Articles By: Blaine Brownell

Liquid Display

The Liquid Display is an ambient display comprised by a screen filled with liquid and programmed air bubbles. Developed by Nicolas Büchi, the interface consists of multiple water or water-based emulsion filled cubes. The Liquid Display is intended to convey information discretely—approaching the limits...

September 30th, 2011 | feature, interactive | Read More

Portal

In architecture, a doorway represents the transition from one space to another. Portal visually displays this moment of transition as a two-dimensional plane penetrated by light. As viewers watch light pass through the diffuser screen, clean lines become blurred and diffuse. Designed by James Clar, Portal...

September 23rd, 2011 | feature, light | Read More

Adaptive Shading

For an architectural project located in a desert climate, Hoberman Associates was asked to design a roof covering for an open-air plaza. They created a kinetic design that works off an operable grid. In its covered configuration, the shading roof appears similar to a coffered ceiling; yet when retracted,...

September 16th, 2011 | feature, metals | Read More

Dukta

Dukta is a timber forming system that uses precise incisions to impart flexibility. Developed by Christian Kuhn and Serge Lunin, the method allows stiff wood panels to be easily shaped in three dimensions. The near rubbery flexibility is achieved with staggered, regularly arranged incisions. Different...

September 9th, 2011 | digifab, feature | Read More

Screens

Based on an increased interest in visually permeable surfaces, Forms+Surfaces has developed a line of sophisticated perforated metal called Screens. The Screens collection is intended to enable architects and designers to create a custom-designed look without the logistical or budgetary constraints typical...

September 2nd, 2011 | feature, metals | Read More

Dynamic Performance of Nature

Situated sensing technologies have created unprecedented ways with which to achieve a new synchronous relationship with the world. According to Portland-based design practice SoftRigid, the ability to observe the behavior of our environment through an orchestration of high-tech sensing devices displayed...

August 26th, 2011 | feature, interactive | Read More

Kraftplex

Kraftplex combines the characteristics of metal, composite materials and plastics. Comprised by 100% unbleached wood fibers with no added binders or adhesives, it is a stable, flexible and durably-shapeable metal akin to metal sheets. Because Kraftplex has electrically-isolating properties, it is a good...

August 12th, 2011 | feature, wood | Read More

Metal Series

B.lab Italia’s “Metal Series” surfaces contain liquids infused with metal particles that are trapped within resilient a polymer shell. The result is an interactive floor tile or horizontal surface that responds to pressure as well as electric charge. Building occupants’ footsteps...

July 29th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More

Mycoply

Mycoply board is a mycological biomaterial that is actually grown in a few months. It has properties similar to balsa wood and can be easily formed when saturated, yet will hold shape once dried. Athough balsa wood is biodegradable and natural, it is not easy renewable and disrupts its local environment...

July 15th, 2011 | feature, fiber | Read More

Jali Cascata Zari

Sensitile Systems’ Jali Cascata Zari panels combine the light refractive properties of their Jali series of panels—acrylic-based composites designed to harness and extend the intensity of ambient illumination—with the color dispersion of a dichoric film layer. The result is a visually-arresting...

July 8th, 2011 | feature, plastic | Read More