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Fabric structure to be largest of its type in the world
January 1st, 2008
American Spaceframe Fabricators International has been contracted to build a fabric structure in Puerto Rico that, when complete, will be the largest of its type in the world. The company is moving its operations to Ocala, Florida. For more information, visit www.asfi.net.
Hightex gets high sign
January 1st, 2008
The polymer membrane tensile structure producer Hightex Group PLC has won a 7 million euro contract to provide a membrane roof that will be part of the upgrading of the First National Bank Stadium in Johannesburg for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup. For more information, visit www.hightexworld.com.
New rating system for sustainable landscape design
January 1st, 2008
ASLA, the University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden have announced the development of a new rating system for sustainable landscape design called the Sustainable Sites Initiative. The new rating system was created to encourage sustainable landscape design. The Sites Initiative will measure the sustainability of […]
Exhibit explores use of sensitive textile skins on buildings
January 1st, 2008
A recent design probe from Philips called Off the grid: Sustainable Habitat 2020 is exploring the possibility of using sensitive textile skins on buildings to create energy independent structures. The probe explores the integration of electronics and bio chemical functionalities into the inert material of the built environment. This future habitat shifts from the current […]
Conference explores developments in flexible fabric formworks
January 1st, 2008
The first international conference exploring recent developments in flexible fabric formworks for concrete structures, called “Fabric Formwork for Architectural Structures,” will focus on new architectural forms, hear invited speakers from numerous countries and hold workshop demonstrations from May 16-18 in Winnipeg, Canada. For more information, visit www.umanitoba.ca/architecture/ffc.
Exhibition and symposium brings professionals together
January 1st, 2008
As part of the international gathering celebrating Turin World Design Capital 2008, Architex brings professionals together from the textile industries with architects and designers. Tied also with the XXIII World Congress of Architecture, this exhibition and symposium will examine the latest developments for textiles, including phase change materials, reflecting and luminescent fabrics, color, and architectural […]
Fabric Structures discussed at symposium
January 1st, 2008
By Bruce N. Wright This past year’s Fabric Structures symposium—held the day before IFAI Expo in Las Vegas, Oct. 2, 2007—focused on a single theme that had everyone abuzz: the future and importance of sustainable practices in business. The day-long session opened with a rousing call to action by noted architect and expert on sustainable […]
Report outlines benefits of awnings
January 1st, 2008
A new report presents hard evidence for the benefits of awnings in helping provide more sustainable housing. Editor’s note: This is the second of two energy studies conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research under the support of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (see FA May/June 2007, pg. 14.) Copies of […]
Fabric lights up the market
January 1st, 2008
New technologies bring light—and the message—to fabric. By Lou Dzierzak Businesses operate on a 24-hour clock today. Capturing the attention of customers once the sun goes down requires ingenuity, creativity and staying abreast of new technologies. Since commerce after dark is too big of a market to ignore, new cutting edge technologies are offering new […]
Textiles provide hurricane protection
January 1st, 2008
Textiles are applied to revolutionize the capacity of hurricane protection systems. By Sonja Hegman The hurricane barrier/protection industry started about 50 years ago. Initially, only wood planks were used to board up windows, and the more well-to-do homeowner used wood shutters with iron clasps to keep out the elements. “Now, wood shutters are commonly used […]