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The skins game: economy of scale in fabric structures
May 1st, 2012
The low and high cost of insulating fabric structures. By Samuel J. Armijos It has been 45 years since the German Pavilion was erected for Expo ’67 world’s fair in Montreal, Q.C., Canada. The structural system of this early fabric structure was a steel cable net that supported a pre-stressed textile membrane. The 7,200m2 structure […]
Etude in blue: textile façade is giant dynamic screen
May 1st, 2012
Jean Nouvel’s Copenhagen Concert Hall is a dynamically responsive building, both day and night. By Mason Riddle When the DR Koncerthuset (Copenhagen Concert Hall) opened in January 2009, it reconfirmed Jean Nouvel's powers as a visionary architect. The 26,000m2 concert complex is 45m in height and encloses a series of volumes that include the main […]
On the move: fabric membranes change shape
May 1st, 2012
Designing dynamic membrane structures is harder than it looks. By Mark Zeh One of the enduring visions in the use of membranes and fabrics in architecture is that structural volumes can dynamically respond to people and the environment. This vision is of buildings that can expand, contract or otherwise change shape for different uses and […]
Fabric “racing fins” attract fans
May 1st, 2012
The world’s largest indoor theme park gives visitors the chance to experience fast and furious fun, Ferrari style. Ferrari World, on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, takes the legendary Italian sports car to new speeds, with a family-friendly attraction offering rides, films, shops, restaurants and lodging, accented in red and steeped in all things Ferrari. The […]
Membrane makeover for swimming
May 1st, 2012
The Jamsil indoor swimming pool in Seoul, South Korea, hosted the Asian Games in 1986 and the Olympic Games in 1988, but fell on hard times. The Seoul Metropolitan Government graded the facility a “D” during a 2010 safety inspection. Enter Hanwha Polydreamer, a Seoul producer of PVC and PVC-coated products. By installing a UniTent […]
The story of “W,” a hotel façade
May 1st, 2012
The main lobby of the new W Hoboken Hotel and Residences, Hoboken, N.J., sends a modern and sophisticated message to guests with a floor-to-ceiling metal mesh façade framing the welcome desk. Flexible stainless steel metal fabric panels wrap the entire lobby wall and reflect cool purple-colored light back to visitors seeking accommodations, nightlife or a […]
PUMA’s mobile fabric pod packs light
May 1st, 2012
By Jan M. Brenny PUMA®, the sport and lifestyle company, wanted a practical and high profile venue when it enlisted Inflate Products Ltd., a U.K.-based manufacturer of inflatable fabric pods, cubes and domes, to design a temporary structure for use at the Volvo Ocean Race. PUMA sponsors an entry in the round-the-world sailboat competition and […]