GKD Hosts AIA-Sponsored CEU on Role of Metal Fabrics in Architecture
We are passionate about education and training. This is something that extends beyond our own team and to the greater A&D community. So when the opportunity came to partner with the American Institute of Architects Chesapeake Bay Chapter to hold a CEU at our award-winning headquarters, we jumped on it.
The event, titled “Weaving, Fabricating and Customizing Architectural Metal Fabrics,” was the brainchild of local architect Charles Paul Goebel. It brought 34 members from the AIA chapter to Cambridge, MD for a day of learning and exploration. After the presentation we were able to take the group on a behind-the-scenes tour of our production facility and grounds. This one-on-one interaction was as beneficial for our team as it was for the architects who came to learn about the possibility of metal fabrics.
The day’s activities started with an information-packed presentation that covered a number of learning objectives. These included:
- Describe the characteristics and performance features of different metal alloys used to create metal fabrics.
- Describe at least three architectural applications of metal fabrics; be able to list the design intent, function and performance result of the metal fabric on the type of application you describe.
- Describe options for further enhancing the function of a metal fabric to incorporate lighting or branding, and describe how this can enhance the value of the project.
- Describe 3 Sustainable and environmental benefits of using stainless steel metal fabrics.
After the presentation, which also included an overview of GKD projects and case studies from around the world, the group was lead on an in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of our production facility. They were shown everything from structural and suspension components to our process for creating custom colors, etching and more.
The interactive experience allowed them to see how the products and systems discussed in the CEU are designed and produced. GKD product and installation experts were on hand to answer questions and discuss specific attributes and custom design possibilities.
The day concluded with a sunset walk around the grounds of our headquarters. Designed by world-renowned architect Dominique Perrault, the building features an extensive list of GKD products in various installations, including solar management (as seen below), architectural cladding and interior components. This interaction allowed attendees to experience the products that they saw being produced just a few hours prior.
To learn more about our company, headquarters, products and story, click here.
As your turnkey design and engineering consultants, we are here to assist you through the entire design-build process. Please tell us how to reach you and how we can assist.