Smart Materials

This course introduces students to smart materials, a term used to describe materials and products that have changeable properties and that are able to reversibly change their shape or color in response to physical and/or chemical influences such as light, temperature, or the application of an electric field. The materials explored in the course offer an overview of those most promising for use in architectural design, including photochromics, thermochromics, electroluminescents, and shape-memory alloys. Methods of fabrication, production, and construction will be discussed and design exercises exploring the potential of these materials for architectural design will take place in a workshop format.