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Sustainable shading

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  Light canopy

  November 1, 2009

  Students and teacher explore the possibilities of CNC-driven fabrication

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  Wave form awnings and fabric panels add class to condos

  November 1, 2009

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

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  Rosa Parks Transit Center opens in Detroit

  September 1, 2009

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

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  Fabric canopies provide shade for commuters

  July 1, 2009

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

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  Fabric canopy helps cantina practice sustainability

  May 1, 2009

  The new Sante Fe Opera cantina observes sustainable conventions and leaves the patrons fed and dry.

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  Project proposes air-filled fabric balloons as economical source of shade

  May 1, 2009

  New York architects runner-up for MoMA’s seasonal P.S. 1 installation.

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  Corporate headquarters features solar screening system

  January 1, 2009

  The addition of exterior fabric shades completes the headquarters for a Midwestern agribusiness.

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  Outdoor dining pavilion includes cooling tables

  January 1, 2009

  Harking back to a simpler time, when technology was evident, and worked!

• Trade show to focus on worldwide energy consumption

  September 1, 2008

  The global trade fair will be placing special focus on one of the most pressing problems of our time: the rapidly rising levels of worldwide energy consumption.

• West Coast project to use plants to cover building façade

  September 1, 2008

  French architect and 2008 Pritzker Laureate Jean Nouvel’s first project on the West Coast of the United States will be “green” within and out.

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  New shades and screens made with energy-efficient fabrics

  July 1, 2008

  Forget the old bug screen—a new generation of shades and screens is energy efficient, sustainable, attractive and functional.

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  Green car park’s photovoltaic system incorporates fabric

  March 1, 2008

  Fabric complements the sustainably-inspired photovoltaic system at Springs Preserve, Las Vegas.

• Sustainable materials

  Sponsored by Industrial Fabrics Association International

  What does it take to be environmentally friendly in the world of fabric architecture? The answer is complex but not out of reach. Five areas, at a minimum, must be addressed: renewability, recycled content and recyclability, pollution, energy usage and durability.
  -Renewability: A fabric’s content can be replaced biologically within an understood time frame. Fibers are made from plant-based resins rather than petrochemicals. Check with the supplier.
  - Recycled content and recyclability: Fabrics are good that are produced from recycled polyester, polyethylene, cotton, wool, etc. At issue: Is more energy required to recycle than to produce non-recylable fabric?
  - Pollution: Fabric dyes can be toxic. At issue: the heavy metal antimony is often used in fabric dyes. Check to see if there are alternatives with your supplier.
  - Energy use: Like most everything, fabric production uses energy.
  - Durability: Durability IS green. If a product seldom needs replacement, energy to produce it is minimized and the earth wins out with reduced landfills, among other outcomes. Place of origin is also important. Europe has strict green manufacturing laws. Check with the supplier and ask where the fabric is manufactured.

  Learn more…