September 1, 2025
Although when grouped around a central building, the 12 freestanding structures may appear massive, the delicacy and transparency of the mesh fabric that encloses all 12 dramatically reduces the overall visual weightiness. Located in León, Mexico, the Environmental Education Center is inspired by the wings of a dragonfly, its rhomboid-like geometry clad with mesh fabric …
September 1, 2025
Here you’ll find a first look at the new products and value-added services waiting for you on the show floor at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 5–7. Celebrate textile innovation at Advanced Textiles Expo, where hundreds of exhibitors will showcase their latest products throughout the entire supply chain, from fibers and fabrics …
September 1, 2025
In 2014, Ethan Halpern moved from the music classroom as a teacher to the shop floor as president and owner of American Awning & Blind Co. in North Hollywood, Calif. A family friend owned the business and offered Halpern the opportunity to buy it. U.S.-based and financially strong with a customized product, it made business …
September 1, 2025
New for the 2024 International Achievement Awards (IAAs) was the Best of Canada award, where all of the entries from Canadian companies competed against one another, regardless of category. The winner this year, over 18 other projects, was “The Leaf at Canada’s Diversity Gardens,” a conservatory structure in Winnipeg, Man., Canada. The 84,400-square-foot building has …
September 1, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the textile industry—not with flashy headlines but with practical improvements in planning, sourcing and execution. Manufacturers are using AI to improve operations, avoid common pitfalls and align teams for long-term success, with insights on reshoring, leadership and continuous improvement integration. In a recent discussion about AI, a plant manager …
September 1, 2025
Standard Textile Co. Inc. has announced the appointment of Frank Kerley as vice president of its Textile Division. In this role, Kerley will lead one of the company’s core businesses, with oversight of strategic direction, growth initiatives and operational performance across its health care and hospitality textile markets. Since rejoining Standard Textile in 2023 as …
August 13, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Aug. 11 that the tariff on Chinese imports will remain at the same rate—30%—for an additional 90 days. China’s 10% tariff on American imports will also stay at the same rate. The announcement was made shortly before the U.S. tariff on Chinese imports was set to increase to 145%. This …
August 1, 2025
As of this writing, most Canadian textile manufacturers whose goods are included in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) haven’t been directly affected by U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian imports. They have not, however, been spared from the consequences of this trade war, says Ryan Mallough, vice president of legislative affairs and communication for the Canadian Federation …
August 1, 2025
It appears as if it is unfinished, but the design goal for this multifunctional building is to be as flexible as possible to contain and support “diverse human activities [that] can be deployed under the cloud, which can be expanded as needed,” according to PFEIFER Spatial Structures, the engineering and fabrication company responsible for the …
August 1, 2025
ATA Japan members Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc. and Taiyo Kogyo feature prominently in the pavilion and shade structures at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which began April 13 and runs until Oct. 13. Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc.’s contributions to the Expo include the Japan Pavilion, Bahrain Pavilion, Republic of Korea Pavilion, Pavilion …
November 1, 2022
Along-awaited waterfront ferry terminal is up and running on Seaplane Lagoon, Alameda, Calif. Against a backdrop of the decommissioned USS Hornet aircraft carrier and the Alameda Naval Air Museum, the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal provides regular weekday commuter services from Alameda, Oakland and other areas east and across the Bay from San Francisco. While helping …
October 1, 2022
Shigeru Ban’s corporate campus in Biel/Bienne for the Swiss watch company Swatch Omega Group is a study in contrast. Expanding on a motif the international architect first developed for the Centre Pompidou-Metz, France, Ban created a massive load-bearing timber diagrid shell that encloses and forms the main building. As with the Metz project, the Swatch …
September 1, 2022
Overland Park, Kan., is the second largest city in its state, as well as within the Kansas City metro area. The city’s website claims it is “America’s largest inhabited park,” and it feels like it if you stand in any open field and look northeast toward downtown Kansas City where the green-glass iconic towers of …
August 1, 2022
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indigenous community in Scottsdale, Ariz., has a dedicated space that is surrounded by a high-end commercial plaza on its land. Located at the crossroads of two major roads, the shopping complex is composed of numerous brick-faced masses that have tribal art affixed to the curved walls. One corner of the complex …
July 1, 2022
Vicinity Centres at Chadstone, located in Melbourne, Australia, is considered by some as the Fashion Capital of Down Under. Chadstone’s high-end fashion shopping precinct includes retail, commercial and leisure zones and recently was grafted to a new five-star hotel, the Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel, via a fabric tensile canopy dubbed “The Link.” “The …
June 1, 2022
Fans of the San Diego Symphony have been singing praises for the new outdoor performance venue featuring The Rady Shell, inaugurated August 6, 2021, with a full-orchestra concert and a packed audience. As any musician will tell you, acoustics at outdoor performances are often a disappointing aural experience due to wind, intrusive noises and other …
May 1, 2022
More than ever before, architects are being called upon to dramatically improve the performance of their buildings, and fabric can help with this mandate. The key to implementing this is to reduce the embodied carbon in buildings. It’s a given that 40 percent of global resources goes to the built environment, so our construction industry …
January 1, 2022
With commissioned work coming to a halt last year because of the pandemic, artist Liam Hopkins set out to design his own project—a venue that would inspire and evolve. The result is Lazerian Space, a combination art gallery and cafe on King Street in Manchester, England. Inside the space, guests lounge and nosh within one …
December 1, 2021
While the Grand Palais, Paris’ historic exhibition hall and museum complex, is closed for a multi-year restoration project, a membrane-wrapped temporary venue installed on the Champ de Mars in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower is taking its place. Designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte of Wilmotte & Associates, the temporary structure dubbed “Grand Palais Ephémère” …
October 1, 2021
In the autumn of 2020, while Michigan was experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, the governor and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services put in place a three-week ban on indoor dining in restaurants. To keep their doors open, many Detroit restaurants turned to tents, heaters and other ways to extend their …
May 1, 2025
Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) is excited to announce that registration is now open for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place November 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. As the industry’s leading trade show for specialty fabrics, advanced textiles, and shade and weather protection, the Expo draws thousands of professionals for three days …
March 11, 2025
We are pleased to announce that Site & Stay has been selected as the official housing partner for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place Nov. 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Hotel booking is now open, offering attendees and exhibitors exclusive access to discounted rates at our official host hotels—all conveniently located …
February 1, 2025
Advanced Textiles Association invites industry leaders, innovators and experts to present at Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025 and Emerging Technologies Conference (ETC). Advanced Textiles Expo and the ETC allow textile industry participants to showcase their knowledge and innovations, inspire other industry professionals, and engage with peers and thought leaders in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Presentation applications …
October 17, 2024
Advanced Textiles Expo® 2024, the largest event of Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA), concluded with resounding success Sept. 24–26 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Once again held in conjunction with Sun Shading Expo North America—organized by Messe Stuttgart, founders of R + T and the world’s largest trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun shading …
August 14, 2024
The Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) has renegotiated its General Services Contractor contract for the 2025–2027 Advanced Textiles Expo® shows. By selecting Freeman through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, we have secured rates that significantly lower the cost burden on our exhibitors. RFP process Key achievements This successful negotiation translates directly to cost savings for …
December 20, 2021
The Industrial Fabrics Association International is now accepting proposals for presentations at IFAI Expo 2022. IFAI Expo will take place Oct. 12-14, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., with education Oct. 11-14. IFAI is accepting proposals for 50-minute classroom sessions in several categories: Advanced Textiles Shade & Weather Protection Specialty Fabrics Marine …
July 6, 2021
Messe Stuttgart announced that its new U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America will not be held in 2021 as a separate trade show but will instead contribute its expertise in internal and external sun shading systems at IFAI Expo 2021 in the form of expert talks, open discussions and more. IFAI Expo 2021 will still take place …
May 10, 2021
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won’t want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end …
December 1, 2020
With today’s digital printing options, there’s no reason for an awning client to be limited to colors and patterns in a book or traditional customization methods, according to Andrew Medley, regional sales manager for Trivantage. “Digital printing offers unlimited capabilities, and it is a solution to providing the customer exactly what they want—personalized messaging, the …
December 1, 2020
During IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, Jeff Sponseller, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Miller Weldmaster, led a campfire session titled “How to Select the Correct Welding Technology for Your Business.” “Essentially a good weld means that the fabric will tear before the weld does,” says Sponseller. Many types of different materials can be …
September 1, 2025
Although when grouped around a central building, the 12 freestanding structures may appear massive, the delicacy and transparency of the mesh fabric that encloses all 12 dramatically reduces the overall visual weightiness. Located in León, Mexico, the Environmental Education Center is inspired by the wings of a dragonfly, its rhomboid-like geometry clad with mesh fabric …
September 1, 2025
Here you’ll find a first look at the new products and value-added services waiting for you on the show floor at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 5–7. Celebrate textile innovation at Advanced Textiles Expo, where hundreds of exhibitors will showcase their latest products throughout the entire supply chain, from fibers and fabrics …
September 1, 2025
In 2014, Ethan Halpern moved from the music classroom as a teacher to the shop floor as president and owner of American Awning & Blind Co. in North Hollywood, Calif. A family friend owned the business and offered Halpern the opportunity to buy it. U.S.-based and financially strong with a customized product, it made business …
August 1, 2025
It appears as if it is unfinished, but the design goal for this multifunctional building is to be as flexible as possible to contain and support “diverse human activities [that] can be deployed under the cloud, which can be expanded as needed,” according to PFEIFER Spatial Structures, the engineering and fabrication company responsible for the …
August 1, 2025
ATA Japan members Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc. and Taiyo Kogyo feature prominently in the pavilion and shade structures at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which began April 13 and runs until Oct. 13. Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc.’s contributions to the Expo include the Japan Pavilion, Bahrain Pavilion, Republic of Korea Pavilion, Pavilion …
August 1, 2025
A 2023 interactive art project involving two Maine artists, Cynthia Thompson, owner of Transformit in Gorham, and James LaPlante, Sputnik Animation, South Portland, led to another. The 2024 installation was inspired by quantum physics concepts and explored through giant lotus flowers. “I realized that we could deconstruct several of our [Dazzle] rental flowers,” explains Thompson in …
July 1, 2025
A most unlikely location of placemaking can be found spanning a busy transit corridor in Redmond, Wash., with 20 lanes of freeway and two tracks of light rail speeding beneath a bridge. The Redmond Technology Station Bridge, designed by Silman’s Lightweight Structures Group of TYLin (formerly FTL), stretches 1,100 feet, connecting two Microsoft campuses. “Microsoft and …
July 1, 2025
From reimagined performance spaces and circus tents to portable solar panels and giant inflatables for outdoor concerts, these fabric structure case studies go beyond the sideshows to take center stage. Coldplay’s world tour, Pvilion At Pvilion, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., the company integrates solar cells with outdoor fabric and builds shelters that generate electricity. “Today, …
July 1, 2025
Hoover Architectural Products, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., took poolside shade to a new level—literally over and above—to protect the swim team at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton. The 8,846-square-foot shade structure, fabricated in two parts, comprises 288 yards of fabric and shades an eight-lane pool, keeping the swimmers 12–15 degrees cooler and out of sunburn …
June 1, 2025
For anyone addicted to the excitement of tennis tournaments, the greatest attractions are the four Grand Slam tournaments held throughout the year. The earliest of these is the Australian Open, held in January. The 2023 Open in Melbourne had a bonus for those lucky enough to attend in person: a portable fabric canopy that held …
August 13, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Aug. 11 that the tariff on Chinese imports will remain at the same rate—30%—for an additional 90 days. China’s 10% tariff on American imports will also stay at the same rate. The announcement was made shortly before the U.S. tariff on Chinese imports was set to increase to 145%. This …
July 29, 2025
The European Union (EU) and the U.S. announced a trade agreement July 27 that sets a 15% tariff on most EU goods, effective Aug. 1. The 15% tariff applies to all EU exports currently subject to reciprocal tariffs, including automobiles and automobile parts, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. It does not apply to the U.S. tariff on …
June 2, 2025
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to put a temporary hold on the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade’s judgment May 29. The Court of International Trade Law’s May 28 judgement ruled in favor of six American-based companies, ruling that President Trump overstepped his authority …
February 27, 2025
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opened its invitations last week for public comments on foreign trade practices and the Section 301 sanctions on China. The deadline to submit comments on foreign trade practices is March 11. The deadline to submit comments on Section 301 sanctions is March 24. USTR will hold …
February 12, 2025
Herculite Products Inc. announced the establishment of the Herculite Charitable Foundation Fund, a corporate charitable foundation dedicated to addressing critical social challenges and making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. Herculite said in a press release that this initiative represents the company’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and its mission to foster …
September 17, 2024
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the regulation of them continue to be one of the top issues facing the textiles industry. Although federal reporting rules have been delayed until next year, there are still a number of state and federal regulations to manage. To help companies in the industry navigate those challenges, Advanced Textiles …
May 1, 2023
Former Industrial Fabrics Association International (now ATA) Chairman Kevin Yonce passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on April 29, 2023. Yonce was born January 24, 1970, in Urbana, Ill. He was a lifelong resident of Champaign-Urbana and a 1988 graduate of Urbana High School. Yonce is survived by his mother, Wanda, brother …
April 18, 2023
The “20th Anniversary Celebration of Membrane Structure Innovation and Development and the 11th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference” hosted by the Spatial Structure Sub-association of China Steel Construction Association and undertaken by Beijing University of Technology was successfully held this spring in Beijing, China. Nearly 400 delegates from all over the country participated. A …
June 22, 2022
The U.S. Department of Labor will provide a funding opportunity for $11.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to support the delivery of training and education to help workers and employers identify and prevent workplace safety and health hazards. Administered by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the grants will target disadvantaged, underserved, low-income, and other hard-to-reach, …
January 10, 2022
Oeko-Tex Association has released its annual updates to test criteria, limit values and requirements. In addition, its new Impact Calculator is now available for STeP by Oeko-Tex customers. The industry-specific tool will provide carbon and water footprint data essential to meeting climate goals. Later in 2022, Oeko-Tex will also introduce a new certification for corporate …
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