What’s the big idea?
April 29, 2010 | Bruce N. Wright
Advancement, improvement, originality, insight, revelation, idea. These are some of the synonyms you'll find for "innovation." When the Romans found a way to reinforce cement with aggregate to create concrete, the innovation in building technology changed civilization. Likewise, the innovation of high-strength steel combined with curtain walls of glass transformed modern day cities.
What is the equivalent innovation today? It is always hard to have a clear perspective while in the midst of things, so we'll not know the answer for decades. But we can speculate, and within the specialty fabrics industry that sustains this publication we may discover sources of innovation that may transform architecture in the future.
One source that aims to inspire is being offered by the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF), which has launched the Innovation Award, meant to inspire and spur to new heights the worldwide specialty fabrics industry.*
The award is open to any company that has developed and manufactured an innovative product related to the specialty fabrics industry. Products can be entered under one of three categories: fabric, hardware or machinery; end product; or process. What does this mean for architects and designers? Nothing immediately, but potentially a great deal. For example, recent research in façade systems by architects working with fabricators of ETFE systems has explored the potentials for reduced energy use in buildings, something that has a huge impact on the future of the built environment.
Follow your muse to inspire others with original ideas in building. Spread the word about the IFF Innovation Award. Someone you know (perhaps yourself?) may have the next big idea that could advance architecture with significant improvements in performance.
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