The ephemeralization of energy production: Photovoltaics using fabric

June 29, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures

The skinny on photovoltaics using fabric and where to find it By Amelia Amon Buckminster Fuller famously asked a group of architects “How much does your building weigh?” His query to us now might be, “How much energy is embedded in your photovoltaic installation?” Flexible am…
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Designing innovative fabric structures

June 24, 2009  |  Fabric Structures

How a German engineering/architecture firm is leading the way in designing exciting and unusual fabric structures By Mark Zeh Recently I had the pleasure of talking to Gerd Schmid and Bernd Stimpfle, the managing directors of form TL. form TL is a structural engineering consultancy located in Radolf…
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A future in mesh

May 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Features

There’s potential for illumination and interactivity in metal mesh fabrics, blending electronics, architecture, innovation and economy. By June Bisantz Imagine a future in which surfaces manifest themselves as translucent, receptive membranes, shimmering with light and movement. Our everyday l…
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Cooley Group introduces new products

May 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Products

CoolShield membranes from Cooley are formulated with a non-reactive and pure thermoplastic fluoropolymer for use in applications requiring purity, strength, and resistance to solvents, acids and high temperatures. Designed for the chemical, safety, medical and food industries for use in tubing, vent…
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Design sings in SkySong shade sails

April 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Projects

Arizona State University’s Scottsdale Innovation Center invites business and research enterprises to co-locate with ASU’s technology units in a creative incubator. SkySong, a 125-foot swooping shade structure that anchors the central plaza, has become the signature of the Center’s …
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State of the Industry 2009: Lightweight structures

March 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures

Challenge, opportunity and growth: Our market forecast for manufacturers of lightweight structures By Jeff Rasmussen In a market survey article published in the January issue of the Review, IFAI Market Research Services reported a growth rate of roughly 2 percent for the U.S./Canadian lightweight st…
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Safe options for tensioned fabric structures

February 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Products

Problem: More stringent building codes have restricted choices for tensioned fabric structures. Solution: Atex™, by P-D Interglas Technologies, provides environmentally friendly, completely non-combustible fabrics in almost any color. These fabrics provide the marketplace with a truly commerci…
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SKYShades offers investors money-back guarantee

February 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Industry News

SKYShades, an Orlando, Fla., manufacturer of tension membrane shades, is so confident that its products will sell that it is offering franchise investors a money-back guarantee. If new franchisees have not generated $1.5 million in revenue within three years, SKYShades will refund the initial franch…
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Lightweight structures survey: slow but steady

January 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Markets

The market is challenged by a sluggish economy and rising costs. By Jeff Rasmussen This summary of the U.S./Canadian lightweight structures fabric market segment focuses mostly on the U.S. lightweight structures fabric marketplace, particularly as it relates to market growth, leading lightweight str…
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Roof lifted into place to protect airplane

January 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Projects

[UFS Australasia Pty. Ltd.] Casuarina Beach, Australia [S Squared Pty. Ltd.] Australia The objective of this project was to provide a covered working environment for the Boeing 747 at the Boeing Airspace Hanger in Amberley, Queensland, Australia. The entire roof was assembled in an adjoining field m…
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