|
contents | technologies | |||||||||
| Stadia and Beyond  Dramatic designs, durability, and sustainability lead architects to choose architectural fabrics for small and mid-size projects. PTFE-coated fabric architecture is continuing to drive innovation and design-inspiration around the globe. With the exciting scope of projects taking root in Russia in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2018 FIFA World Cup, PTFE-coated fabrics are poised to re-imagine Russia's skylines before the world's very eyes. Most civilians, and truth be told a fair number of architectural firms, are familiar with PTFE-fabric architecture from where it's best known and most widely used – in stadiums and sports facilities. Many of these large-scale, big-ticket arenas commonly capture the public's imagination and frequently have defined major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cups.One of the first major large-scale uses of architectural fabrics, in fact, was back in 1970 at the World's Fair in Osaka, Japan. Many national pavilions, including that of the United States, made wide and attention-grabbing use of these architectural fabrics, leading one admirer to call the event a "fabric-structure extravaganza." At the time, the U.S. Pavilion was the largest clear span, air-supported roof ever built and remains a landmark for this business. But in the world, not all architects win commissions or specialize in record-setting Olympic-sized venues. Increasingly innovating architects are examining their mid-size and smaller projects and finding new creative outlets around the globe. There are three overall trends reinforcing the advantage and value of using PFTE-coated fabrics: Dramatic Design Opportunities By day or night fabric architecture is able to push the boundaries of inviting design with startling innovation in shapes and effects. The recently opened Rosa Parks Transit Center in Detroit, Michigan made innovative canopy use of architectural fabrics. On a larger scale the world-famous Denver International Airport has become a favorite poster-child of the fabrics fan club. Durability Perhaps it's their delicate appearance (or problems inherent in the very name fabric architecture) which makes some architects reluctant to utilize fabric architecture. The unfounded fear that they are temporary in nature and won't weather well still resides in many quarters. It's simply not true – the lifespan on these resilient, high-performance plastics is at 40 years and counting. Sustainability Issues surrounding sustainability have come to the forefront in a variety of industries, with building and construction taking the lead. In the United States the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) recently released "Version 2.0" of its LEED certification standards – a comprehensive, point-based system which certifies how green or sustainable new and rehabilitated structures. Certification is widely prized among a growing chorus of governments, corporations, developers, and non-profit entities and are based on such criteria as use of low or non VOC paints and adhesives, selection of windows and other building materials, down to the availability of bike racks and proximity to public transportation. Architectural fabrics can help developers run up their LEED score due to their ability to reflect filtered daylight sunlight reducing energy consumption by up to 20 percent. Additionally, construction costs and materials are reduced as compared to traditional roofing materials. From the fabric structure "extravaganza" of that long-ago World's Fair to today's smaller and midsize projects, the only limit to the continuing and innovative use of architectural fabrics will be the imagination and design-savvy of the global architectural community. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Construction News :: home page |