Nano-technology and the architecture of the future

I really enjoyed watching this video and thought it would be a great way to show you how architects can design with the emergence of nano-technology. The future of architecture is in development today – and such architects like John M. Johansen are creating unique perspectives on how we will fuse new technologies with build form.

This video brings up a few very important points about what nano-architecture can bring. Here are some key ideas that I can see already developing…

MAKING THE TECHNOLOGY MORE HUMANE

Johansen’s vision for the future of architecture is quite thought-provoking. In this video you get a sense of how built environments can evolve — for the better. Johansen’s envisioned “community” shows a new kind of architecture that makes use of the emergence of nanotechnology in both adaptive and humane ways.

Nano-architecture will allow for designs that better interact with the human senses. Experiencing this type of architecture could feel more “natural” and less forced than many of the designs we experience today. (…although this might be up for debate.)

Johansen shows that the future of architecture can be both technologically rich and humane —simultaneously.

DESIGNING YOUR OWN MATERIALS

By merging both nanotechnology and architecture, the advent of nanotechnology will give architects renewed freedoms that we don’t experience today. For instance, the ability to design your own materials — going beyond wood, concrete and glass.

BUILDINGS THAT WILL “GROW”

It is interesting to think of architecture as a “growing” environment that evolves according to different respective codes. Nanoarchitecture could treat such codes (or rules) as a way to optimize intended functions and aesthetics. Architecture would then be more of a dynamic entity, morphing to occupant needs.

RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE

An architecture that is responsive would allow for better design variations that meet occupant need. Personalization of nanoarchitectural spaces will be a likely benefit giving occupants greater flexibility and choice.

BRINGING ARCHITECTURE CLOSER TO NATURE

Johansen’s vision of a chapel responding to light energy is a rather beautiful idea. This one concept powerfully illustrates the possibilities that nanoarchitecture will allow. It is likely that nano-architecture will bring architectural design a few steps closer to having buildings more synchronously harmonize with nature.

WHO IS JOHN M. JOHANSEN?

Just in case you are not familiar with John M Johansen, here is a brief biography of this well-known architect:

John Johansen has been one of the pre-eminent architects in the United States for more than half a century. After studying under Walter Gropius (who became his father-in-law) at Harvard, he embarked on an extraordinary career marked by experimental domestic and public design. Since retiring from practice, Johansen has devoted himself to producing futuristic architecture that looks to the newest technologies science has to offer–from nanotechnology to magnetic levitation to material science–for its inspiration. (Excerpt from the Editorial Review of his book, “The New Species of Architecture”)