Fabric is an Important New Design Solution for Architects

Sept. 24, 2007

Roseville, MN - All architects and designers are invited to earn AIA/CES credits during the Sustainable Design with Fabric symposium on October 2, 2007, held prior to the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo 2007, which will run October 3-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Sustainability in building design is an exciting trend for architects, as it allows design to merge with environmentally sensitive building techniques. Consumers increasingly ask for environmentally friendly methods as concerns about human impact on the earth and global warming continue to gain importance in the popular culture. The Sustainable Design with Fabric symposium will show architects how to design with this trend in mind. This exciting educational event boasts an impressive line up of experts speaking on important breakthrough topics in fabric architecture and structure design. They'll answer common questions about using fabric, energy-saving concepts and green building sources-empowering attendees to translate their new knowledge into real designs for clients.

"Great design is a marriage of art and science, but so far sustainability has focused on science and has neglected art," says well-known speaker Lance Hosey, AIA, LEED AP, director, William McDonough + Partners. During his keynote presentation, "The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology and Design," Hosey will explore the idea of designing to be sustainable, demonstrating the connection between environmental performance and architectural form.

Architect Douglas Kozel, KEE Architecture, will focus on how new vertical fin systems and other design details can help reduce heat gain and access daylight.

Landscape architect Bruce Dvorak, Living Habitats, will investigate the critical role fabrics play in making green roofs possible; and how green roofs can conserve energy, downsize mechanical systems, prolong the life of roofing and help reduce the Urban Heat Island effect.

Closing guest speaker Jens J. Meyer, Germany-based visual artist, will share his experiences with using fabric as a medium for his many sculptures.

The Sustainable Design with Fabric symposium is sponsored by IFAI; the Lightweight Structures Association, an IFAI division; and Fabric Architecture magazine. IFAI is accredited by the American Institute of Architects to provide continuing education programs to architects.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) proactively represents and promotes the products and innovations of the specialty fabrics industry worldwide. Visit www.ifai.com to learn more.

IFAI Expo 2007 will be held Oct. 3-5, 2007. As always, the annual exposition is the place for industry members to meet, learn, network and promote their company. In addition to the Sustainable Design with Fabric symposium, 12 other seminars and workshops will be offered. IFAI Expo is recommended for textile buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, designers, engineers, architects, teachers and students. More than 450 exhibitors and 8,000 participants are expected. Visit www.ifaiexpo.com for more details.

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