Rapid advances in technology and materials are exacerbating the need for a forecast up to and beyond 2030. In the context of making innovative contributions to a more sustainable way of life, the construction sector has a significant role to play, given that the buildings erected today generally have a service life of well under 100 years. Below are just a few examples:

 - Building with textile-reinforced concrete doubles its durability whilst saving resources by halving the amount of concrete needed as well as lowering the CO2 footprint.

 - The ability to incorporate textiles in technological contexts, such as in conjunction with extensive heating or cooling elements in wall panels, is an attractive and energy-saving alternative.

 - This idea could be introduced to private homes with local infrared heating systems on table tops to enhance comfort. Not forgetting, of course, the scope offered by the above-mentioned luminous and colour-changing elements used in interior design, which are either already available or will soon be available as energy-saving alternatives in wallpaper, wall decors, and curtains.

 The two experts also believe that the spread of textile membranes in construction beyond current event venues and prestigious building projects such as stadia, luxury hotels and airport projects, needs to be examined in considerable depth in terms of its future prospects.

Hans-Werner Oertel