Reduce, reuse, recycle — 20% off

July 1, 2009 | Bruce N. Wright

As the media struggle in the faltering economy, we hear pundits predicting the demise of newspapers, magazines and other print media, as well as of TV shows being canceled for lack of sponsors. It’s hard to be positive when not only the advertising dwindles, but also the architecture and landscape architecture firms that are the target of the advertising dwindle. Opportunities do arise, however, under all circumstances. New mediums create new places for messages and new ideas to be disseminated. Last fall’s United States presidential election showcased the exciting potential and power of such means as YouTube, Twitter and e-mail communication with an e-literate constituency. Architects and designers have historically been early adopters of new technology, and the near universal use in the profession of CAD and BIM technologies is proof of that.

As the more traditional news and information media adjust to the Internet age, we read that even such vaunted institutions as The New York Times are unsure of a workable business model. Does it charge for online news or make it free? Do readers who subscribe get access privileges or should pay-as-you-go be the norm?

Fabric Architecture is facing the same challenges. With this issue we are moving some standard columns and departments from print to Web, so you will find continuing education articles and book and software reviews now online only. Additional professional information found under the rubric of “Expertise” will continue to be posted on our Web version of the magazine. Reader surveys tell us that you actually prefer much of your information in digital form rather than the more carbon-footprint heavy paper format, so we’re listening.

One highly effective method of information transfer is the workshop. We are pleased to announce three workshops this coming September in connection with IFAI’s Expo in San Diego: “How to Design Green Roofs/Landscapes” on Sept. 22; “Become a Sustainable Shading Expert,” Sept. 24; and “How to Get Started With Fabric Structures,” Sept. 24. All three workshops offer AIA-CES credits.

As always, we want to hear from you. How is this working? What can we improve? What needs keeping and what should be discarded? Attention must, and will be, paid.

Comments

There are not yet any comments.
You can submit a comment using the form below.