Smart use of materials in Architecture

_project: Smart use of materials in Architecture
_architecture: Doris Sung, DoSu Studio
_location: Los Angeles, California, USA

Architecture is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, thanks to the advent of smart materials and dynamic building systems. These innovations are setting the stage for a new era of eco-responsive architecture, where buildings are not just static structures but dynamic entities capable of intelligently interacting with their environment. The focus is on materials that require no added energy or computer controls to operate, making significant strides towards sustainable and adaptive design.

In the forefront of this transformative movement is DOSU Studio Architecture, led by the architect Doris Sung. The studio has dedicated its efforts to advancing 'hard tech' in building design, particularly through the research and application of thermobimetals. This innovative material, which curls in response to heat, is pivotal in DOSU Studio's various projects, including the notable "Bloom." This project exemplifies the integration of material experimentation, structural innovation, and computational form, making it a paradigm of environmentally responsive architecture.

DOSU Studio's exploration of smart materials like thermobimetals enables the creation of self-ventilating, sun-shading, self-structuring, and self-assembling systems. These systems operate on zero-energy and are particularly effective in reducing solar heat gain and glare in buildings, addressing key concerns in sustainable building designs.

The studio's work extends beyond the application of these materials. It delves into how geometric morphologies influence the behavior of smart materials in architectural contexts, particularly in the design of responsive facades. These innovative facades, part of the growing field of kinetic adaptive facades, are a testament to DOSU Studio's contribution to the industry. They involve the incorporation of moving parts on buildings for performative qualities, a field in which the studio has achieved several patented innovations.

As the field evolves, architects must adapt to these changes, becoming proficient in both traditional design methods and the application of smart technologies. Their role will be crucial in integrating these innovations into buildings that are not only sustainable but also capable of adapting and responding to their surroundings in real-time.

_article written by Daniela Moreira da Silva
_film by Breadtruck Films
_curatorship by Architecture Hunter