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Photovoltaic fabrics find their way to the farm
January 1st, 1970
Energy-producing fabrics have been popular in urban environments, where they cover parking structures and even sides of buildings. The U.S. military uses them to generate power in mobile and remote conditions. Soon photovoltaic fabrics may find their way onto the farm. Jason Owen says Accu-Steel Fabric-Covered Building Solutions has been developing relationships with companies that […]
Polyethylene is the industry standard for ag industry fabric structures
January 1st, 1970
Although large commercial operations may opt for PVC fabric structures for their look and endurance, the predominant material used by the agriculture industry is polyethylene, which is considerably less expensive and offers greater light transmission. “It’s an industry standard. It’s been around for well over 20 years,” says Joe Teixeira, truss arch specialist for ClearSpan […]
Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Dan Nolan III, managing partner Tents Unlimited Inc.
January 1st, 1970
Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is the most significant issue currently for IFAI’s Tent Rental Division (TRD)? As I see it, the issue now is continuing the momentum of education within our industry. For instance, TRD has been very involved with the state of Kentucky to help them develop their tent codes—which is essentially a […]
Making the impossible possible in tent rentals
January 1st, 1970
By Sigrid Tornquist Dan Nolan III welcomes the opportunity to push the capabilities of what Tents Unlimited is able to do for its clients. In 2009 the company collaborated with designer Nancy Braithwaite on a wedding in Kiawah Island, S.C.—a project that challenged the crew to think differently about how the inside of a tent […]
Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Nic Goldsmith, senior principal at FTL Design and Engineering Studio
January 1st, 1970
Interview by Sigrid Tornquist How has digital modeling (CAD equipment) and computer patterning changed your design process? We started out 30 years ago doing physical modeling for every project—including for cutting patterns. Now we use a computer patterning system and digital modeling. Especially within the last few years, the digital modeling has improved and become […]
Snapshot: Inspired by the sea
January 1st, 1970
By Sigrid Tornquist At the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, FTL Design Engineering Studio and Peter Marino Architect designed an innovative solar shade system for the Louis Vuitton “Island Maison.” The project is located in a floating “Crystal Pavilion” designed by Safdie Architects, an asymmetric building with irregularly angled facades, sited one degree north of […]
Essential equipment, gotta have it
January 1st, 1970
So what do some of the industry’s leading players consider to be their most essential equipment. By Maura Keller What do you consider your essential piece of equipment? “My essential equipment is the camera in my iPhone®, followed by my Gingher scissors, followed by my Autometrix cutting table, followed by my steamer!” Elizabeth Diaz, North […]
Buy new? Buy used? Lease?
January 1st, 1970
Industry leaders weigh in on the right purchase decision. By Maura Keller The decision to buy or lease equipment can be difficult. It requires careful consideration of the many factors involved as well as finding key specialists who can provide advisory services to complete the deal. “I have never considered leasing equipment. I prefer to […]
Top 10 questions to ask when purchasing or leasing equipment
January 1st, 1970
Several business owners contributed to this list of crucial questions to consider. By Maura Keller Do you intend to use it yourself or have someone else do it for you? What are the learning curves involved with the new or upgraded equipment? What are the power demands of the equipment and will it require you […]
Being there for your customers
January 1st, 1970
Advice on providing excellent customer service By Holly O’Dell Be available—and responsive. We all know what it feels like when someone won’t return our calls and emails. It’s easy, and sometimes even necessary, to postpone a return message. We may even wait to call someone back until we know we have an answer for them. […]