Articles By: Blaine Brownell

Feather Circuit Boards

Richard Wool has recently developed a circuit board made from soybeans and chicken feathers. A professor of chemical engineering who directs the Affordable Composites from Renewable Sources (ACRES) program at the University of Delaware, Dr. Wool seeks creative, locally-available substitutes for petroleum-based...

April 16th, 2010 | digital, feature | Read More

Flip

The Flip light is a fun and tactile new luminaire that changes color when it rotates. With no cords to tie it down, this soft rubber sphere is made for the hands as well as the desk. An equilibrium sensor invented by NONdesigns enables every movement of the fixture to be reflected chromatically in its...

April 9th, 2010 | feature, light | Read More

Based Upon Surfaces

Based Upon has developed a series of multi-layered textured surfaces in metals, resins, and lacquers that are available to be specified as surface finishes within architectural and interiors projects. Taking inspiration from elements as diverse as stingray skin, laburnum leaves, or the fine lines within...

April 2nd, 2010 | feature, metals | Read More

Terocore

Henkel’s series of Terocore foams consist of heat-activated or two-component epoxy foam products for structural applications such as reinforcement, durability and crashworthiness. They are effectively being used in automotive and other industries to achieve competitive, lightweight and high-performance...

March 26th, 2010 | feature, plastic | Read More

Element

Hycrete’s Element is an environmentally friendly admixture that integrally waterproofs concrete used in commercial construction. Certified Cradle-to-Cradle by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC (MBDC), Element eliminates the need for external membranes typically used to waterproof concrete,...

March 19th, 2010 | concrete, feature | Read More

Kebony

Kebony is a high performance wood that is modified by a process called Kebonization, which is an environmentally friendly procedure that enhances the properties of wood using biowaste from the sugar industry. Kebony is a durable alternative to impregnated surface-treated and tropical timber. The process,...

March 5th, 2010 | feature, wood | Read More

Apex Mesh

Amico’s APEX expanded metal mesh offers many benefits such as texture, passage of light, air movement, reduction of solar gain, high strength-to-weight ratio and a variety of manufacturing material options. Carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum and stainless steel are commonly used to make expanded...

February 26th, 2010 | feature, metals | Read More

Delight Cloth

Delight Cloth is a light-emitting textile comprised of thousands of fiber optic strands. With a diameter of only 0.25 to 0.5 mm, the optical fibers are woven into a large translucent tapestry that can be hung vertically or horizontally. The material may be used for wall or ceiling treatments, as well...

February 12th, 2010 | feature, textile | Read More

Transmaterial 3

I am pleased to announce the publication of Transmaterial 3: A Catalog of Materials that Redefine our Physical Environment, by Princeton Architectural Press. Since the 2006 publication of the best-selling first volume, the Transmaterial series has aimed to inspire architects and designers looking to...

February 5th, 2010 | feature | Read More

Parabienta

Parabienta is a vertical greening system for buildings developed by Japan-based Shimizu Corporation. Composed of units that incorporate Excelsoil solidified soil base in stainless steel wire frames, a lush green wall may be achieved quickly with the installation of the system. Parabienta has been shown...

January 29th, 2010 | feature, metals | Read More