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

Architects | Jan 23, 2017

Why corporate branded environments matter

A branded environment has the potential to create a long-lasting impression for your intended audiences.

Architects | Jan 19, 2017

Harley Ellis Devereaux merges with Deems Lewis McKinley

The combination is expected to bolster HED’s presence in northern California and the K-12 sector.

Architects | Jan 13, 2017

Best in Architecture: 23 projects win AIA 2017 Institute Honor Awards

The Shigeru Ban-designed Aspen Art Museum and the General Motors Design Auditorium by SmithGroupJJR are among the architecture, interior architecture, and urban design projects to win. 

Designers | Jan 13, 2017

The mind’s eye: Five thoughts on cognitive neuroscience and designing spaces

Measuring how the human mind responds to buildings could improve design.

Building Materials | Jan 9, 2017

Architects and researchers are developing new techniques for building in space

As setting foot on Mars becomes a more realistic goal, the search for how to best develop Architecture for the Red Planet is heating up.

Architects | Jan 5, 2017

U.S. architects can now earn licenses to practice Down Under

NCARB finalizes reciprocal agreement with Australia and New Zealand.

Architects | Jan 4, 2017

The making of visible experts: A path for seller-doers in the AEC industry

Exceptional seller-doers have the ability to ask the right questions, and more importantly, listen.

Building Team | Jan 3, 2017

How does your firm’s hit rate stack up to the AEC competition?

If your firm is not converting at least a third of project proposals when competing for new work, it may be time to reassess your marketing tactics and processes.

Architects | Dec 9, 2016

Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects receives the 2017 AIA Architecture Firm Award

LMSA is the 54th AIA Architecture Firm Award recipient.

| Dec 8, 2016

Paul Revere Williams, FAIA, awarded 2017 AIA Gold Medal

The Gold Medal honors an individual whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.

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