As weather patterns become more extreme globally, Phase Change Materials (PCM) are being explored for use on external facades in order to more effectively manage a building’s thermal load. PCMs, which can for example transition from a solid to a liquid, do pose obvious real-world challenges (in a word, leakage). However, as Architect Magazine explains:
“Another breakthrough comes from Texas A&M, where researchers have developed a 3D-printable composite of phase-changing paraffin wax and light-sensitive liquid resins. In powder form, the paraffin is evenly mixed throughout the resin, creating a pliable paste suitable for 3D printing. The light-activated property of the resin allows the composite to be cured into a rigid material with UV light. The even distribution of the paraffin and the lack of leakage concerns enable a composite mix of up to 70% PCMs. Preliminary tests reveal a 40% improvement in thermal response compared with non-PCM versions due to the high proportion of PCMs.”
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Location: Atlanta, GA
Product: REYNOBOND (MCM), Profiled Single Skin
General Contractor: Landmark Builders
Architect: Garvin Design Group
The Wyndham-Margaritaville timeshare property, located on Centennial Olympic Park Drive in downtown Atlanta, offers a tropical oasis amidst the urban landscape, boasting stunning glass walls that reflect the city’s iconic landmarks. With a superb layout and design, the property seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, facilitating pedestrian traffic and inviting visitors to explore the area’s vibrant sidewalks and enjoy the exceptional skyline views. To achieve the desired aesthetic, MillerClapperton fabricated and installed 110,000 square feet of Reynobond® 4mm FR Composite Material, featuring finishes such as Bone White, Zinc Patina, Nightfall Metallic, and Cruising Blue, enhancing the modern and striking appearance of the property. Zeke Miller, President of MillerClapperton, expressed pride in their collaboration with AAP to bring this outstanding project to fruition, adding it to their portfolio of projects totaling nearly 500,000 square feet of exterior cladding within the vicinity of Centennial Olympic Park. MillerClapperton fabricated and installed 110,300 square feet of Metal Composite Material, 8,000 square feet of Profiled Single Skin, and 3,300 square feet of extruded aluminum planks.
Read more of Arconic Architectural Products project write-up below!
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Architecture-focused events worldwide serve as vital platforms for professionals to gather, share innovations, and engage in critical dialogues about the future of the built environment. From biennales to forums, these events embody collaboration, celebrate local cultures, and foster open debates. Notable events for this year include the World Design Capital celebration in San Diego and Tijuana, Qatar’s Design Doha Biennial, Spain’s Concéntrico 10, and more. These gatherings aim to shape the future of architecture by bringing together diverse communities and highlighting innovative design practices. Additionally, other events such as the Salone del Mobile.Milano in Italy, Architecture Matters in Germany, and the World Architecture Festival in Singapore offer opportunities for professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate on pressing issues facing the industry.
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Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in architectural planning has revolutionized traditional approaches, bringing about a new era of innovation. AI enhances the design process, expedites decision-making, and optimizes efficiency and sustainability. The top seven AI tools in architectural planning offer capabilities such as office layout creation (qbiq), collaborative planning (Hypar), urban planning (TestFit), site analysis (Aino), data-driven plans (Finch), residential plans (CONIX.AI), and zoning layouts (Laiout). These tools empower architects to make informed decisions, generate creative solutions, and streamline the design process. However, while leveraging AI, it’s crucial for architects to maintain a critical approach, validate results, set up streamlined workflows, and explore collaborations with various AI tools to maximize efficiency and creativity in architectural planning.
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Recommendation: DESIGN:ED Podcast: Marcelo Spina & Georgina Huljich Patterns
Hosted By: Architectural Records
In this podcast episode, Marcelo Spina and Georgina Huljich, co-founders of Patterns based in Los Angeles, delve into their latest project, the Victory Wellness Center in North Hollywood, which focuses on adaptive reuse. They explore how technology influences their architectural firm and discuss the evolving practice of architecture. Through their conversation, they provide insights into their design philosophy, approach to adaptive reuse projects, and the impact of technological advancements on architectural practices, offering a glimpse into the innovative strategies shaping the future of architecture.
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