Up Close or Far Away

 

I have posted photos from the SkySong campus many times before but I was reminded of this place last Saturday when I took my walk at the Desert Botanical Garden.

When I climbed the trail to the high point at the garden, I noticed that I could see the top of those sails from far away.  I hadn't realized that I could see that white framework from so far away.

So I took a drive over to the campus to see how much it has grown.  There is now a hotel there and these new apartments.  

As the new buildings go up, it gets harder to get a clear view of that white shade structure.  I did a little research to learn more about that distinctive feature.  I found out that it is 50,000 square feet and covers the intersection of two roads in the heart of this complex.  It's made of PTFE glass fabric.  So what is that? I found out it is Polytetrafluoroethylene.  Apparently that is a synthetic fabric broadly related to teflon.  

By the way, SkySong is an innovative facility of Arizona State University.  ASU partners with  businesses creating a variety of innovative products.  Tenants here are provided direct access to relevant research and educational opportunities.  It's growing like crazy so it must be a successful partnership.