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Infinite possibilities
May 1st, 2016
Even though many options exist for outdoor canopies for residential and commercial use, Dr. Alan Shargani couldn’t find one that would work for his home. He found that the canopies available were difficult to install and maintain. Made from one long piece of fabric, they required precise measurements and fabrication, and once they were installed […]
Soaking up the sun
May 1st, 2016
Solar-powered Techstyle Haus demonstrates the aesthetic and functional benefits of state-of-the-art fabric architecture. When the 2014 Solar Decathlon Europe issued a call for attractive, energy-efficient homes powered by the sun, one team of design students tapped the potential of fabric architecture. The competition submission, known as Techstyle Haus, brought together 50 students from Rhode Island […]
Military-grade comfort
May 1st, 2016
In hot, humid weather most people want to wear light, breezy clothing. If you’re in the military, however, the clothing option is limited to the uniform you’re issued. Outdoor Research, a Seattle, Wash.-based designer of high-performance outdoor gear, has partnered with W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Del., to create military clothing that is comfortable in […]
Fit to print
May 1st, 2016
Epson America Inc., Long Beach, Calif., revealed the creative potential of its SureColor® F-Series dye-sublimation printing solutions at the Epson Digital Couture event in New York City on Feb. 9. In its second year, the event showcases clothing collections fabricated by 11 North and Latin American designers using Epson print technology. The designers unveil their […]
Exam rooms to go
May 1st, 2016
When an athlete is injured on the field, it’s critical that medical professionals evaluate him or her right away. At a football game or other arena sport, distractions and confusion can inhibit a quick, efficient diagnosis. Engineering students at the University of Alabama devised a solution: They designed a collapsible tent that can be set […]
To the rescue
May 1st, 2016
More consumers are seeking protection from the sun, heat, bugs and high energy bills, and shading system manufacturers are surrounding the market, indoors and out. The U.S. market is looking rather attractive these days to manufacturers of shade systems. For a variety of reasons—energy conservation, protection from the elements and insects, heat and glare reduction—screens, […]
Self-cleaning skins
May 1st, 2016
The Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, has a strong commitment to sustainability. Located on First Nations land, the center received BEST® certification by the Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada—a recognition of eco-friendly operations and infrastructure. One of the more unique sustainable features the center installed consists of self-cleaning surfaces on […]
Urban shade, on the move
May 1st, 2016
Imagine a massive bright red, two-story canopy heading toward you on multiple bicycles. Sound like something out of the movies? Well, it’s no fantasy. Called the People’s Canopy, the structure was commissioned by the city of Preston in the United Kingdom, working with In Certain Places, an art program for urban intervention and events, as […]
Smart Fabrics Summit draws key industry participants
May 1st, 2016
Government and industry players gathered in Washington, D.C., April 11 to discuss the “nascent smart fabrics market,” as described by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, who moderated the final session at the one-day event. “This room is buzzing with energy,” said David Lauren, executive vice president of global marketing and communications for Ralph Lauren Corp., […]
At the intersection of textiles & technology
May 1st, 2016
Qaizar Hassonjee mines market opportunities and forms partnerships to bring smart fabrics to market. "The intersection of textiles and technology is a huge untapped opportunity for the textile industry,” says Qaizar Hassonjee, senior director, business development and partnerships, for adidas Digital Sports. “Market segments such as hospitality, health care and military are really prime for […]