Ball State University students explore design with nanotechnology

Filed in archive Design on January 12, 2006

What will buildings be like when carbon nanotubes make structural materials transparent and capable of conducting electricity? How much energy will they use when their facades are made of flexible solar-collecting plastics and fabrics? Students in my architectural design studio at Ball State University hope to answer these questions as they explore the architectural applications of nanomaterials. Working with carbon nanotube glazing, flexible solar cells and nanosensors, they' ll be investigating the impact of these revolutionary materials on building design, construction and use. The results will be presented at the 2006 Nano Science and Technology Institute Nanotechnology Conference, (the nation' s largest nanotech conference), in Boston, May 7-11. As their work develops, I' ll be posting it online to keep you updated on the latest developments.