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Denver’s ‘boomerang’ bus hub keeps visitors coming back
June 1st, 2019
By Bruce N. Wright, AIA There’s something about Denver, Colo., and the use of fabric structures. First came the Denver International Airport, with its iconic peaked fabric roof of the Jeppesen Terminal (1995) designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects. The conical skylights were reportedly inspired by the Rocky Mountains backdrop to the airport. Then, in 2014, […]
Retractable canopies keep concert-goers protected
June 1st, 2019
A new retractable canopy enables the Merriweather Post Pavilion to host open-air events on sunny days and provide instant protection from the elements when needed. Photos: Uni-Systems LLC. Located in a forest setting between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md., the Merriweather Post Pavilion is an historic outdoor music venue. Designed by architects Frank Gehry and […]
Shade sails tackle solstice extremes
June 1st, 2019
By Bruce N. Wright, AIA Arizona is known for stunning landscapes and a warm climate. Most homes in this area have some form of shaded outdoor living space, where Arizonians can enjoy the temperate weather. Working closely with a client with a request for her residence, Shade Industries® of Phoenix designed a custom, elegant structure […]
Knitted textile supports thin concrete structure
June 1st, 2019
Photos: Juan Pablo Allegre. A striking, double-curved pavilion recently on exhibit at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City showcased an experiment with the materials and processes used in construction. The installation was framed using a knit textile that supports its thin concrete structure. Dubbed KnitCandela, the piece is a tribute to Spanish-Mexican architect and […]
Are you ready for the new digital future?
June 1st, 2019
Industrial Revolution 4.0 is here. by Connie Huffa Reprinted with permission of Steiger Participations SA, Vionnaz, Switzerland. Humans were born to learn and innovate. By nature, we constantly define, measure, analyze, improve and control our environments. Whether we know it or not, by wanting the latest and greatest we are changing not only how we […]
World’s longest canopy skylight features ETFE cushions
June 1st, 2019
By Bruce N. Wright, AIA Like a sinuous paper dragon in a Chinese parade, bobbing and weaving between rooftops and towers, the Shimao “Dream Street” Plaza canopy floats above the sidewalk in a bejeweled state. Composed of about 406 trapezoidal ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) cushions, it is framed in a long unfolding strip on structural stilts […]
Underwater shade at Penn State
June 1st, 2019
Tensile membrane offers two times more natural light transmission than standard weldable PVDF membranes as well as twice the heat protection, making it ideal for creating an outdoor performance and relaxation space. Photos: ©Lightweight Manufacturing. When you think about outdoor spaces for people to congregate, a water tower is probably not on the list. But […]