disco curtains

The disco era was defined by psychedelic colors, reflected lighting effects (think Disco balls!), platform shoes, and flamboyant outfits. Architecturally trained Spanish fashion designer Paco Rabanne often used unconventional materials, including metal fabrics, in his designs during this time. Built during this era, original metal mesh curtains can still be found on the UMass Dartmouth campus today.

The sun-shade fins at UMass Dartmouth are reminiscent of this time. Wrapping the original Rudolph concrete forms in a shimmering veil of reflective light. This veil is designed to reflect the metal fabrics of the disco era - acting as a curtain -as if the original architecture is on stage. The tensioned stainless steel fabric fins also have a very practical effect by reducing both the solar heat gain and glare on the building.