ByThe face of construction is changing fast as innovative technologies introduce smarter and greener building methods and materials to help the industry’s future meet consumer demands to save energy and the environment.
Inspiration from the way termites build their mounds has engineers at Harvard researching swarm robotics, which is thought to be the way forward. This pioneering technology uses robots that can multitask rather than just being programmed to carry out one duty. This means should a robot malfunction, another can immediately take its place to get the building completed on time.
3D printed houses are another area where designers are looking to change the face of construction. This type of housing is already in existence in China and has been tested by the WinSun company, while DUS architects in the Netherlands are also experimenting using 3D printed buildings. Coupled with swarm robots, 3D printed houses could potentially be built virtually anywhere, including other planets or the moon.
Construction materials are also under constant research and development. Some of the latest innovations include Aerogel Insulation, an ultra-strong, lightweight, see-through aluminium that has super-insulating properties, and Microalgae, which have the ability to produce renewable energy and provide shade.
The infographic offers an insight into these new building materials and construction methodologies. It also takes a look at some buildings that are leading the way in smarter and greener construction, including the Crystal in London and The Edge Building in Amsterdam.
With smart buildings breaking the mould from design and conception, the materials being used to the way they are built, they are showing us how to be more eco-friendly and potentially increase productivity without having detrimental effects on the world around us.
Using renewable energy sources, having their own recycling abilities, and using data collection to make working spaces more efficient, smart buildings are becoming a reality on a global level.
