Often, I come across interesting articles. Whether they are about commercial or industrial properties, unique architecture, or any other thought-provoking topics, I like to take a look. Recently, I found fascinating content that discusses the ways technology and nature can work together to create unique architecture and ways office spaces can be repurposed to solve modern problems.
Energy Efficient Translucent Concrete
Concrete and optical fiber glass have been combined to create translucent concrete. This material uses both the sturdy reliability of concrete and the beauty of natural light. In the daylight, this material creates stunning visual effects, but it also reduces the energy needed for artificial lighting during the day. Here is a video that further explains the benefits of translucent concrete and how it works.
Solving the Housing Shortage with Vacant Offices
Currently, housing is in high demand but low supply, while office spaces are experiencing the exact opposite. Though transforming commercial buildings into residential buildings seems easy, in theory, there is more to consider. As mentioned briefly before, zoning laws, building codes, and budgeting are all factors that could hinder this type of renovation. Click below to see a few highlights of this discussion from Bloomberg Business Week.
Sustainable Buildings that React to Sunlight
In Abu Dhabi, temperatures can reach as high as 113°F. So, architects were faced with the challenge of creating sustainable buildings that could handle the heat. In 2008, the Al Bahar towers were created with responsive facades that react to direct sunlight. With inspiration from biomimicry, origami, and Mashrabiya, these buildings shield themselves from sunlight to stay cool while also receiving natural lighting.
From Office Buildings to Vertical Farms
As mentioned above, office spaces are seeing a lull in occupancies. Nearly 20% of offices are empty, and this number is expected to increase. Some farmers have taken this as an opportunity to adapt to modern living by creating farms that run vertically in these buildings. Unlike residential spaces, these farms do not require as many strict codes, costs, or structural changes.
The Natural Cooling System for Buildings Inspired by Termites
We as people can learn a lot from nature. That is why many architects often turn to biomimicry for building solutions. In one case, an architect turned to the way termites construct their mounds. He did this to understand how a building could cool itself in a hot climate without the use of air conditioning. This 4-minute video explains exactly how this cross-over was possible.
