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Translucency, at its essence, is an optical property that enables the total or partial passage of light through materials, without providing a clear view of the objects behind them. Traditionally, glass sheets have been the symbolic material associated with transparency, commonly used in the fabrication of doors and windows.
At the forefront of this evolution are materials and construction systems , the essential building blocks of design and execution. Historically, architecture relied on natural raw materials like wood, stone, and metals, which defined built spaces but often strained ecosystems.
This building is made of (material). In this context, while the debate persists in the architectural community about whether AI can process architectural concepts, this article explores how it interprets materials to develop these visual representations. A contemporary building immersed in a built environment. Image via DALL.E
programming hygromorphic response, open when wet and open when dry, and thicker materials for slow response. But what if everything we are looking for (in terms of sustainability) could come from the materials themselves, taking advantage of their intrinsic properties, without even relying on electricity? Read more »
Transforming raw materials from the soil into architecture. The use of materials extracted from the local soil serves a dual purpose. Environmentally, choosing locally sourced materials from the start of a project reduces transportation needs and carbon emissions, supporting sustainability efforts.
These dynamics foster an aesthetic that, for some, challenges notions of good architecture , manifesting in urban landscapes where exposed materials become a defining feature. Limited access to financing, the prevalence of self-construction, and the spread of informal settlements are interconnected factors shaping the built environment.
However, the locality of the materials used is a significant factor that gives homes their character. This raises questions about its role in modular housing: Can local materials be used in the factory production of homes? It conveys a sense of place, culture, construction history, and local craftsmanship.
While this knowledge was never truly lost, the techniques associated with these materials have long remained in the background. The combination of innovation, ecological awareness, and, fundamentally, the revaluation of natural resources that have accompanied humanity since its earliest days.
The structures respond to the LFA’s theme of “Reimagine,” in which they utilize everyday materials in innovative ways to encourage reflection on material recycling , reuse , and climate change. Radial" by Foster + Partners.
Some exhibitions questioned the ethics of building materials and the practices behind supply chains, drawing attention to the broader implications of material choices. In 2024, museums, galleries, and curators responded to the evolving challenges within the built environment with various approaches.
This means that the printed material, once ready, will be able to modify, transform or move autonomously due to its intrinsic properties that respond to environmental stimuli. 4D printing is nothing more than a digital manufacturing technology -3D printing- which includes a new dimension: the temporal.
Image Courtesy of VitrA Producing sustainable materials and products demands constant analysis of how we conserve resources and manage waste effectively. Recycled Ceramic Washbasin. This unfolds within a scenario where the environmental impacts of global warming and the climate crisis are becoming increasingly evident. Read more »
Through subtle formal moves and daring material choices , they transformed structures that would have been otherwise demolished and reimagined them in new and intriguing ways. Read more »
Lauro Rocha RUÍNA Arquitetura aims for greater socio-environmental awareness and the appreciation of materials while advocating for reuse as an alternative within the construction industry. Their participation in the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennale exemplifies how local ideas can achieve global recognition. Read more »
From auditoriums to offices, cultural centers, and schools, acoustics in architecture can manifest itself in two ways: as a determining element of a structure's shape and as a material. This situation highlights the importance of selecting the right material that can enhance acoustics while maintaining the coherence of the design.
Pavilions are usually identified as isolated and independent structures that can promote lateral openings in the urban space , panoramic or introspective views, technological reflections, and material experiments that are recognizable from the outside or once inside. Read more »
Materiality is of just as much importance as form, function, and location—or rather, inseparable from all three. <a href='[link] Carpets,"</a> an exhibit by Studio Ossidiana at the 2016 Dutch Design Festival.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have introduced a new robotic 3D printing method for cement-free low-carbon materials for a circular economy. Their aim was to "increase the cost competitiveness of sustainable building materials through efficient and automated production."
Below, explore some emerging material technologies designed to benefit both humans and other life forms. By doing so, it cultivates empathy for other life forms and shifts our perspective on the world around us. Read more »
Courtesy of Kingspan What insulation materials are needed to meet the challenges facing the modern built environment, including how to create a more sustainable future? What if some of them are already available? Kingspan’s dedicated innovation center, IKON, hosted a panel of experts to discuss some of the key issues and explore solutions.
Department of Energy ’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Maine are leading interesting new engineering research into floor cassettes made using recyclable natural materials that are strong enough to be used in multi-story buildings.
Dubbed “Domus Ex Machina,” the event showcased a range of innovations, such as an AI Architect created for home design and construction, a digital library containing over 60 pre-designed home plans, a new eco-friendly building material , and a robotic printed facilitating multi-story construction.
According to the publication, two professors from the Univeristy’s College of Design and Engineering confirmed the mold problem was not directly caused by a critical flaw in the materials.
Focusing their thinking on people and their needs , both disciplines strive for precision, with interior design being a broad field where the use of figures, colors, materials, and various equipment can be explored to enhance user experiences. Read more »
This pavilion, commissioned by Iceland Design and Architecture, will showcase an innovative approach to creating sustainable building materials from controlled lava flows. architects. Read more »
The Barbican has debuted a new large-scale public art installation from Ghanaian-born artist Ibrahim Mahama. His site-specific piece Purple Hibiscus, named in reference to the 2003 novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is installed on the facade of the Barbican’s central Lakeside Terrace.
Courtesy of Parklex Prodema Fire is a primordial force of nature, possessing both destructive and protective power throughout human history. Capable of devastating landscapes, crops, and entire cities, it also provides heat, enables cooking, and is used to generate energy.
In this context, and similarly to the idea expressed by Alvar Aalto, who stated that "modern architecture does not imply the use of new materials, but rather employing existing materials more humanely," it is crucial to reconsider how we manage our resources and waste. Read more »
Henning Larsen has expanded its Unboxing Carbon initiative with the release of two open-source catalogs detailing the carbon emissions of building materials for architects and designers. The first catalog, focused on exterior materials, was released in 2022. The first catalog, focused on exterior materials, was released in 2022.
Courtesy of Cbdesign Furniture made from natural materials is widely valued for its beauty and texture, especially when it comes to wood, bamboo, reed, and rattan. Additionally, their lack of uniformity and strength can compromise consistent quality, while harvesting the raw materials can have negative environmental impacts.
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