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Nano Architecture: Applying Nano Materials on Built Environment

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 MTI university – Faculty of Engineering
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTEMENT
ND
2 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE
MARCH 2012

Nano Architecture
Applying Nano Materials on Built Environment

Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Mahdy

Assistant Lecturer – Architecture Department - Faculty of Fine Arts – Alexandria University
mohamed.mahdy@alexu.edu.eg

Abstract:

With fast steps, huge technology development goes forward and can be
touched in the next few years to be easily available in our lives, may be they
will be necessaries more than in the past as conceptual thinking. Therefore,
our world occur complete changing in all life styles because of new
technology appeared later and approved high reliability to be parallel with
our daily needs in many applications in all fields, its nanotechnology1. Fig.1

Nanotechnology is technology dealing with small particles less than 1/billion

meter.
Through this we can deal and rearrange particles and atoms of materials to
make its properties can be changed as its new planned design which could
give the new one new shape, new properties or new performance. With this
new discovered technology, scientist can avoid disadvantages of materials
and make unmistakable materials.

Pharmacy field

Medicine
Built
Nano Technology
Science Environment
(Architecture)

Engineering

Fig.1 Diagram shows the effect of on different fields that affect the human built
environment. Source: researcher.

Nanotechnology will play an important role in the development of new

materials in architecture and construction; ex. Smart materials will be

1
“Nano” derives the Greek word nanos (Latin nanus) meaning “dwarf”
 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

simulated in different environments in order to achieve better performance

in the color changing of glass and textiles.

 Keywords: Nano technology – Nano Architecture – Smart materials.

1. Introduction:
Technological progress has always had an impact on architecture. However, so great
has been the progress of science recently, in addition to the development and changes in
architectural design, the question has now arisen as to whether or not we are standing at
the dawn of a new era.

Architecture design at all times has to reckon with the available technology: materials
and processes. Building materials and their potential performance have from the very
outset formed the starting basis for shaping buildings. Thus, the available technologies in
stone, timber and brick in earlier historical periods; in iron/steel and concrete since the
nineteenth century and, very recently, in glass and plastics, have all influenced the
appearance of buildings. The science of materials has, however, gone forward by leaps
and bounds for traditional materials also. Traditional materials have been perfected; new
types and composites of materials developed.

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating materials at the atomic level in order to

improve its physical properties or to build up tiny devices that can monitor the behavior of
the material. Nanotechnology has the potential to radically alter our built environment and
how we live. It is potentially the most transformative technology we have ever faced,
generating more research and debate than nuclear weapons, space travel, computers or
any of the other technologies that have shaped our lives. It brings with it enormous
questions, concerns and consequences. Yet its potential to transform our built
environment remains largely unexplored.

The biggest changes to shake up architecture in a long time may have their origins in
the very minute small. Nanotechnology, the understanding and control of matter at a scale
of one- to one hundred-billionths of a meter, is bringing incredible changes to the
materials and processes of building. How ready we are to embrace them could make a big
difference in the future of architectural practice.

At the broad level, many nano-based materials and technologies are poised to improve
basic living and work environments. From an environmental point of view, advances are
certainly expected in the quality of our lighting environments. Improvements are expected
in both artificial and the provision of natural lighting due to improved light-emitting sources
(types, control of wavelengths, illumination characteristics); improved control of light
reflection, absorption, and transmission (surfaces, windows), and control systems.
Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

Table.1 Comparison is divided into three 40-years periods: 1880-1920, 1920-60, and from 1960 to the
present. Source: Researcher.
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 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

2. Nanotechnology definitions:

Nanotechnology definitions

Nanometer Nanotechnology Nano materials

Nanotechnology : “Nano” derives the Greek word nanos (Latin nanus) meaning
“dwarf”.

The following illustrate nanometer, nanotechnology and

nanomaterials definitions.
2.1 Nanometer:
A nanometer (nm) is a billionth of a meter, or to put it
comparatively, about 1/80,000 of the diameter of a human hair.
Fig.2, Fig.3 shows a further size comparison2.
Fig.2 a human hair is
approximately 80 000
nm wide Credit: eSpin
Technologies, Inc.
Source:
http://ec.europa.eu/he
alth/opinions2/en/nano
technologies/

Fig.3 The diagram

illustrates the order of
magnitudes by comparing
different scales, from the
metre to the nanometre.
Source: Michael F.Ashby,
Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel
L. Schodek
“Nanomaterials,
Nanotechnologies and
Design” Elsevier,
Burlington, MA 01803,
USA & Oxford OX2 8DP,
UK 2009 p:17.

2 Sylvia Leydecker “Nano Materials in Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design” Birkhäuser, Basel,
Boston, Berlin 2008 p:16.
Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

3. Approaches of nanotechnology

What make nanomaterials and nanotechnologies possible are two routes:

Nanotechnology approaches

Top-down approach Bottom-up approach

supramolecular Scanning
and molecular probes
chemistry Biotechnology

3.1 Top-down approach

Approach process:
An operator first designs and controls a macro scale machine shops to produce an exact
copy of itself, but smaller in size. It can also make a replica of itself, but a few times
smaller in size. This machine shop continues until a nano size machine shop is capable of
manipulating nanostructures.

Approach method:
An operator first designs and control a macro scale machine shop capable of
manipulating nanostructures.3

3.2 Bottom-up approach

Approach process:
The concept of the bottom-up approach is that one starts with atoms or molecules, which
build up to form larger structures.

Approach method & examples:

There are three important enabling bottom-up

technologies:

(a) Supramolecular and molecular chemistry:

(b) Scanning probes.
(c) Biotechnology.

Fig.4 scanning tunneling

microscope (STM). Source:
http://www.wfu.edu/nanotech/Mic
roscopy%20Facility/stm_view.jpg

3
Michael F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA
01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p:5.

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 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

Fig.5 The abalone, a marine mollusk

Fig.6 Xenon atoms arranged on a Ni
whose shell is composed of calcium
substrate by a scanning tunneling probe,
carbonate layers separated by a
forming the word IBM. (Courtesy of IBM.)
protein. Source: Michael F.Ashby,
Source: Sylvia Leydecker “Nano
Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek
Materials in Architecture, Interior
“Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies Architecture and Design” Birkhäuser,
and Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA
Basel, Boston, Berlin 2008 p:23.
01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP, UK
2009 p:9.

4. Application of nanotechnology in different fields:

These examples are only a small fraction of what

will become possible in the future. Though still in
their infancy, Nano science and nanotechnology
have already demonstrated that they will have a
tremendous impact on various aspects of human
life, such as health, environment, energy,
transportation, information technology, and
space exploration. This fact has been recognized
by most of the industrial world, as confirmed by
USA government funding allocated for the study
of this area, see Fig.7.
Fig.7 U.S. federal funding trends in
nanotechnology, 2001–2009. (National
(a) Health and medicine: Nanotechnology Initiative: Second
Assessment and Recommendations of
Medicine, life sciences and pharmaceutics benefit National Advisory Panel, April 2008.)
from nanotechnology, which for example help im- Source: Michael F.Ashby, Paulo
prove the reception of implants by the body. J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek
Advances in the treatment of cancer have been “Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies
made possible by the ability to allow agents to target and Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA
tumour cells directly without damaging the entire 01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP, UK
organism in the process, See Fig.8. 2009 p:10.

Fig.8 Dr. Moustafa Elsaid (Awarded Necklace U.S. National

Science – 2008) displays the discoveries made by him and
his team in the field of cancer treatment using
nanotechnology and gold nanoparticles - Bibliotheca
Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt.2009. Source: Researcher.
 Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

Fig.9 Table summarize the nanotechnology development upon history and shows natural phenomenon depending
on nanotechnology, the other side of table shows the role of manmade in discovering nanotechnology upon history.
Source : Researcher.
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 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

(b) Transport:
Air and space travel, automotive and formula 1- more so than
most others, these branches are driven by innovation, often
with extensive roadmaps for the development of new
application areas such as ultra- light yet extremely stable
materials, which for space travel reduce kerosene consumption
and for formula 1 increase speed.

(c) IT & Electronics:

Nanotechnology contributes to the improved performance of
computers whilst enabling components to become ever
smaller. So-called "embedded systems", whose implementation
is largely a factor of miniaturization, can be found everywhere -
from the coffee machine to the cash dispenser to the
electronics in car dashboards. Minute transistors are
manufactured with the help of nanotubes.

(d) Optics and light:

Energy-efficient lighting is continually being improved. Organic light-emitting diodes
(oLEDs) produce light from a low source of energy. Ultra-thin lighting solutions,
such as illuminated wallpapers, will soon become reality.

Significant damages can be inflicted on both paintings and sculptures by the many
pollutants in the atmosphere. The problem of nitric oxides in polluted atmospheres
slowly degrading the surfaces of marble statues and marble buildings from ancient
times is well known. In wood artifacts, acids can cause degradation of the cellulose
structure present. 4

(a) Conservation:
Conservation and restoration of works of art and other forms of cultural heritage
have been a constantly evolving pursuit in which nano-based techniques play
increasingly valuable roles. A great number of factors can play a role in the
degradation of artworks. For instance, microbial growth can have a range of
detrimental effects on various media.

5. Nano-tech. & Architecture:

Towards the end of the 20th century nanotechnology started to affect our lives strongly in
various different disciplines such as biology, physics and chemistry as well as engineering
disciplines. Nanotechnology is an "enabling technology", a fundamental technology that
helps to make other technological developments possible.
The use of nanotechnologies in the design and construction disciplines usually involves
the optimization of existing products or common materials. Of particular interest is the
development of new functionalities, i.e. properties that cannot be achieved without the
help of nanotechnology, or indeed of multi-functionality.

4
Michael F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design” Elsevier,
Burlington, MA 01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p:34.
Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

This helps make products and materials more economical and also conserves resources;
see Fig.9.5

Fig.9 Diagram showing how nanotechnology can affect built form. Source: Researcher

Highly positive benefits that have less visible manifestations, however, will accrue through
performance increases in the many systems and components of a building. Performance
attributes will improve. Our buildings will be better. They will serve society better.

The research focus of how nanotechnology can create a new vision in the architectural
form and function.

6. Role of nanotechnology in different built environments:

With reference to the diagram in Fig.10, we noticed that nanotechnology has effected the
built environment in two main directions, the first use three tools:

- Trans humanism
- Semiconductors materials.
- Smart materials.

5
Sylvia Leydecker “Nano materials in Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design” Birkhäuser, Basel, Boston,
Berlin 2008 p:18.

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 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

Fig.10 Diagram showing the main points of how the impact of nanotechnology on architecture.
Source: http://www2.arch.uiuc.edu/elvin/nanotechnologyindex.htm

The second direction show that nanotechnology affect in different built environments (
thermal, lighting and sound environments) this make human can take a role in using smart
materials and semiconductors to form an environment depend on nanotechnology with
new opportunities, this form the built architectural form in three ways:

- Building Envelope.
- Structural Systems.
- Adaptable Processes.

The term “built environment” can have several meanings, all relating to a larger spatial
construct, context, or condition that goes beyond narrowly defined functional systems.
Environments can be internal or external. They can be either be occupied by humans or
be critical surrounding conditions. The following a briefly touches these design
procedures. Different environments will be discussed.6

6
Michael F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design” Elsevier, Burlington,
MA 01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p:59.
Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

6.1 The Thermal Environments

Fig.11 Considerations in designing spatial thermal environments. All the factors noted in the text
affect the nature of the thermal environment as perceived by an occupant. Source: Michael F.Ashby,
Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design” Elsevier,
Burlington, MA 01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p: 313.
(B) Thermal environments intrinsic to applications products:

1- Vacuum insulation panels (VIPS)

2- Thermal insulation: Aerogel / Nanogel
3- Phase change materials (PCMs)

Fig.12 Vacuum insulation panels with a protective encasment. Source:

Sylvia Leydecker “Nano Materials in Architecture, Interior Architecture
and Design” Birkhäuser, Basel, Boston, Berlin 2008 p:123.

6.2 The Lighting Environments:

Nanomaterials that already have wide use in relation to light, and future uses are
seemingly developed every day in a broad spectrum of application areas. various kinds of
thin films, coatings, or sheets have been developed to control light in ways that have
applications in a wide variety of architectural, consumer, and industrial products.

6.2.1 Applications of Nanotech in Lighting Environments:

1- Multilayers and Nanofilms

2- Anti-reflective
3- Polarizing Films and Glasses
4- Coloring Technic - Chromogenic materials

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 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

Fig.13 Polyvision Smart Glass, Fig.14 Polyvision Smart Glass,

clear mode. Source: projection mode. Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sh
Shtiever_11.01.10_1.JPG tiever_11.01.10_2.JPG

Fig.15 Proposal to
show how coloring
technic can be
achieved
simultaneous with
year seasons
changing depending
on various kinds of
lightrelated
chromics—
photochromics,
thermochromics,
and
electrochromics.
Source:
http://os.typepad.co
m/my_weblog/image
s/lightworks2_2.jpg

Fig.16 Different views can be reached throught year days. Source: http://www.jcdainc.com/
Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

6.3. Acoustics Environments:

There is great diversity in designing for sound control and acoustical performance. It is
thus not easy to describe specific material property needs that might be addressed via the
use of nanomaterials or nanotechnologies.

6.3.1 Applications of Nanomaterials in Sound Environments

1- Nanoporous Sound Insulation Materials

2- Acoustical Damping and Isolation
7. High performance Structural/mechanical Nano-based materials:

Buildings and products invariably have some type of

supporting structural system that provides the necessary
framework for maintaining overall integrity in the
presence of forces induced by the environmental or use
context. It may be more or less explicitly expressed.

Structural systems in buildings can have static qualities,

but almost invariably they also need to carry dynamic
forces from wind, earthquake, or use movements.
Mechanical systems that provide specific movement or
linkage functions have components subjected to a wide
variety forces and deformations, and dynamically
induced forces are extremely important. In all these
systems, a variety of stresses and deformations are
developed within component members.
Fig.17 General Comparison of
primary tensile strengths of various
7.1 Nano-Based Structural/Mechanical Applications materials (strength ratios relative to
defining stainless steel = 0.). Source:
- Polymer-matrix nanocomposites. Michael F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira &
- Metal-matrix nanocomposites. Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials,
- Ceramic-matrix nanocomposites. Nanotechnologies and Design”
- Amorphous materials. Elsevier, Burlington, MA 01803, USA
& Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p: 295.

7.2 Nanotechnology in Concrete

Another type of nanoparticles, which have remarkable impact on enhancing the physical
properties of concrete, are the carbon nanotubes (CNT). Carbon nanotubes are
extremely small, thin, hollow cylinders structure formed by rolling up seamlessly a single
layer of graphite (carbon). Nanotubes can be either multi-wall tubes or single-wall tubes
(as mentioned before), having one single shell. CNT come in a variety of lengths and
diameters. The length can be from approximately 100 nanometers to several microns and
the diameters vary from 1 to 20 nanometers; see Fig.18.

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 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

Fig .18 Nano-engineered concrete. Nanoparticle sizes have very high specific surface areas
in comparison with commonly used materials in a concrete mix. (Adapted from K. Sobelev.).
Source: Michael F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials,
Nanotechnologies and Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA 01803, USA & Oxford OX2 8DP,
UK 2009 p: 304.

7.2.1 Self compacting concrete (SCC)

Along the same development, it has been possible to produce self-compacting concrete (SCC).
This type of concrete does not need any internal or external vibration to obtain full compaction, as
it freely flows in and around dense reinforcement and fills the mold completely without any
blockages and without any noticeable segregation or bleeding. SCC is an ideal material for cast in
situ piles, where compaction is not feasible.

8. Building Health Monitoring and Nano Self-healing (Functional Systems):

Fig.19 Applying a sensor-controlled current

creates a magnetic field that causes the viscosity
of the magnetorheological fluid to vary and damp
out unwanted cable vibrations. Source: Michael
F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek
“Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and
Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA 01803, USA &
Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p: 307.
Nano Architecture IACA-8
Fig.21 A self-healing material based on the used of
embedded hollow tubes containing a healing agent.
(a) Laminate form; hollow tubes filled with healing
agent. (b) Beginning of surface crack. (c) Crack
intersects and ruptures tube(s). The catalyst causes
the healing agent located inside the hollow tubes to
polymerize into a tough cross-linked polymer, filling
the crack. (Adapted from R. Trask and I. Bond,
Enabling Self-Healing Capabilities—A Small Step to
Bio-Mimetic Materials.). Source: Michael F.Ashby,
Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek
“Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Design”
Elsevier, Burlington, MA 01803, USA & Oxford OX2
8DP, UK 2009 p: 425.
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Arch. Mohamed Mahdy
Fig.20 An approach to self-healing or self-
repairing materials based on the use of
embedded microcapsules that, when punctured,
release healing agents that harden. (a) Beginning
of surface crack. (b) Crack intersects
microcapsule. (c) The catalyst causes the DCPD
monomer to polymerize into a tough cross-linked
polymer. (Adapted from R. Trask and I. Bond,
Enabling Self-Healing Capabilities—A Small Step
to Bio-Mimetic Materials.). Source: Michael
F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek
“Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and
Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA 01803, USA &
Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009 p: 426.
 QUALITY OF LIFE –A VISION TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

9. Conclusions

9.1 Conclusions

- New non-technological factors, coming from the latest results of science and social
development, also affect new architecture.
- Nanotechnology is an enabling technology leading the development of materials
with increased durability and ultra-high-performance
- Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies are expected to contribute to greatly improve
different environments.
- Architecture is not science and it's not art. Still, it borrows from both.
- Technology basically influences architecture in three ways:

1- Technical progress (use of computers, achievements in natural science,

management knowledge).
2- The modern technologies of construction; prefabrication, mechanization,
industrialization.
3- Design buildings in which activities with modern technologies take place,
which means that requirements on the buildings are formulated.

9.2 Recommendations

- The importance to take in consideration what Nanotechnology offer about energy

consumption in buildings and sustainability.
- Keeping up and shearing experiences with all nations that started to interact with
these technologies in different fields with establishing nanotechnology research
centers.
- Nanotechnologies may be directly used for new forms of architectural art, and
architectural urban design, but it will be an effective tool to give many Functional
alternatives in design process.
- Nanotechnology has possibilities in solving many developing countries problems,
and it can give the chance to step forward to fill the gap between east and west.
- Egypt have 1/3 monuments of the world so, it should be taken in consideration
nanotechnologies applications applied in the field of conservation and restoration.
- Egypt is a very big market for Nano products to solve many urban architectural
problems.

References:

- Michael F.Ashby, Paulo J.Ferreira & Daniel L. Schodek “Nanomaterials,

Nanotechnologies and Design” Elsevier, Burlington, MA 01803, USA &
Oxford OX2 8DP, UK 2009
- Sylvia Leydecker “Nano Materials in Architecture, Interior Architecture and
Design” Birkhäuser, Basel, Boston, Berlin 2008
- Nanotechnology and Construction - Surinder Mann (Institute of Nanotechnology
) - http://www.nanoforum.org
- Fritz Allhoff, Patrick Lin, James Moor and John Weckert “Nanoethics” John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersy. 2004
 Nano Architecture IACA-8 Arch. Mohamed Mahdy

- Dr. Moustafa Elsaid’s Lecture in Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria,

Egypt.2009.
- Dr. Nagwan Shehata “Nano Technology’s Effect in Development of
- Interactive Interior Design” Visual arts between stability and variation
conference, Faculty of Finearts, Alexandria University 2007
- http://seedmagazine.com/news/2006/03/can_architecture_shape_science.php
- http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/programs/ms_arch
- Gyula Sebestyen “New Architecture and Technology” Architectural Press
.Oxford . 2003
- James Carpenter - http://www.jcdainc.com/
- Branko Kolarevic “Architecture in the Digital age . Design and
manufacturing” Spon Press 29 west 35th Street, New York, NY 1000], USA
2003
- Medhat A. Haroun, Sherif Sedky “Applications of Nanotechnology in
Construction Engineering” School of Sciences and Engineering, The
American University in Cairo, Egypt.
- Konstantinos I TSERPES, Paraskevas PAPANIKOS, Spyros PANTELAKIS
“Continuum Modeling of Interfacial Load Transfer in Carbon
Nanotube/Polymer Composites Subjected to Tension And Bending”
MESOMECHANICS-2008 HBRC, Giza, Egypt, 2008.
- MESOMECHANICS-2008 HBRC, Cario, Egypt, 2008.
- John M.Johansen “NanoArchitecture A New Species of Architecture”
Princeton Architectural Press, New York, NY 2002
- http://www.nanocity.in/
- NANO-TECH FOR GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
international conference on HBRC, Cairo, Egypt, 14-17 March, 2010.
- Advances in Affordble Housing & Green Construction HBRC, Cairo, Egypt,
2010.

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