The art (and science) of being flexible

December 1, 2014  |  Fabric Structures, Features

Some of the most innovative new materials for architectural applications are found in flexible composites: 1+1=3 Buildings are supposed to stand up strong and—believe it or not—be both flexible and durable. Despite impressions to the contrary, even buildings made of steel and concrete must be fl…
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Birdair lands Arthur Ashe Stadium contract

July 10, 2014  |  Fabric Structures

Retractable roof to be installed by 2016. Birdair Inc. was selected by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and architectural design and planning firm Rossetti to supply a 210,000-square-foot, PTFE membrane, retractable roof for the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with expected installation by 2016. The…
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A clean sweep in fabric

July 1, 2014  |  Fabric Structures, Projects

Gambling is a game of chance, and when the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway in New York planned a $50 million expansion, project managers bet on a knock-your-socks-off entryway design to invite and excite the playing customer. Studio V Architecture PLLC, New York, developed a sweeping transpare…
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Economies of scope

June 1, 2014  |  Fabric Structures, Features

Fabric structures designed for storage, warehousing and shelter can be as durable as brick-and-mortar structures, and far more flexible. With the construction of fabric structures consistently meeting (and often exceeding) stringent building codes, you’d think that more clients would opt for one o…
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Powered retractable roofs for boats

January 1, 2014  |  Fabric Structures, Marine

Boat builders and buyers want convenience on a vessel in which both invest time and money, and automated power roofs are becoming a must-have. Taylor Made Systems, Gloversville, N.Y. and its partner company, Ameritex Fabric Systems, Bradenton, Fla., have the boating industry covered, literally, with…
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Vinyl matters

January 1, 2014  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures, Features

What fabric manufacturers know about PVC fabrics that you should know, too. Many businesses in the industrial fabrics industry (Seaman Corp. among them) have shown consistent growth over decades by developing cost-effective, high-performance products that utilize vinyl—a polymer used safely and su…
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Let’s play Charades

January 1, 2014  |  Fabric Structures, Projects

A lightweight, airy and colorful group of furniture pieces called “Charade” is the end result of research by Gomar, a French designer based in The Netherlands, about nomadism within a restricted environment. Using regular metal tubes for their structures, combined with sailcloth and kite…
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Quality shedding: year-round farmer’s market

December 1, 2013  |  Fabric Structures, Projects

The Central New York Regional Market Authority (CNYRMA) in Syracuse, N.Y., has a diverse and thriving farmer’s market that’s a year-round destination: the Regional Market Commons is “a safe and trusted community landmark, providing economic, social and nutritional value to the area…
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The Souk Okaz

December 1, 2013  |  Fabric Structures, Projects

Tensile membrane design recalls rich cultural history. Located in the Mecca Province, on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, lies the city of Taif. With fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery, the city of 500,000 is a popular getaway from the intense heat in the reg…
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Water control and conservation

November 1, 2013  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Fabric Structures, Features, Markets

By Sigrid Tornquist Harvesting rainwater is nothing new—but using fabric shade structures to collect and distribute rainwater, while providing an attractive aesthetic, is largely an untapped resource that can translate into growth potential for fabricators. Architen Landrell, Chepstow, Monmout…
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