In between we’ve had the groundbreaking work of pioneers like Frei Otto, a host of magical new materials and the advent of computers to help us crunch the numbers – and allow us to create imaginative 3D shapes using 2D patterns.
Next generation architecture
I love the fact that we have not only created ethereal looking shapes that keep their integrity in the wildest winds – but that the applications for the technology are spreading.
Covered areas and walkways in schools and hospitals, atriums in offices and shopping centres, not forgetting the inspirational structures at sport arenas and theatres… all of that is well established. But we now are on the cusp of the next generation of ideas and applications.
These will be driven by the new materials that are coming forward (heat, stress and light sensitive to create ever changing cityscapes) but also from the new, ever more adventurous 3D structures that are being made possible with sophisticated computer modelling and increasingly intricate support structures.
Energy saving fascia
For instance, we’ve had single skin materials to cover buildings and large structures for many years. And very nice they can look too: blank canvases that can carry any message.
But think beyond that – to a building fascia ‘skin’ that changes colour when the sun rises and sets, or which restricts the amount of solar gain penetrating the building – greatly reducing the air conditioning bills. Or even incorporating photovoltaic cells, so powering the building it covers.
Applying tensile technology
The stuff of dreams for architects? Well be prepared to start building these ideas in soon, before your competitors do, because the technology is here.
Your take? Respond below and let’s get a discussion going. And I will pick up on some of the themes of 3D building covers in my next blog too.
In between we’ve had the groundbreaking work of pioneers like Frei Otto, a host of magical new materials and the advent of computers to help us crunch the numbers – and allow us to create imaginative 3D shapes using 2D patterns.
Next generation architecture
I love the fact that we have not only created ethereal looking shapes that keep their integrity in the wildest winds – but that the applications for the technology are spreading.
Covered areas and walkways in schools and hospitals, atriums in offices and shopping centres, not forgetting the inspirational structures at sport arenas and theatres… all of that is well established. But we now are on the cusp of the next generation of ideas and applications.
These will be driven by the new materials that are coming forward (heat, stress and light sensitive to create ever changing cityscapes) but also from the new, ever more adventurous 3D structures that are being made possible with sophisticated computer modelling and increasingly intricate support structures.
Energy saving fascia
For instance, we’ve had single skin materials to cover buildings and large structures for many years. And very nice they can look too: blank canvases that can carry any message.
But think beyond that – to a building fascia ‘skin’ that changes colour when the sun rises and sets, or which restricts the amount of solar gain penetrating the building – greatly reducing the air conditioning bills. Or even incorporating photovoltaic cells, so powering the building it covers.
Applying tensile technology
The stuff of dreams for architects? Well be prepared to start building these ideas in soon, before your competitors do, because the technology is here.
Your take? Respond below and let’s get a discussion going. And I will pick up on some of the themes of 3D building covers in my next blog too.