The United Nations estimates that the
urban population of emerging economies will surpass the rural population
in 2020, and that around 70% of the world’s population will live in
cities by 2050. The risk for cities experiencing this concentration of
population is that the numerous urban issues they are currently
experiencing will become even more severe. Such explosive growth will
place immense pressures on infrastructure, ecosystem services, and
social development. These challenges – combined with the pressing needs
of climate change – require buildings that become “smarter” in how they
provide services for their residents.
In its report, “Its Alive”, ARUP
consultants has made an effort towards envisioning a next gen building
in the year 2050 -a dynamic, living organism that adapts to the local
environment by engaging with the users within through a complex network
of feedback loops characterized by smart materials, sensors, data
exchange and automated systems that merge together and perform the role
of a highly sensitive nervous system. The building’s structure is highly
adaptable and structural systems merge with energy, lighting and façade
systems to provide a new type of urban experience.
The building will have flexible
components designed for continuous adaptability. Prefabricated and
modular systems will be monitored by robots that work together to
install, detect, repair and upgrade components of the building systems.
Spaces and facades will be rapidly manipulated and modified based on
context and environmental cues. High performance composites with
self-repair and air purification properties made from recycled and
renewable elements will be used extensively as building materials.
The futuristic building will be
completely self-sustainable and in fact produce more resources than it
consumes. Photo-voltaic cells, vertical transportation systems and algae
producing bio-fuel pods will be used for on-site production, storage
and transmission of energy. Wind downdraught protection systems will
also harness electric power. Modified wind turbines will manufacture
drinking water from humid air. Vertical farming techniques and systems
like hydroponics will optimize food production.
Facades of this next-gen structure will
be sensitive and highly multi functional. Heat recovery windows with
natural ventilation will allow for air to be brought in and up thus
minimizing the heat normally lost through windows. The façade will be
treated with nano-particles that have the capacity to neutralize
airborne pollutants, capture CO2 and purify the air around the
structure. The façade will ensure optimal thermal comfort for its
dwellers by suitably reacting to changes in temperature, sunlight,
moisture levels and wind patterns. Building systems will monitor
reflectivity, heat absorption and heat balance and minimize the effects
of urban heat island. Use of OLED technology will create an even more
concrete light source across the building. Daylight absorbing abilities
will assist in creating a “net zero energy” artificial lighting.
In brief, the smart building of the
future will be self-regulating yet simultaneously functioning to
integrate itself with the surrounding urban infrastructure and execute
informed and calculated decisions about the optimal use and composition
of structures.
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