Olympics feature top-to-bottom membrane structures

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies, Exteriors, Features

As the world’s first public top-to-bottom membrane structure, the ETFE infused Watercube gets its moment in the sun this summer in Beijing. For almost five centuries, the Forbidden City—located in Beijing, and home of the imperial palace—has been the symbol of China’s distinc…
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Metaphors and materials meet in Beijing’s National Stadium

May 1, 2008  |  Exteriors, Features

By Frank Edgerton Martin China’s civic infrastructure and economy continues to grow at Olympian proportions. With thousands of skyscrapers, factories and new towns opening each year, design and architecture are moving at the speed of capitalism. Yet, with such a rapid pace everyday design is o…
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Brewer distribution center acclaimed as Britain’s greenest warehouse

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies, Features

The Adnams Distribution Centre in Suffolk, England, instills the green approach to building throughout. By Helen Elias Designed by architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson and structural engineer Faber Maunsell Aecom, the 90m long, 45m wide new central distribution center for the Suffolk brewer Adnams is …
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New materials inspire architects

May 1, 2008  |  Features

The latest films, membranes and new materials fire the imagination of architects. By Katherine Carlson A fountain of light-filled fabric is the center of The Soft House, one of 15 architectural innovations created for the 2006 Intelligent Living by Design exhibit at Germany’s Vitra Museum. The…
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Retractable canopy system extends outdoor service of Seattle café

May 1, 2008  |  Exteriors, Features

One of Seattle’s public golf ranges gets a makeover to improve outdoor dining at the club café. Part of a series of public golfing centers established by the Seattle parks and recreation department, the Interbay Golf Center is newly renovated so that patrons of the driving range caf&eac…
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Fiber and nature inspire public artist

May 1, 2008  |  Features, Landscapes

By Mason Riddle Trained as an architect, Randy Walker has a keen appetite for creating architecturally inspired public art projects from woven materials. Some originate with pre-existing structures like the 1962, 7.6m high playground Spaceship in Minneapolis’ Brackett Park. About to get the he…
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Printed foil scrims create a fitting memorial

March 1, 2008  |  Features, Graphics

Memorial for the victims of the bombings in Madrid uses printed ETFE scrims. By Helen Elias On 11 March 2004 ten bombs ripped open four commuter trains at three Madrid stations during the heart of the Spanish capital’s busy rush hour period. The trains were packed with office workers, students…
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Art museum clad in metal mesh

March 1, 2008  |  Exteriors, Features

The New Museum of Contemporary Art soars above the Bowery with expanded metal. By Frank Edgerton Martin One of today’s “hippest” art museums is clad in the expanded metal mesh that many of us remember from our parents’ cheap summer lawn furniture. Just opened in December 2007…
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Retaining walls overcome site challenges for luxury condo development

March 1, 2008  |  Features, Landscapes

The Norris Canyon Estates in San Ramon, Calif., east of San Francisco, are gaining a local presence not merely for luxury homes but also for the nearly 46,000m2 of multiple-tiered retaining walls built throughout its challenging terrain. A location with 1:1 slope ratios and expansive clay soils requ…
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ETFE foil: Time to shine

March 1, 2008  |  Features

For 25 years, ETFE foil has been used to grand effect in structures throughout Europe. The United States is finally catching on. By Jeff Barbian It can certainly be said that the development of ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafl uoroethylene) took a dramatic step in evolution. During the early stages of space e…
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