Ancient materials like straw, clay and timber remain a viable option for eco-conscious builds today. We explore their modern use and ask if they still play a significant role in an increasingly high-tech industry. We also take a look at award-winning steel architecture, and find out how new approaches to experimentation are encouraging designers and engineers to rethink glass.
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Moving on to the cutting edge of material science, we investigate the growing field of biomimetic materials, looking at innovations such as self-healing bio-concrete and self-fusing bricks, and explore new research using 3D printing technology to create concrete building components.
In this issue
Best of the Best
The international architecture community once again gathered in London to celebrate its talent and outstanding designs at the LEAF Awards. We take a look at this year’s winners.
Read the full article here.
Natural Inspiration
Advances in biotechnology and materials science have opened up a range of materials that mimic nature, not only in a cosmetic sense but structurally too. We hold a magnifying glass over the growing field of design biomimicry to explore innovations such as self-healing bio-concrete and mortarless, self-fusing ‘bio-manufactured’ bricks held together by replenishing bacteria.
Read the full article here.
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By GlobalData3D Printing Scales Up
A project is underway at Loughborough University to prove that 3D printing technology can create concrete building components using inbuilt computer-generated instructions. With proponents touting its increased precision, reduced waste and lower carbon footprint, could this technology revolutionise concrete-based construction projects? In this future-focused feature, we explore the cutting edge of 3D printing and its potential applications in the design-build industry.
Read the full article here.
Through the Looking Glass
Architects and designers continue to push the envelope by using glass in non-traditional ways, a trend that has seen glass change from a decorative to a flexible structural medium. We speak to the directors of the recently opened Corning Museum of Glass to find out how new approaches to experimentation are encouraging artists, designers and engineers to rethink glass and expand the frontiers of design.
Read the full article here.
A Masterly Medley
Sinuous stainless steel surfaces and complex curving geometry inspired by the aurora borealis render the Art Gallery of Alberta a work of art in itself. We take a look at the building, a winner of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction’s 2012 National Steel Design Awards in the category Architectural.
Read the full article here.
Old as the Hills
Materials like straw, clay, timber and rammed earth have been used to build structures for thousands of years, and with environmentally sustainable construction techniques in the spotlight, they are still a viable option for eco-conscious builds. We explore the modern use of these ancient building blocks, and ask if they still play a significant role in an increasingly high-tech industry.
Read the full article here.
Ancient Meets Modern
Brick has been around for several thousand years, and a rich legacy of bonds and brickwork has developed over time. Recently, there’s been a surge of interest in brick’s eco-friendly properties: it has a long life and provides good insulation, and there is comparatively little waste involved in its manufacture. We look at new uses for this old favourite.
Read the full article here.
Shady Character
At first glance, Seville’s Metropol Parasol looks like something from another planet. Jürgen Mayer and Andre Santer tell us about its innovative use of materials, the challenges posed by a Sevillian summer and how, aesthetically, it is more firmly rooted in Andalucían history than one might think.
Read the full article here.
Next issue preview
The continuous expansion of infrastructures is changing the way we travel and connect with the world. In November, we dedicate a special issue to projects and designs that are setting the benchmark for modern infrastructures.
We find out why design is becoming an increasingly important factor in airport construction and how emerging Asian and Middle Eastern destinations are making use of this development in the competition for stopover business. We also look at the designs behind Pininfarina’s innovative personal rapid transport system, and ask how 3D modelling and BMI software can help architects and contractors to simplify complex railway station projects.
Moreover, we explore the conceptual design for a set of artificial islands that will serve as refuges during emergency situations such as tsunamis, and take a look at the master plan for the Rio Olympic Park under construction for the 2016 Games.
The next issue will be out in November. Sign up for your free subscription to get it delivered directly to your inbox.
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