For the Fall of 2012, Decorating with Fabric is introducing its new Lunch & Learn program called Technology & The Green Window. As a recipient of the 2010 Green Business Award, Decorating with Fabric is proud to continue in its tradition of offering education focusing on sustainable window coverings. Below is a course description. If your office is in the New York metropolitan are and you would like to schedule a program, please send your request via email to: .
Technology & The Green Window
According to AIA, the idea of sustainability in Architecture and Design is to “remove rather then to add stress to systems”. When applied to Window Coverings, this becomes the driving force and theme behind this course. Removing stress when designing window coverings is why function needs to be considered before form.
TTGW begins with several examples of poorly designed treatments where stress is added to the building system or it’s occupants. When design comes before function, unintended stress is usually the outcome. Well designed window coverings and it’s intended use will usually lead to successful design. Efficient design does not mean unattractive window coverings as you will see during the course.
Topics of Discussion:
LEED
Beginning with the USGBC’s LEED opportunity for points with Window Coverings, attendees will learn the 5 most prevalent areas where stress can be reduced and points earned.
Reducing Heat and Glare
Preventing the sun’s rays from heating up a space and reducing the impact of glare upon it’s occupants depends mostly on the fabrics chosen. An explanation on fabric openness, transparency, heat reflection and glare control will be demonstrated.
Motorization
There have been tremendous advances in motorization technology for Window Coverings over the past few years. When considering function first, a well designed automated system can be achieved. Before such systems can be considered, the types of options will be explained. The course will touch on the differences between Low Voltage vs Line Voltage systems, control options of Radio Frequency and the Digital Network and the latest advances in Solar Power for Window Coverings. Integration of motorized window coverings into AV and Building Management Systems is the newest challenge for architects and owners. TTGW will review the options that are available for Lutron and Crestron based systems.
Product Innovations
Recent advances in technology offers great opportunities to reduce stress in many areas for both building systems and it’s occupants. TTGW will present the latest product innovations with a discussion on Quiet Motors, Hardware options, Skylight systems and Home Automation. For the first time a special new product introduction will include Smart Glass. An innovative window covering that offers privacy with a switchable film applied to the glass with other clever possibilities.
This one hour presentation will be accompanied with working samples to give the attendee true demonstrations of function and design.