We live in an age of technological marvels, where futuristic building materials and concepts allow us to do things that were once impossible. Architecture is one field that has been transformed by these futuristic materials and is now going to new heights (literally) with futuristic building designs. In this article, we take a look at some of the futuristic building materials used in the construction industry today and how they are helping to create eye-catching architectural innovation.
Carbon Fiber
One of the most futuristic building materials in use in the construction sector today is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a lightweight yet strong material used to create many structures. One example of its use is the Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the “Water Cube”. This structure was built for the 2008 Olympics and features an impressive design that was only made possible by using carbon fiber. The Water Cube has since been converted into a water park, and visitors can enjoy swimming in its futuristic confines.
ETFE Film
Another futuristic building material that is seeing increasing use in the construction sector is ETFE film. ETFE film is a transparent plastic sheeting that inflates to create large bubbles or domes. One great example of this construction material is the Eden Project in Cornwall, England. The Eden Project is a massive greenhouse covering over 65,000 square feet and featuring two enormous ETFE bubbles that act as insulation and house different biomes. These bubbles are so large that they can be seen from miles away, and they have quickly become a landmark for the area.
Why New Materials Allow for New Ideas
Ever notice how classical architecture follows many of the same rules and proportions? Certain rules and traditional building materials work well and create aesthetically pleasing designs. However, with the advent of new materials and technologies, construction professionals can now break these rules and invent completely new concepts, which is what we are seeing in the world of futuristic architecture. A movement towards bold designs and innovation like these in the construction industry would have been impossible before the advent of new materials.
So what does the future hold for architecture? With the use of futuristic materials like carbon fiber and ETFE film, we can expect to see even more amazing building designs popping up all over the world. These materials allow engineers and construction professionals to push boundaries and create structures that were once only possible in science fiction.
Futuristic Building Materials Architecture to New Heights
Yes, these buildings are being taken to new heights as far as design goes, shattering ideas of what is possible when it comes to building. But these buildings are also literally being taken to new heights, with the tallest residential buildings, skyscrapers, and offices, all touching new highs. Why?
This is thanks to the futuristic building materials that are now available. Architects can build with these materials in mind, and engineers can create more stunning masterpieces by using stronger yet lighter materials.
For example, carbon fiber can be used in beams and other structural elements to create strong yet lightweight structures. Architects no longer have to sacrifice beauty for strength or practicality – they can now have it all.
It also means we’ve seen some buildings with futuristic building materials hit new heights. Here are the top three tallest buildings in the world right now, all constructed with futuristic building material.
1. Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa has changed the game, redefining the design and engineering possibilities of supertall structures. The building is a global icon for future cities while also reflecting the worldwide movement towards compact urban areas by combining cutting-edge technologies and cultural influences. Burj Khalifa’s mixed-use plan focuses on development density and provides immediate access to public transportation systems at the heart of a new downtown area.
To construct the Burj Khalifa, designers had to rethink and invent in many ways. Building systems, design methods, and construction techniques all needed reconsideration, and sometimes new applications had to be developed to create an efficient and practical structure.
The structural system was dubbed a buttressed core and supports a supertall structure with a robust central core supported by three extended wings. To maximize stiffness, the structure connects at the mechanical levels using outrigger walls. The result is a structure in which all of the vertical components support gravity as well as lateral loads.
2. Shanghai Tower
The innovative architecture of Shanghai Tower is unlike any other supertall structure. The new tower, which rises high above the cityscape and is adjacent to Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, incorporates a distinctive form representing the dynamic growth of contemporary China.
Shanghai Tower is one of the most sustainably advanced tall buildings on the planet. The transparent second skin surrounding the building is a key element of its design. By acting as insulation and regulating the temperature within the void, it conserves energy by enclosing ventilated atriums. The area is a barrier between inside and out, warming up cool outside air while dissipating heat from the interior in summer. In addition, it makes use of a tri-generation system, greywater/rainwater systems, and several alternative energy sources.
3. Makkah Royal Clock Tower
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower adds a touch of modernism to the bustling ancient city of Mecca. The tower was built as part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project and used by religious Muslims who go to the city every year for the Hajj. It is near the Grand Mosque, which seats up to two million people during the Hajj pilgrimage.
The four colossal clock faces that adorn the top of the tower are named after its initials. These clocks hold the world record for both the largest and highest in terms of height. At night, one million LED lights illuminate the tower, turning it into a verdant green and white beacon. Each clock face has writing inscribed above it, with “God is Greatest” written on the north and south sides and the Koran on the east and west sides.
The tower’s spire has a spherical observation center at its bottom. The gleaming mosaic gold crescent topping the spire is 35 metric tons in weight. There are several cultural features on the top levels of the tower, including a museum dedicated to cosmology and a center for lunar viewing.
