To the rescue

May 1, 2016  |  Features, Markets

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 conservatio…
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Self-cleaning skins

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

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 infrastruc…
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Urban shade, on the move

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

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 p…
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At the intersection of textiles & technology

May 1, 2016  |  Features, Perspective

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 adida…
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Smart Fabrics Summit draws key industry participants

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

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 v…
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Finding shelter in fabric

May 1, 2016  |  Fabric Structures, Marine, Markets

Alaska Structures® Inc. recently completed a contract for 365 new and improved U.S. Air Force Medium Shelter Systems. The United States Air Force (USAF) is no slouch when it comes to providing quality equipment, supplies and shelter for its ranks. The military branch recently invested more than $15…
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Designed for drama

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

Szczecin is a charming city situated in the northwest corner of Poland, near the Baltic Sea. The city was looking to update its 1976-era summer theater, a popular spot for big name concerts, celebrations and cultural events. Flanagan Lawrence, London, England, won a competition to design the new spa…
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