flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Must See: Shape-shifting architecture that responds to heat

Must See: Shape-shifting architecture that responds to heat

Students in Barcelona have created a composite material using shape memory polymers that can deform and return to their original state when activated by cues like heat, humidity, and light.


By BD+C Staff | September 10, 2014
Translated Geometries, shape memory polymer
Translated Geometries, shape memory polymer

Students in Barcelona wanted to explore how physical spaces could someday morph based on various environmental inputs. The result: a material dubbed Translated Geometries, which Wired describes as a composite material using shape memory polymers that can deform and return to their original state when activated by cues like heat, humidity, and light.

The students at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya—Ece Tankal, Efilena Baseta, and Ramin Shambayati—told Wired that the invention is a toward “an architecture that isn’t so rigid, that tries to be more attuned with its environment.”

Wired writer Liz Stinson argues that adaptable modular components could save on material by serving dual purposes.

To learn how this composite works, read the full story on Wired, and watch the video below.

 

?ranslated Geometries from Efilena Baseta on Vimeo.

Related Stories

Giants 400 | Sep 6, 2018

What's happening at 89 design firms

The latest developments at 89 of the nation's largest architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms.

Architects | Sep 6, 2018

Little details, big questions: Occupancy planning 101 for healthcare facilities

Transitioning into a new hospital is no easy feat and daily tasks can have a huge impact.

Architects | Aug 14, 2018

AIA takes a firmer stand on making schools safer with better design

The Institute urges the formation of a federal clearinghouse for best practices, and wants security-related design to be eligible for grants.

Architects | Aug 9, 2018

The convergence of product design and architecture

Great design is born out of simplicity, purity, timelessness, unobtrusiveness and intuitiveness.

Architects | Aug 1, 2018

Client experience as competitive advantage for AEC firms

Clients are looking for solutions to their business problems from collaborative advisors. They’ve come to expect a higher level of service and detail than what was provided in the past.

AEC Tech | Jul 24, 2018

Weidt Group’s Net Energy Optimizer now available as software as a service

The proprietary energy analysis tool is open for use by the public.

Building Owners | Jul 17, 2018

Are we facing a new era in Foreign Direct Investment?

The construction industry is already feeling the effects of the recent tariffs, not only with higher steel and aluminum prices, but with higher prices on Canadian lumber.

Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018

NIMBYism, generational divide threaten plan for net-zero village in St. Paul, Minn.

The ambitious redevelopment proposal for a former Ford automotive plant creates tension.

Office Buildings | Jul 17, 2018

Transwestern report: Office buildings near transit earn 65% higher lease rates

Analysis of 15 major metros shows the average rent in central business districts was $43.48/sf for transit-accessible buildings versus $26.01/sf for car-dependent buildings.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021

Â