FTL invents a new breed of structures

September 1, 2007  |  Features

Finding exciting forms for performance venues and in the process, inventing a new breed of structures. By Mason Riddle For more than two decades, FTL Design Engineering Studio has been a critical player in creating a new breed of performing art space across the country. Designers and engineers of li…
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Fabric framework opens up new possibilities in building design

September 1, 2007  |  Features

Maintaining straight lines and super-flat surfaces in construction has a price. One architect recounts his epiphany about materials while researching fabric formwork. By Kyle Martens It was nearly 10 years ago that the chief engineer came for an inspection of the construction site I was supervising.…
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Colorful canopy adds interest and function to funky façade

September 1, 2007  |  Exteriors, Features

By Jake Kulju Designed to enhance and reflect the unique quality of the building it is attached to, this dual-arch entrance canopy fulfills the sometimes-difficult conditions of pragmatic art. Manufactured and installed by Boree Canvas of Jacksonville, Fla., the canopy sits on four 3-in. schedule pi…
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Professor uses felt to create play mats for children

September 1, 2007  |  Features

A University of Minnesota professor develops a design for a children’s play piece out of fabric. By Jake Kulju John Comazzi, Assistant Professor of Architecture, College of Design, University of Minnesota, entered a competition for an open-ended children’s play piece and left with his ha…
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Pavilion represents rare opportunity for architects

March 1, 2007  |  Features

Koolhaas’ 2006 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion huddled in Kensington Gardens, then went away. Each summer the Serpentine Gallery—located in Kensington Gardens, London—commissions an internationally acclaimed architect to design a temporary Pavilion for its lawn. The program is unique w…
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Retractable canopy

April 1, 2004  |  Features

The Manor House Banquet and Conference Center in Mason, Ohio hosts frequent outdoor events. This freestanding retractable roof pavilion, designed by Queen City Awning, incorporates six independent telescoping fabric-covered sections that open and close to provide weather protection to the patio area…
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“Cool” awning

April 1, 2004  |  Features

The headquarters of a downtown St. Louis-based graphic design firm was transformed from a bland storefront to a functional and stylish façade with the design of a distinctive, oversized awning. The 6m-by-4.6m, two-story glass, single-glazed curtain wall faced squarely west—directly into…
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Awning “sculpture”

April 1, 2004  |  Features

This commercial awning project located in Little Rock, Ark. won an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Industrial Fabrics Association International. Designed for the front entrance of the Hillcrest Art Gallery, the awning was created in concert with the client’s wish for a “sculpture&…
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Parkside shade structure

April 1, 2004  |  Features

Taylor’s Hill is a rapidly growing residential suburb located 25km to the northwest of Melbourne, Australia. Oasis Tension Structures was commissioned to design and construct an appealing shade structure over seating in a communal parkland and sports precinct. Ground Control Landscape Architec…
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Patio canopy and soffit

April 1, 2004  |  Features

This patio canopy was designed to provide weather protection for hotel patrons while maintaining a very high aesthetic standard for a world class hotel. Concealed trusswork hides special roller curtains that can be lowered during inclement weather. Stainless steel cables keep the curtains in place, …
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