Networks of influence: Blurring the roles between engineers and architects
July 1st, 2008
A student of Otto explains how she teaches the basics. By Mark Zeh More than in any other branch of architecture, the creation of cables and membrane structures requires coöperative work and a blurring of roles between engineers and architects. Recently I talked with Prof Dr. –Ing. Rosemarie Wagner of the Department of Architecture at […]
Walkway canopies provide sheltered environment for travelers
July 1st, 2008
By Maqsood Ahmed At the specialty structures division of Halcrow Yolles, every request comes with unique challenges. Airport Architects Canada, — the architects for the Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada — had the challenge of designing the fast track, re-locatable walkways that are elegant and fit within the budget that was given by the airport […]
Fabric shades enliven restaurant patio
July 1st, 2008
Adding a string of undulating fabric shades enlivens, and makes bearable, a champion restaurant patio. Mojito’s Café is part of the United States Tennis Association’s National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow Park, New York. In fact, it’s attached to the Arthur Ashe Stadium on the complex’s grounds and opens for business but once a year […]
Cotton matrix becomes ‘Roads’ warrior
July 1st, 2008
Better Roads magazine recognized HydraCX2® Cotton Fiber Reinforced Matrix, a hydraulically applied erosion-control product, as one of its Top Rollouts. The cotton hydromulch products were developed by North American Green, Evansville, Ill., from cotton-ginning byproducts. “Cotton by nature is porous, absorbent and biodegradable – an excellent trio for controlling erosion and establishing seed,” says Tim […]
Fabrics made from recycled yarn
July 1st, 2008
Enviro-Tex fabrics are made with Repreve® yarn, which meets FTC guidelines for recycled products. Enviro-Tex is suitable for use in banners and flags, digital printing, tents and tensile structures. SOURCE Fisher Textiles
Solar-protection fabrics meet high environmental standards
July 1st, 2008
3G Mermet manufactures solar-protection fabrics from high-quality coated fiberglass yarns, primarily used for window screens. Recently, the company received two certifications from GREENGUARD Environmental Institute that demonstrate that it makes those products to high environmental standards. The products received GREENGUARD Indoor AirQuality Certified® (to qualify with indoor air quality requirements) and GREENGUARD Children & Schools […]
Printable fabric appropriate for indoor and outdoor applications
July 1st, 2008
The Vivitex™ line of printable fabrics features five weights and constructions for use in sign and banner applications, and are specifically designed for use on solvent-based printers. The fabrics feature white pigmented inkjet-receptive coatings suitable for most solvent, eco-solvent and UV inkjet machines, are appropriate for indoor and outdoor applications, and can be used to […]
Resin coat creates eco-friendly fabric
July 1st, 2008
Co-polyn is an eco-friendly next-generation industrial fabric coated with polyolefin-type resin. When exposed to flames, the fabric does not generate chlorine gas or toxic dioxin. It has hight strength, is lightweight and can be welded by high-frequency welders. Co-polyn is available in standard finish and non-halogen flame-retardant finish. SOURCE Fujimori Kogyo Co. Ltd.
Fabric structures shield members from errant golf balls
July 1st, 2008
A prestigious country club in Oregon calls for fabric structures to protect members and their expensive cars from errant golf balls. By Kent Hubbell In April 2005, I received a call from Howard McKee, architect for Bandon Dunes Resort, saying he had a problem that he thought I might be interested in solving. Mike Keiser, […]
Techno Textiles: Inner Space to Outer Space
July 1st, 2008
An exhibition that touches on many aspects of life, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial. By Mason Riddle The Goldstein Museum of Design, University of Minnesota Through July 27, 2008 So, what does the Muellner Green Roof System have to do with a puffy white bed pillow? Or a bright yellow pendant lamp with a red, cardio […]