In the age of Amazon Prime and online shopping, brick and mortar retail stores continue to search for ways to remain relevant and entice shoppers onto the property. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, online sales account for about 10% of today’s retail shopping. However, mall and retail outlet owners know the importance of adapting to the shifting trends in consumer behaviors. Tensile fabric architecture offers dynamic solutions that support increased foot traffic, reduced energy costs, and new revenue streams.
Increased Foot Traffic: Unique Shopping Experiences
Trends in consumer behavior continue to show the value of folding experiential elements into traditional situations. In other words, consumers need a reason to get dressed and drive to your location that they can’t get online. Properties with outdoor spaces should consider ways to maximize seating areas for friends to gather or create small event venues that can be leveraged by your marketing department. Tensile fabric structures add to these spaces by providing much needed shade and weather protection while creating signature designs that add to the aesthetics of the space.
For indoor malls and shopping centers, there are many practical benefits of using tensile fabric architecture inside, too. Big, open spaces can be transformed into more intimate settings, and membranes can be designed to create functional pieces of art – helping with acoustics while impressing visitors. There are countless ways tensile fabric architecture can make your mall and shopping center an environment that shoppers look forward to experiencing.
Reduced Energy Costs: Improving Efficiency
The most discussed benefit of tensile fabric architecture – specifically of a tensile fabric facade – is the energy efficiency improvements it can provide. As global architecture trends continue to take hold in the U.S., tensile fabric facades are increasingly being used to reduce the impact of solar heat gain, improve natural light indoors, and help with LEED certifications. For a deeper look, check out our post: Using Architectural Shading Solutions to Stay Ahead of the Energy Efficient Curve.
New Revenue Streams: Advertising Opportunities
While tensile fabric architecture can certainly help you save money on your energy bills, it can also directly improve your bottom line with new revenue streams and increased property value. A tensile fabric facade can act as a blank canvas that stretches across your building’s envelope – giving you another piece of real estate to rent. As the modern-day billboard, you can use your facade to advertise one of your tenants or a major national brand.
Additionally, by modernizing an older building with a facade, you may find that you’ll be able to increase the rent opportunities with new tenants.
Is Tensile Fabric Architecture Right for Your Project?
In the Tension Structures Division of Eide Industries, we specialize in design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of structurally complex and creatively challenging commercial, government, and prototype design projects. Our expertise with tensile facade systems and tension structures supports architects, designers, general contractors, and building owners in their efforts to bring custom tensile membrane projects to life.
Explore the options for your next project by calling 800-422-6827.