Graphics help create “Wish upon a star” gala theme

January 1, 2007  |  Graphics

By Jill C. Lafferty The company. Flying Colors, Berkeley, Calif. The task. Flying Colors was hired by the Oakland Museum of California to connect the decor of their annual “Golden Gala” to an exhibit entitled “Behind the Magic: 50 Years of Disneyland,” which opened simultaneo…
Read More
Upcycling fabrics growing in popularity in design industry

January 1, 2007  |  Graphics

By Sigrid Tornquist Perhaps fairy tales really do come true. Take Grimm’s fairy tale in which the poor miller’s daughter bargains with Rumpelstiltskin to spin straw into gold. Far-fetched? Certainly. How about spinning plastic soda containers into environmentally friendly fabrics? It&rsq…
Read More
Business opportunities in India

January 1, 1970  |  Features, Markets

Investment-friendly policies are welcoming specialty textile manufacturers to India. By Seshadri Ramkumar Right now, the timing is excellent for the global technical textiles industry to explore opportunities beyond U.S. and European borders. With the economy hitting many businesses hard in the Unit…
Read More
Sheltering Haiti

January 1, 1970  |  Tents

By Jill C. Lafferty The earthquake in Haiti mobilized relief efforts from around the world to respond to a disaster measured in many thousands of lives. In the end, however, it is a continuing story about the plight of individuals and the companies that are making a difference in their lives. Althou…
Read More
Fungi-fighting yoga mats and heat-seeking swampstools

January 1, 1970  |  Advanced Textiles, Products

The classic yoga warrior pose combines grace and strength, and a new product developed by Sommers Plastics showcases those same attributes. Sommers Plastic Products Company Inc., Clifton, N.J., manufactures specialty polyurethanes, lenticulars, holographics, fake furs and faux leathers; its newest l…
Read More
Recycled garment line saves money

January 1, 1970  |  Advanced Textiles, Products

Problem: Disposable garments from clean environments, such as those used in silicon chip production, are unnecessarily thrown away. Solution: Durable Tyvek® fabric made from HDPE is hard to tear or puncture, yet it functions as a breathable membrane that allows body heat and sweat to escape whil…
Read More
“Adventuretainment” company jumps into sports market

January 1, 1970  |  Advanced Textiles

Enthusiasts at all levels can focus on their sport with products that assure a safe environment for competition or recreation. By Holly O’Dell Four years ago, “adventuretainment” company Sans Gear NZ, with locations in Los Angeles, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., introduced a safety tec…
Read More
Anatomy of a fabric structure

January 1, 1970  |  Fabric Structures

By Samuel J. Armijos, AIA The percentage of the overall cost of a fabric structure can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design, the material chosen, the location and access of the site, the cost of labor and equipment, and the amount of material needed to be shipped. Fabric stru…
Read More
Determining a schedule of values

January 1, 1970  |  Fabric Structures

By Samuel J. Armijos, AIA The best way to understand the cost of a fabric structure is to request a schedule of values (SOV) or a breakdown of the major costs. Design (5-15%) Design development to construction document. Percentage varies depending on design/build vs. plans and specification approach…
Read More
Using the air (apparent)

January 1, 1970  |  Fabric Structures

Inflatable buildings have their own unique advantages, especially portability and easy set-up. By Bruce Wright, AIA Inflatable buildings can have some special requirements-such as air pumps to fill the structural fabric tubes-unlike any other type of structure, but they also have advantages for relo…
Read More