KR Industries - Design Solutions’ Post

MIT researchers have pioneered a groundbreaking technique to 3D print glass bricks using molten glass, resulting in reusable and robust building materials. The innovative bricks feature a figure-eight design, allowing for the construction of curved structures and interlocking much like LEGOs. These glass bricks, nearly as strong as concrete, offer a sustainable alternative for circular construction, enabling materials to be recycled and reused repeatedly. Developed by Michael Stern, a former MIT graduate student and founder of MIT spinoff Evenline, the bricks are made from recycled soda-lime glass. They can be snapped apart and reconfigured for new projects, and the glass can be melted down and reshaped if necessary. This advancement showcases the potential of glass as a structural material, pushing the boundaries of architectural design and sustainability. #3DPrinting #GlassBricks #SustainableConstruction #EcoFriendly #CircularEconomy #MITInnovation #Recycling #Architecture #GreenBuilding #Engineering

Imagine a world where iconic architecture isn’t limited by the physical constraints of traditional materials. This mesmerizing timelapse by Madco3d offers a glimpse into that future. Witness the birth of a colossal, 3D-printed concrete column – part of an 18-foot doorway designed by Kushner Studios. This isn’t just a feat of engineering, it’s a testament to the tireless passion of a team who dared to push the boundaries. In the heart of a historic New Hampshire mill space, tradition meets cutting-edge technology, proving that beauty and innovation can be perfectly poured (or shall we say, printed) together. #parametricdesign #concreteprinting #architecture #futureofmaking #madco3d powered by TAM, printed with Sika material.

🔧 The Future of Architecture: Exploring Kinematic Architecture and Its Impact on Aesthetics and Functionality 🔧 As civil engineers and architects, we are continually seeking ways to push the boundaries of design and functionality. One exciting frontier in this quest is kinematic architecture—a field that blends dynamic movement with architectural design to create structures that are both visually stunning and incredibly functional. 🌟 What is Kinematic Architecture? Kinematic architecture involves designing buildings and structures with the ability to move or transform their shape in response to various factors, such as environmental conditions or functional needs. This approach integrates principles of kinematics, the study of motion, into architectural design, allowing buildings to adapt and interact with their surroundings. 💡 Why Kinematic Architecture Matters: Adaptive Functionality: Kinematic designs can adjust to environmental changes, such as sunlight, wind, or temperature, improving energy efficiency and user comfort. Imagine a building facade that optimizes natural light while minimizing heat gain. Enhanced Aesthetics: Moving parts and dynamic forms create visually engaging structures that capture attention and inspire wonder. This can lead to iconic landmarks that become symbols of innovation and creativity. Versatility and Efficiency: Buildings with kinematic features can serve multiple functions or reconfigure themselves for different uses, making them highly versatile. For example, a conference hall that transforms into an exhibition space or a residential building that adapts to different family sizes. Sustainable Design: By optimizing performance and adapting to environmental conditions, kinematic architecture can contribute to sustainability goals, reducing the reliance on artificial systems and lowering overall energy consumption. 🚀 Future Trends in Kinematic Architecture: Smart Materials and Technologies: Innovations in materials, like shape-memory alloys and programmable matter, will enable more sophisticated kinematic designs. Integration with Smart Systems: Combining kinematic architecture with IoT and AI will enhance the ability of buildings to respond intelligently to their environment. Urban Integration: As cities become more dynamic, integrating kinematic architecture into urban planning will help create adaptable and resilient infrastructures. 🔍 Explore the Possibilities: Kinematic architecture represents a leap forward in how we think about and design our built environment. As we continue to explore and innovate, the possibilities for enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of our structures are boundless. What are your thoughts on the future of kinematic architecture? Share your insights or let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into this fascinating topic! #KinematicArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #FutureOfDesign #CivilEngineering #SmartBuildings #SustainableArchitecture

Lightweight, strong, and exceptionally insulating aerogel glass blocks are revolutionizing energy-efficient design. Learn how they work & why they're shaping the future of sustainable architecture at the link:

Evolutionary Principles Underlying Nature's Designs Inspire Innovative Architectural Solutions! 🌿🏢 Researchers at the University of Stuttgart and the University of Freiburg have developed a groundbreaking facade shading system called Flectofold, drawing inspiration from the remarkable snap-trap mechanism of the carnivorous waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa). This tiny aquatic plant can capture prey in the blink of an eye, thanks to its ingenious hinge-less trap that snaps shut with incredible speed and precision. By studying the plant's elastic and reversible motion, the research team unlocked the secrets behind this living marvel. Through computational simulations and meticulous engineering, they translated the waterwheel plant's actuation principle into a simplified curved-folding geometry with flexible hinge zones. This nature-inspired solution allows the Flectofold modules to open and close seamlessly, adapting to changing environmental conditions without the need for traditional hinges prone to wear and tear. Constructed from innovative fibre-reinforced plastics with integrated pneumatic actuators, the Flectofold system offers a durable and energy-efficient solution for dynamic facade shading. Its modular design can be applied to complex architectural surfaces, providing optimal shading, daylight regulation, and glare reduction while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. The Flectofold project showcases the power of nature-inspired innovation, where the living world’s evolutionary adaptations inspire human innovation, paving the way for sustainable and high-performance building designs that harmonise with the living world. - Challenges: Developing a durable, adaptive shading system without mechanical hinges prone to failure. - Solution: A modular, pneumatically-actuated facade shading system made of fibre-reinforced plastics with flexible hinge zones, enabling seamless opening and closing motions inspired by the plant's elastic trap. Image credit: Flectofold demonstrator ITKE Stuttgart Read more: https://bit.ly/3X53q8U #NatureInspiredInnovation #Biomimicry #SustainableArchitecture #NatureInspiredDesign #GreenBuilding #Innovation ++ Hi, we're Biomimicry Innovation Lab. We partner with innovators and leaders in the built environment to turn ideas into reality, drawing inspiration from transformative solutions found in the living world. Our approach - Combining the latest science with our cross-industry knowledge to uncover your project challenges to develop sustainable solutions. Follow us to explore the power of nature-inspired innovation or reach out to dive deeper! 🦋

Parametric Minimalism: Pioneering the Future with 3D-Printed Concrete The future of design is here, and parametric minimalism is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With advancements in 3D-printed concrete and other high-tech materials, we now have the tools to merge organic forms with sleek, minimal lines, creating hybrid structures that were once the stuff of imagination. This technology offers architects and designers unprecedented flexibility to shape structures that are as efficient as they are stunning. By combining parametric design with minimalistic principles, we can create buildings that balance form and function in ways never seen before. It’s no longer just a concept—the technology is here; we simply need to focus on the ideal applications to bring this vision to life. With these innovations, the architecture of tomorrow promises to be sustainable, efficient, and uniquely beautiful. #ParametricDesign #Minimalism #3DPrinting #ConcreteInnovation #FutureOfArchitecture #HybridStructures #DesignInnovation

Last semester, I had the opportunity to explore design at the intersection of sustainability, adaptability, and innovation with my partner and friend Paul Duncan through our deployable and modular zero-waste project under Professor Lavender Tessmer. This project focused on creating a foldable, transportable structure that integrated rigid and soft materials to achieve flexibility, durability, and recyclability. The design prioritized: Sustainability: Using materials like beeswax, waterproof crinoline fabric, and even biodegradable cardboard to minimize waste. Efficiency: Developing a method to cut rigid materials into precise triangles with zero waste. Modularity: Crafting a structure that could adapt to various uses, from partition walls to temporary canopies. Through extensive material testing, iterations, and CNC fabrication, my partner and I pushed the boundaries of lightweight, portable architecture while adhering to the principles of zero-waste design. This experience allowed me to hone my skills in design innovation, problem-solving, and sustainable material applications, all while collaborating with an amazing partner and professor to bring our ideas to life. #SustainableDesign #ZeroWasteArchitecture #ModularDesign #Innovation #Architecture

As part of the ongoing research collaboration with Concept Lab and DIALOG to upcycle cross laminated timber (CLT), we are excited to give the material a second life through the development of computational workflows between design and robotic fabrication.   Inspiration for the design comes from heritage wooden boats, a vessel to propel the industry forward. The two symmetrical sides come together to create a united free-flowing object. Currently, sculptural furniture acts as an experimental medium with potential application for larger conversations in waste streams in the AEC industry. We hope it also provokes consideration of green construction and how we build our city.   CLT, constructed with local and sustainable wood, stands out as a champion of mass timber construction. It’s a powerful tool for reducing embodied carbon in our buildings. As mass timber becomes more prevalent in the built environment, managing waste streams in manufacturing and construction becomes critical to improving sustainable practices.    Check out the video of this work in action! #DIALOG #masstimber #sustainabledesign #wooddesign #construction #innovation #crosslaminatedtimber Fast + Epp

At the Caltech Resnick Sustainability Center (RSC), the flowing facade challenges traditional design boundaries, combining glass and metal into a seamless, curving form. This captivating geometry, brought to life by the team at Enclos, was made possible through the innovative use of Cold-Warping and Computational Design. Curious about how we turned this bold vision into reality? Dive into the story of ingenuity, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology that made the RSC facade an architectural marvel. Read the full article by Austin Bensend, Director – Design Engineering, and Tom Peterson, System Design Manager to explore the innovative techniques behind this remarkable achievement: https://lnkd.in/e9YtRUMu