Four Creative Uses for Drapery Beyond the Window
By Erika Gaies
From sheers that filter light and absorb sound to opaque textiles for room-darkening, drapery transcends its conventional role at the window, becoming a transformative element that influences both the atmosphere and functionality of a space.
1. Maximize each square foot of your space by incorporating movable textiles
Leveraging the ability to quickly transform open spaces into private or collaborative areas; sheers, acoustic sheers, or even textiles with opacity are outstanding solutions to maximize every square foot in your space.
Alphacoustic | NBBJ Columbus
Alu Net + Betacoustic | One Workplace, San Francisco
Gammacoustic | Feederle GmbH
Alphacoustic | Chinatown Chicago Public Library | SOM
Alphacoustic | Chinatown Chicago Public Library | SOM
Alphacoustic | Daskonzept, Thun | Welle 7
Secret | Stapferhaus, Lenzburg, Switzerland | Pool Architekten, Zurich, Switzerland , Pool Architekten, Zurich, Switzerland / Schlegel & Co AG, Basel, Switzerland | Photo: WEISSWERT, Basel
2. Enhance acoustics while embracing natural light
Incorporating sheer drapery with acoustic properties in a conference room not only enhances acoustics within the space but also allows natural light to penetrate to the core. This dual functionality creates a well-lit and inviting atmosphere for individuals inside and outside a meeting area.
Jaspis | EF Education First Regional Hub, London, England | Photo: Peter Cook
Jaspis | EF Education First Regional Hub, London, England | Photo: Peter Cook
Alphacoustic | Aherns & Grabenhorst
3. Create a graphic moment with textiles
Incorporating textiles into a space not only introduces a softer form of architecture but opens the door for digital graphics, enabling a seamless incorporation of branded elements.
Printacoustic Horizon | Didriksons AB
Printacoustic Moment | Greenwood Restaurant | DMAC Architects
Deltacoustic + Zetacoustic | Pausa Bar & Cookery | CCS
4. Use textiles as a medium for color on, in, and between spaces
Think beyond wallcoverings and paint when introducing color to vertical surfaces. The extensive variety of drapery colors, opacities, and designs are another tool in your toolbox to create interest within a space.
Tune | The Butterfly, Vancouver BC | Katherine Kerr Creative AB
Malta | New Museum, NYC | Christoff Finio Architecture NYC, Erik Bruce for Mary Brig
Chamois | Campus Founders Office | Kami Blusch, Berlin, Germany | Schwarz Immobilienmanagement GmbH
Pigment | Design by Gensler | Photography ©Garrett Rowland
Sonor | Sticks 'n' Sushi, Oxford, England | Neri & Hu, London, England
About the Author
Erika Gaies is the Executive Vice President of Sales Enablement + Marketing Communications at Carnegie. Erika is a keen observer of the changing dynamics between specifiers and industry partners, seeking ways to enhance successful collaborations. She was recently featured in Metropolis The PVC Pivot, sharing her knowledge and insight on where the A+D industry is heading and how we can wean ourselves off PVC.