Architects and critics such as Chuck Hoberman and Martin Pawley have envisioned a new strain of sustainable buildings. Hoberman has developed a new technology that will allow construction cubes made operable anodized-aluminum extrusions with the ability to expand in a gridded structure. These will allow limited air and sunlight to enter the cubes, but can be retracted to open the space up to light and air.
Similar to the lenses of sunglasses, Laboratories across the country are in the process of developing photochromic windows to increase energy efficiency of buildings. These windows are constructed of “Smart Glass,” which utilizes light and heat sensitive thermochromic glazing to eliminate the need for electricity. Additional research involving mirrors could improve energy performance to the point of reflecting both visible and infared light.
Architectural Review, Dec 2007
1 comment:
Hello-
Here is more information on the version (there are three main technologies) of Smart Glass that is starting to be used in some larger architectural projects.
www.smartglass.com
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