Recent trends in urban renewal make use of shade structures, awnings and exterior shades to complement historic architecture. The application of construction fabrics is a new discipline that effectively blends the old with the new and provides a cost-effective and functional solution to urban revitalisation. One of the major advantages of fabric architecture is that it requires few components to create a structure. From retractable tensile roofing systems to interior surface panelling, the scope for imaginative design is also uniquely broad, making construction fabrics a perfect partner in urban regeneration projects.
Construction Fabrics: A Return on Investment in Urban Regeneration
According to architects working on urban renewal projects, fabric architecture can create a focal point that draws people to an area. And this feature has captured the interest of councils focussed on drawing urban residents back to city centres while preserving existing structures and the surrounding environment.
For fabric architecture to be successful, however, says Jacob Schwartz, the owner of US architecture company International Tension Structures, fabric structures need to be designed with the considerations of investment and longevity. As architectural investments are usually made within really tight budgets, Schwartz advises that one of the keys is to invest wisely, ensuring that the results of the project will be long-standing and make the most of collaborative design.
Application of Fabric in Urban Renewal Projects
Urban renewal projects have created more opportunities for a range of construction materials, including mesh fabrics and the commonly used PVC coated polyester, which is not only strong, flexible and translucent but also has a design lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Bespoke Tensile Fabric Structures like those on offer at https://www.spatialstructures.com/not only provide shade and shelter but are also dirt- and weather-resistant as well as easy to clean. These benefits also compliment the fact that construction fabrics is a relatively cheap way of creating a structure compared to other methods. This way of doing it is increasing in popularity.
When it comes to preserving the historic beauty of an urban area, awnings, for instance, provide a way to unify the look of listed buildings and come in a virtually unlimited range of fabric colours and pattern choices.
Providing shade structures has generated a bigger demand for canvas and technology-driven materials like Soltis by Ferrari, a mixture of warp and weft yarn that is pre-stressed and then coated and has been used to create textile facades that are wind-resistant and protect buildings from the sun.
