Zusammenarbeit*: Collaboration of Frei Otto and Peter Stromeyer

July 1, 2012  |  Exteriors, Features

The transformation of tensile architecture. By Mark Zeh It’s probably a search for neatness, or some sort of clarity, that leads humans to search for “the“ definitive inventor or designer of any given thing. This kind of search for simple attribution is embedded in the historical n…
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New fabric structures shade musicians and audience

July 1, 2012  |  Exteriors, Features

Fabric is rollin’ on the river. As river towns go, Charleston, W. Va., saw its busiest times in the late 19th century and a decline by mid-20th century, but it is doing all right now. And, like many river towns, Charleston has recently rediscovered the benefits of a revitalized riverfront, inc…
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Wind and water in this sheltered retreat

July 1, 2012  |  Exteriors, Features

A custom poolside pergola shades while evoking the elements. It has all the elements: fire, water, earth and wind. Canvas Specialty designed this high-end sheltered retreat—with its open hearth, a narrow flow of cool water at one side, green turf and hedges framing the ensemble placed on a fla…
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Fabritecture adds a “Halo” to Caxton Street in Brisbane

June 13, 2012  |  Exteriors

The suburb of Paddington on the West Side of Brisbane, Australia, is famous for its trendy bars, clubs and restaurants, and the Caxton Street precinct is well known for top entertainment venues and nightlife. Fabritecture recently completed a tensioned fabric structure for one of Caxton Street&rsquo…
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Pumped up, a study of air structures

May 16, 2012  |  Exteriors

Innovations in materials and design are opening up new uses for air-inflated structures. By Jonathan Kalstrom Editor’s note: This article appeared in the May/June 1997 issue of Fabric Architecture (then called Fabrics & Architecture). The design, applications and mechanical systems of air …
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ASU college campus selected for top green award

May 9, 2012  |  Case Studies, Exteriors

AIA announces the 2012 Top 10 Green Projects The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Projects showcase excellence in susta…
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Safe landing—helicopter platform named “Building of the Week”

May 1, 2012  |  Exteriors

An update on a previously reported project in Aachen, Germany. By Mark Zeh Recently, the “Rescuing Hand” helicopter landing platform at the University Hospital Aachen was named “Building of the Week” by the German e-magazine german-architekts.com. This striking structure, des…
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PUMA’s mobile fabric pod packs light

May 1, 2012  |  Exteriors

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…
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Membrane makeover for swimming

May 1, 2012  |  Exteriors

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 …
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Lessons earned: fabric’s response to drought

May 1, 2012  |  Case Studies, Exteriors

The language of shelter and sustainability frames a grammar school courtyard. As part of a campuswide redevelopment of Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School, the Wildfell middle school building seeks to create a rich learning environment for middle year children on a dense suburban site in South Yar…
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