In architecture, buildings and their components are often referred to in metaphorical terms related to the human body. The structure of a building can be seen as the skeleton and the façade as the skin that encloses it. In recent years, more effort has been made to focus on the building’s ‘skin’ and new building technology such as lightweight composites, smart building controls, automated daylighting and other systems. The skin is where moisture control, energy efficiency, solar heat gain, and sustainable practices can best be addressed. Fabric facades in particular are a vital part of this growth and perhaps the fastest growing façade innovation.
“we have seen a recent push towards the use of lighter and greener building materials. As a result, building envelopes have become a significant focus in our built environment.” -Goldsmith
There are many advantages of using fabrics in the building façade, including lighting control, reduced weight, lower installation costs, and more dynamic features in the façade that allow the building to stand out. These features can be found in the look and shape of many of the newest façade projects, like the project above. “Fabric lends itself inherently to innovations that allow designers freedom to create new forms and architectural expressions.” Many architects and fabricators believe that fabric facades will see an increase in the future. This will depend on educating designers and clients of the significant benefits these systems provide.
Source:
Wright, B. N. (2020, April 1). Innovative fabric facades. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://specialtyfabricsreview.com/2020/04/01/innovative-fabric-facades/
Material Transformations 
There is a lot of innovation in the façade industry, one of which is fabric façade. When considering the material for façade, there are many factors that are needed to consider like, daylighting, views, lightweight, easy installation, etc. Fabric façade is definitely an innovative way of using textile in architecture. It is lightweight and reduces solar heat gain which makes it more suitable for building façade.
Use of curtains on the exterior of the building in Aichinger house in Austria is one of the best examples for material innovation of fabric curtains but it is also a material misuse of curtains. Curtains in the interior of the building could be much easier to control than on the exterior. The fabric used for these curtains also has to be weather resistant to effectively work under harsh weather conditions. Since the building is low rise, this curtain façade might work, but application for high rise building is still questionable. Though this is case specific, there are few drawbacks of fabric façade like fire resistance. Another disadvantage of fabric façade would be ability to withstand lateral wind load. Fabric façade might not be efficient than regular cladding materials glass or brick when subjected to wind load in high-rise. So the application of fabric façade on high rise might not be a great option.
But there is not a single material with no disadvantages associated with it. So, fabric facades are definitely standing out from other façade materials because of the innovative material misuse. As the material technology is advancing, there might be better fabric options which could annul the weaknesses that are currently associated with fabric in architecture.
LikeLike