Materials science and architecture

Bechthold, Martin; Weaver, James C.

doi:10.1038/natrevmats.2017.82

Cited by 90 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…In different fields of study, the method could be used to compare nearly any collection of samples in which multiple descriptive properties can be sorted to yield an emergent effect, as in animal biomechanics [ 68 , 69 ], phenotypic traits [ 70 , 71 ], or multifunctional ecosystems [ 72 , 73 ]. We also envision the method could be applied as a tool for biomimicry and bioinspiration [ 74 , 75 ] or computational simulation and design [ 76 , 77 ]. In such cases, radar charts could be used to compare alternative designs across multiple constraints or objectives, thereby directing the selection of biological systems best suited for design inspiration or guiding the invention of performance-driven materials, structures, and machines.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multidimensional mechanics: Performance mapping of natural biological systems using permutated radar charts

Porter

Niksiar

2018

PLoS ONE

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Comparing the functional performance of biological systems often requires comparing multiple mechanical properties. Such analyses, however, are commonly presented using orthogonal plots that compare N ≤ 3 properties. Here, we develop a multidimensional visualization strategy using permutated radar charts (radial, multi-axis plots) to compare the relative performance distributions of mechanical systems on a single graphic across N ≥ 3 properties. Leveraging the fact that radar charts plot data in the form of closed polygonal profiles, we use shape descriptors for quantitative comparisons. We identify mechanical property-function correlations distinctive to rigid, flexible, and damage-tolerant biological materials in the form of structural ties, beams, shells, and foams. We also show that the microstructures of dentin, bone, tendon, skin, and cartilage dictate their tensile performance, exhibiting a trade-off between stiffness and extensibility. Lastly, we compare the feeding versus singing performance of Darwin’s finches to demonstrate the potential of radar charts for multidimensional comparisons beyond mechanics of materials.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multidimensional mechanics: Performance mapping of natural biological systems using permutated radar charts

Porter

Niksiar

2018

PLoS ONE

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“…Programmed materials, e.g., through simple operations such as slicing, or in composite with cooperating materials, have been tested in experimental architectural design studios and labs over the last decade. Material sciences and architecture are beginning to merge [11,7]. A number of architecture schools, scholars and researchers have shifted from designing forms with phenomenological sensing to designing reactive, responsive and interactive surfaces as well as kinetic components and materials featuring a combination of material intelligence and adaptive mechanisms.…”

Section: Computing Architecture In Buildings and Urban Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On Buildings that Compute. A Proposal

Adamatzky

Szaciłowski

Przyczyna

et al. 2019

From Astrophysics to Unconventional Computation

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We present ideas aimed at bringing revolutionary changes on architectures and buildings of tomorrow by radically advancing the technology for the building material concrete and hence building components. We propose that by using nanotechnology we could embed computation and sensing directly into the material used for construction. Intelligent concrete blocks and panels advanced with stimuli-responsive smart paints are the core of the proposed architecture. In particular, the photo-responsive paint would sense the buildings internal and external environment while the nano-materialconcrete composite material would be capable of sensing the building environment and implement massive-parallel information processing resulting in distributed decision making. A calibration of the proposed materials with in-materio suitable computational methods and corresponding building in-formation modelling, computer-aided design and digital manufacturing tools could be achieved via models and prototypes of information processing at nano-level. The emergent technology sees a building as high-level massiveparallel computer -assembled of computing concrete blocks. Based on the generic principles of neuromorphic computation and reservoir computing we envisage a single building or an urban quarter to turn into a large-scale sensing substrate. It could behave as a universal computer, collecting and processing environmental information in situ enabling appropriate data fusion. The broad range of spatio-temporal effects include infrastructural and human mobility, energy, bio-diversity, digital activity, urban management, art and socializing, robustness with regard to damage and noise or real-time monitoring of environmental changes. The proposed intelligent architectures will increase sustainability and viability in digitised urban environments by decreasing information transfer bandwidth by e.g, utilising 5G networks. The emergence of socio-cultural effect will create a cybernetic relationship with our dwellings and cities.

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“…However, this industry is widely regarded to be deficient in terms of global value addition and has been characterized by relatively sluggish growth in efficiency and productivity in recent years owing to the slow adoption of innovations in materials, automation, and manufacturing that have transformatively altered other industries (Bakshi et al, 2015;The Economist, 2017). The urgent need to remedy deteriorating infrastructure in the developed world and the push to build new infrastructure in emerging economies has provided much recent impetus to efforts to reinvigorate construction through the adoption of new materials (Bechthold and Weaver, 2017), increasing implementation of additive manufacturing methods (Pittsburgh, PA: Daehn and Spanos, 2019), and the widespread use of automation across the construction process. Sustainability and emphasis on energy and resource conservation play a central role in these efforts, which further hold promise for increasing global access to dignified habitats, enabling optimal architecture through generative design, and for enabling construction in inhospitable terrains.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%