USING FABRIC AS A MATERIAL OF CHOICE CAN REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION. by Bruce N. Wright, FAIA s the effects of climate change increasingly complicate living conditions on earth, some are looking to the moon and the tantalizing possibilities of space. Several nations have declared their interest in establishing a permanent foothold on the moon to further explore space and potentially exploit the moon's resources. The discussion includes developing habitable moon bases using the surface dirt to print 3D dwellings and sending along inflatable pods to provide shelter. Harnessing the potential of space also figures into strategies for combating climate change here on earth. One recent proposal suggests creating a gigantic solar shield (presumably made of fabric for lightness) that would cast a shadow upon the Earth to help keep annual solar heat gain within an acceptable range. SpecialtyFabricsReview.com 61http://www.SpecialtyFabricsReview.com