Reference.

  January 1, 2009
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  Public art project explores city’s history

  Fabric and graphics in a downtown carries the message of universality.

  January 1, 2009
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  Conference presenters share experiences with fabric-formed architectural structures

  A conference on the use of fabric formwork for architectural structures drew interest from around the world.

  September 1, 2008

• Strategies for working with codes

  Sponsored by IFAI Information Central

  Whether your designs include awnings, canopies or fabric structures, you’ve no doubt noticed that the building code environment has become more complex in recent years. Pulling a permit can be a bureaucratic nightmare, but the hard fact is, either you’re dealing with building code issues now, or you will be in the near future. There are no easy answers when it comes to building codes and fabric architecture, but here are some strategies that might make it easier:
  - The IBC is the most relevant code in the United States to fabric structures and commercial awnings and canopies. But familiarizing yourself with the state and local code specifics is equally important.
  - When installing, make sure that no corners are cut and that all subs are following code. In the long run it will be worth it.
  - Know the product: It’s essential to know the structural capabilities of the fabrics and elements involved in your design. Have all materials tested by an engineer familiar with fabric work.
  - Keep code officials close: Have a person in your office whose focus is to know the area codes, the officials and their requirements vis-à-vis fabric use.
  - NFPA 701 is one of the most commonly cited U.S. flammability standards in the specialty fabrics industry.
  - CSFM is revising its textile flammability requirements. Contact them directly to determine what is current.

  Learn more…