Practice makes perfect

September 1, 2008 | Bruce N. Wright

For nearly a year now, we have urged you, dear reader, to learn about and embrace the practical aspects of designing sustainably with fabric. We’ve examined the basics of using fabric, how it can contribute toward a more sustainable building (or landscape) design (January/February 2008). We’ve identified new materials and innovative applications and how these are inspiring sustainable practices (March/April 2008). We’ve reviewed examples of sustainable projects that incorporate fabric integrally and are grounded in the region where they were built (May/June 2008). And, we’ve studied schools that teach fabric structure design and sustainability and made an academic checklist of available programs (July/August 2008). With this issue we look at projects that have put sustainable design ideas into practice.

As I mentioned in the series’ first issue, “by year’s end you will have received the industry’s knowledge base of green design practices and resources for responsibly designing with fabric.” I trust you will agree with me when I say this topic and the emphasis we’re placing on it throughout Fabric Architecture is of prime importance to the future of the profession, as well as society. For that reason, Fabric Architecture will continue exploring these issues in depth in the years ahead. But we cannot do this alone. Please share with us your experiences, knowledge and expertise on sustainable design with fabric as a shared knowledge base brings everyone to a higher plane. To borrow a phrase from Red Green of the Canadian Broadcast Corp.’s popular TV comedy the Red Green Show, “We are all in this together.”

As a reminder, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), will hold an architect’s workshop on how to get started with fabric structures [Oct. 22, 2008; 5:30pm – 8:30 pm] in Charlotte, North Carolina during IFAI’s annual Expo and convention. Also of interest, is the IFAI focused session on “Going Beyond Green — Saving Tomorrow Today” on Oct. 23 during the same convention. Both events are free to architects and students, however registration is still required. For more information visit the IFAI Expo Web page: www.ifaiexpo.com, or e-mail Jill Rutledge: jmrutledge@ifai.com.

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