Fabric Structures are considered the oldest forms of
Housing. Throughout history, they have been adopted in one
form or another by different groups of people living in a
variety of environmental conditions. The tent form was
ideal for nomads because they were lightweight, mobile and
adaptable but the "modern Nomad" doesn't need a tent
anymore as our living quarters have become more permanent
wherever we happen to be or go. 20 years ago, This author
wrote a student thesis on the potential of Fabric
Structures in Housing. The focus of that report was to
demonstrate that the "overall performance" of Housing could
improve with the use of Architectural Fabric Structures.
Overall performance is defined as the success of a building
or space in sustaining human needs (physical, social and
environmental). This sounds quite utopian but what's wrong
with dreaming a little in college! Unlike other building
types, Housing is a very personal experience and a form of
architecture with complex physical, environmental and
social issues. My utopian vision was to first have a decent
home (fabric structure) for every person. I dreamed of a
"mast supported" single family home with a Teflon roof over
the main living spaces and a shade structures over the
outdoor living spaces. My dream has not come true and maybe
for good reason.
The use of fabric structures in residential applications
must be looked at differently at each segment of the
market. For single family homes, the use is extremely
personal and often experimental. An Architect wants to put
his or her signature on a home and can use a fabric
structure to make a particular statement whether it is a
retractable roof, wall or even floor. On the other hand,
the benefit Architects tend to seek in using fabric
structures in housing is a safe and reliable spatial
envelope for public assembly that will improve (not solve)
the overall performance of the development. Today, Fabric
Structures have played an important role in society. We can
all agree that they provide UV protection and an
alternative solution to some traditional materials but it's
hard to measure the satisfaction one gets out of fabric
structures on a social level. Fabric structures have
primarily been built for only public uses: amphitheaters,
recreational centers, shopping malls, stadiums and
pavilions, to name a few. These structures tend to
congregate people and provide social interaction for a
specific period of time but they are not used on an
everyday basis for living.
Let's consider a closer look at the "soft" housing market.
Physical Performance is making something that is affordable
and durable. Architecture as shelter has primarily been
built of hard materials, to separate our public and private
spaces and buildings from the environment. However, look at
the design of some homes today. The home has gone from
fabric walls (see the nomads) to heavy walls (see H.H.
Richardson) to glass walls (see Mies) to fabric walls (see
Shigeru Ban) to no walls at all. Fabric covered patios,
gardens, garages, entries and sidewalks are being designed
with structures with translucent membranes to get closer
and closer to nature at an affordable price. Today,
commercial tents and pre-engineered clear spans are
wonderful solutions for enlarging ones living space and
protecting one from the elements. In larger developments,
entries, public facilities and parking garages are being
developed using fabric structures to advertise, hide or
protect existing or new construction and owner's personal
belongings. Textile facades are providing UV protection,
greater signage opportunities and provide an alternative to
EIFS and other building facade treatments available in the
market.
Social performance is creating a place or space where
social interaction can occur. This normally occurs through
the arrangement of housing units or the space created
between buildings. Architects usually approach fabric
structures in terms of their novelty and long span
capabilities, but there are so many other features which
architectural fabrics bring to improve social interaction.
Retail has learned about the potential of fabric structures
and multifamily buildings and garden apartments can learn
the same. Main Street or the neighborhood corridor can be
covered with either retractable awnings or street wide
velas. Retractable systems are getting bigger, wider and
capable of being used with new and more advanced materials.
Domed stadiums are no longer trends in professional sports
and the multi family market can see the benefits as well.
Small scale tennis and recreational facilities and public
amenities like bathrooms and corner stores can be fabric
structures for large scale developments and shade and
shelter is needed for areas like parking, transportation,
and dining.
The Environmental performance is in some ways the most
complex. Although, performance can be calculated in dollars
and cents and in the BTU's and Kilowatts, it can also be
very subjective as every person has a different comfort
level. Another issue being addressed with regards to the
environmental performance is the material itself. There is
past, present and future interest in the environment and
sustainability. Is the material durable, recyclable,
environmentally friendly, assisting in LEED certification
or giving off toxic gases to the environment? You can say
that about any material. Fabric structures are made of very
few materials and designed and made to improve human
comfort. Their benefits include the reduction of direct UV
to the skin, the impact on the land thru minimal
foundations and by providing natural light to areas which
might otherwise require artificial lighting and electricity.
What is the future of Fabric Structures in Houses and
Housing? With the rise in energy cost and real estate taxes
nationwide, there may be more interest in creating
temporary structures for outdoor living in single family
homes. Do it yourself Pavilions, clear spans and pool
enclosures are more than ever within reach. As for
multifamily housing, the public spaces, roof and the
parking lot are the places being considered for fabric
structures. The social areas or play areas will see the
greatest growth as the need for UV protection for children
and elderly will increase. Today, the automobile is part of
the nucleus family and it is being cared for like a child.
Expect to see more covered parking. Lastly, Architects and
designer are seeing the roof as a possible new source for
interaction, energy and creativity. Enclosed Pools and
partially covered "green roofs" are on the drawing boards
as well as the use of photovoltaic on membrane structures.
Ultimately, the key to any successful housing project or
neighborhood development is its social performance.
Fabric Structures are coming home again!
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Samuel J. Armijos, AIA is Vice President of Sales for USA
Shade and Fabric Structures and author of Fabric
Architecture: Resources for shade, signage and shelter. He
resides in Fairfield, NJ with his wife and two children.
http://www.fabricarchitect.com
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