Virtually every revolution in architecture has been preceded by a revolution in materials: think iron, glass, steel, concrete, plastics, and composites.
What is the next revolutionary material that will reshape the very nature of architecture? A solid that's lighter than air? Metal latticework so delicate it rests on a dandelion? Self-generating microbial glue that repairs cracks in concrete?
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 11, 2017, Chicago), Blaine Brownell, author of the Transmaterial series, reveals emerging trends and applications that are transforming the technological capacity, environmental performance, and design potential of architecture in Transmaterial Next.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Blaine Brownell is an architect and former Fulbright scholar with a focus on emergent materials and applications. He is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture and Principal of the design and research practice Transstudio. Brownell authored the Transmaterial series as well as the books Matter in the Floating World and Material Strategies with Princeton Architectural Press. Considered a leading scholar on advanced materials for architecture and design, Brownell has been published in over forty design, business, and science journals including The New York Times, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, New Scientist, and Discover, and he has lectured widely in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Blaine's latest book with co-author Marc Swackhamer is entitled Hypernatural: Architecture's New Relationship with Nature.
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