With the current emphasis on sustainable building design, architects, designers, builders and other industry professionals are exploring multiple means to achieve sustainable design, such as natural ventilation and daylighting, energy efficient HVAC systems, green roofs and landscaping and the use of awnings and canopies.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), has launched two new resources for architects, designers and builders: a new interactive Awning & Canopy Fabric Specifier’s Guide and a revised architect education program accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
- The Awning & Canopy Fabric Specifier’s Guide allows architects, designers and builders to source fabrics specifically for awning and canopy applications, with links from the individual fabric listings to color palette pages to view colors, textures and designs, providing greater opportunity for creativity and client branding through color choice. Accessible through PAMA’s website.
- The updated Awnings: Enhancing Your Design education program includes information about awning and canopy styles, design ideas, energy savings and how awnings and canopies can be incorporated into new or historic renovation building projects. The one-hour course is accredited by the AIA. The program is presented in architectural firms’ offices by professional awning manufacturers who also install awning and canopy systems. Schedule a session by contacting PAMA’s managing director, Michelle Sahlin, at mesahlin@ifai.com.