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Interior toldos—sliding shades
April 1st, 2004
The new Salt Lake City Library features a simple, but effective bit of ancient technology normally found outside. A six-story interior atrium links the interior spaces of all levels of the library with the outside, including the Children’s Library located in the basement. But while the atrium opens up each level to nature, it creates […]
Fabric roof drain
April 1st, 2004
Viennese architect Silja Tillner has designed a delicate retractable canopy for the Vienna City Hall courtyard that respects the historic building it covers. When the canopy is fully extended, the accordion-folds provide numerous ridges and valleys that collect rainwater. To drain the water properly, the architect, with engineers Schlaich Bergermann und Partner, developed this simple […]
Transportable environments 2
January 1st, 2004
Reviewed by Rob MacDonald R. Buckminster Fuller once said that there are two types of people; those that “stay put” and the others who “just keep on moving West.” Transportable Environments 2 is most definitely concerned with the architecture of the latter. All global nomads, movers and the new techno-shakers will find much of interest […]
Japanese fabric companies attempt to develop substitute for PVC
March 1st, 2003
 By Kikuko Tagawa Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is an extremely popular material used in a wide variety of applications, including construction, industrial fabrics, filtration, medical products, food wraps, toys, and many others. This inexpensive material combines strength and workability and excels in weatherability and chemical resistance. PVC appears to be the ideal material for many […]
Awning and canopy design basics
April 1st, 2002
Distinguishing between an “awning” and a “canopy” is easy—though agreeing upon the distinguishing characteristic(s) is not. There is no definitive rule. Clients, fabricators, designers and architects may see the same form but disagree on the name. One common approach defines an awning as the structure providing coverage for a window, whereas a canopy provides coverage […]
Awning and canopy design glossary
April 1st, 2002
Awning fabric attachment methods Lacing: The most traditional technique. Grommets are placed along the edge of the fabric cover, which then is tied to the frame by lacing thin rope through the grommets. Besides providing a traditional look, lacing allows the cover to be tightened easily if the fabric wrinkles over time. It’s not a […]
Spacer considerations
July 1st, 2001
Manufactured in a wide range of forms, 3-D fabrics can be used for construction, soil retention or acoustic attenuation By Janet Cass Think of spacer fabric (also called 3-D fabric) as a sandwich, featuring two complementary slabs of fabric with a third layer tucked in between. The inner layer can take a variety of shapes, […]
Entrance canopy
April 1st, 2001
As the footings for the support posts were done by an independent contractor, each had to be measured and verified to ensure that the canopy would seat properly on its structure. The decorative posts were a challenge because the intersection of the 7.62cm(3-in.) square posts intersected the 3.81cm(1 1/2-in.) square horizontal beams creating complicated 3D […]
Tiered, stepped canopy
April 1st, 2001
This project from Miami, Fla., won an International Achievement Award from the Industrial Fabrics Association International. The design utilizes light-permeable and hurricane-resistant textured canopies to provide protection and decoration to the outdoor escalators while preserving the openness of the mall. Project data Client: Rouse Bayside Marketplace Architect: D’Agnostino Izzo Quirk Architects Fabricator: Miami Awning Co. […]
Tensile canopy
April 1st, 2001
In Thousand Island Park, N.Y., a home inspired by 1920s-era steamer ships sports canvas deck-covers on both ends. Project data Client: Private residence Canopy designer: Elizabeth Murrell Architect: Steve Taylor Fabricator: The Frame Shop (cover), Steve Taylor Builder (frame) Project manager: V. William Murrell, Fabric Structures Inc. Fabric: Fluorotop 1002 from Ferrari