Biography:

Aman Ullah received his PhD (with distinction) in Chemical Sciences and Technologies in 2010 at the University of Genova, Italy by working together at Southern Methodist University, USA. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow before accepting an Assistant Professor position at the University of Alberta. He has been promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure. He has been teaching a graduate course entitled “Renewable Biomaterials”. This course deals with fundamentals in bio-based materials development, characterization, and various industrial applications. Current research, recent literature, and real-life applications of biomaterials/bionanomaterials in various industries are discussed throughout the course. Aman has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals and 3 patents/patent applications. His research is focused on the development of biochemicals, biopolymers/biomaterials from lipids and other renewable resources. Overall, as PI and Co-investigator, he has attracted a total of ~ $8.7 million in funding in last 5 years.  He has participated and presented his work in more than 82 National and international scientific meetings and conferences, including several invited, keynote and plenary lectures at conferences and research centers in Asia, Europe, and America. In addition, he has received several awards including Canadian Rising Star award in Global Health by Grand Challenges Canada in 2012.

Abstract:

Biography:

Janah Shaya is a postdoctoral fellow and instructor with the CNRS at the IPCMS of Strasbourg (Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg) in collaboration with Kyushu University, Japan. He joined the IPCMS in October 2016. He got his PhD degree from University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis in France in September 2016 with honor distinction and medal. His work was peer-reviewed and selected for filming for the ACS website at the American chemical society in Philadelphia His principal axes of research are material sciences, biosensors, organic synthesis, photophysics electrochemistry, and applications (energy storage systems and CO2 valorization). He is currently the co-editor of two books on carbon dioxide and cross couplings with interchopen publisher

Abstract:

In our lab, we have developed an efficient methodology to confer large aromatic species with a liquid state at room temperature, via functionalization by siloxane chains. A series of emitters and semiconductors and their applications have been executed including their investigations in OLEDs and solar cells. Among the reported results, oligofluorenes led to solvent-free liquid compounds that exhibit both remarkable charge transport properties and strong fluorescence.[3] The materials were found to exhibit ambipolar charge transport properties (hole- and electron-transport) with mobilities of about 10^-4 cm²/Vs, i.e. a value comparable to the one of the best solid-state amorphous glasses used in various optoelectronic applications. These components allowed to realize the first distributed feedback (DFB) laser in a monolithic liquid semiconductor, given their high quantum yields (PLQY > 80 %) and extremely low threshold amplified stimulated emission (< 2 J/cm²).

Overall, these results demonstrate that solvent-free liquid organic semiconductors functionalized by siloxane segments can compete in terms of photophysical and charge transport properties with organic glassy semiconductors, thus paving the way for the development of liquid optoelectronic devices.

Further, the optimization of the metal-catalyzed methodologies and the design of the optimal siloxane chains (length, branching, etc.) to synthesize liquid hosts at room temperature are illustrated based on various families such as carbazolebiphenyl derivatives

Image:

Figure. Photograph (at ambient and under UV light) of the strongly luminescent oligofluorene derivative functionalized with short siloxane chains, showing nonvolatile and stable liquid state at room-temperature. Graph (right) showing the temperature dependence of the ambipolar charge transport mobility, with typical recorded ToF signal in the insert.

Recent Publications:

1. J.-C. Ribierre, L. Zhao, M. Inoue, P.-O. Schwartz, J.-H. Kim, K. Yoshida, A.S.D. Sandanayaka, H. Nakanotani, L. Mager, S. Méry, C. Adachi, Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 3103
2. J. Shaya, F. Fontaine-Vive, B. Y. Michel, A. Burger, “Rational design of push-pull fluorene dyes: synthesis and structure-photophysics relationship”, Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 10627-10637.
3. J. Shaya, M.-A. Deschamps , B. Y. Michel, A. Burger, “Air-stable palladium catalytic systems for sequential one-pot synthesis of challenging unsymmetrical aminated products”, J. Org. Chem. 2016, 81, 7566-7573.
4. P.M. Holstein, D. Dailler, J. Vantourout, J. Shaya, A. Millet, O. Baudoin, “Synthesis of Strained γ-Lactams by Palladium(0)-Catalyzed C(sp³)–H Alkenylation and Application to Alkaloid Synthesis”, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 1–6.
5. N. P.F. Barthes, B. Y. Michel, J. Shaya, N. Martinet, A. Burger, “Génétique et épigénétique: Un code au-dessus du code”, Journal de la société chimique de France, 2016, 412, 20-27.

Biography:

Janah Shaya is a postdoctoral fellow and instructor with the CNRS at the IPCMS of Strasbourg (Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg) in collaboration with Kyushu University, Japan. He joined the IPCMS in October 2016. He got his PhD degree from University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis in France in September 2016 with honor distinction and medal. His work was peer-reviewed and selected for filming for the ACS website at the American chemical society in Philadelphia His principal axes of research are material sciences, biosensors, organic synthesis, photophysics electrochemistry, and applications (energy storage systems and CO2 valorization). He is currently the co-editor of two books on carbon dioxide and cross couplings with interchopen publisher

Abstract:

In our lab, we have developed an efficient methodology to confer large aromatic species with a liquid state at room temperature, via functionalization by siloxane chains. A series of emitters and semiconductors and their applications have been executed including their investigations in OLEDs and solar cells. Among the reported results, oligofluorenes led to solvent-free liquid compounds that exhibit both remarkable charge transport properties and strong fluorescence.[3] The materials were found to exhibit ambipolar charge transport properties (hole- and electron-transport) with mobilities of about 10^-4 cm²/Vs, i.e. a value comparable to the one of the best solid-state amorphous glasses used in various optoelectronic applications. These components allowed to realize the first distributed feedback (DFB) laser in a monolithic liquid semiconductor, given their high quantum yields (PLQY > 80 %) and extremely low threshold amplified stimulated emission (< 2 J/cm²).

Overall, these results demonstrate that solvent-free liquid organic semiconductors functionalized by siloxane segments can compete in terms of photophysical and charge transport properties with organic glassy semiconductors, thus paving the way for the development of liquid optoelectronic devices.

Further, the optimization of the metal-catalyzed methodologies and the design of the optimal siloxane chains (length, branching, etc.) to synthesize liquid hosts at room temperature are illustrated based on various families such as carbazolebiphenyl derivatives

Figure. Photograph (at ambient and under UV light) of the strongly luminescent oligofluorene derivative functionalized with short siloxane chains, showing nonvolatile and stable liquid state at room-temperature. Graph (right) showing the temperature dependence of the ambipolar charge transport mobility, with typical recorded ToF signal in the insert.

Recent Publications (minimum 5)

1. J.-C. Ribierre, L. Zhao, M. Inoue, P.-O. Schwartz, J.-H. Kim, K. Yoshida, A.S.D. Sandanayaka, H. Nakanotani, L. Mager, S. Méry, C. Adachi, Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 3103
2. J. Shaya, F. Fontaine-Vive, B. Y. Michel, A. Burger, “Rational design of push-pull fluorene dyes: synthesis and structure-photophysics relationship”, Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 10627-10637.
3. J. Shaya, M.-A. Deschamps , B. Y. Michel, A. Burger, “Air-stable palladium catalytic systems for sequential one-pot synthesis of challenging unsymmetrical aminated products”, J. Org. Chem. 2016, 81, 7566-7573.
4. P.M. Holstein, D. Dailler, J. Vantourout, J. Shaya, A. Millet, O. Baudoin, “Synthesis of Strained γ-Lactams by Palladium(0)-Catalyzed C(sp³)–H Alkenylation and Application to Alkaloid Synthesis”, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 1–6.
5. N. P.F. Barthes, B. Y. Michel, J. Shaya, N. Martinet, A. Burger, “Génétique et épigénétique: Un code au-dessus du code”, Journal de la société chimique de France, 2016, 412, 20-27.

Biography:

Manoj Gupta is an Associate Professor at Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore. He has been working on lightweight metals (particularly magnesium based materials) over past 25 years. His current research is focused on development of lightweight HEA, ignition resistant magnesium based nanocomposites, magnesium syntactic foams and additive manufacturing (3D printing) of magnesium.

Abstract:

Biography:

Ray Gibbs is a Chartered Accountant and former Deloitte Audit and Corporate Finance Partner for 9 years. He has over 20 years’ experience in high technology and fast moving consumer goods businesses and is a former CFO of Chemring Group Plc. He was part of Haydale Graphene Industries’ management team that acquired Haydale Limited in 2010, became CEO in 2013 and successfully took the business through to IPO in April 2014, defined the strategy and driven for globalization and now sales. He has been immersed into the graphene and nano world for 7 years

Abstract:

The potential for graphene and other nanoparticles to significantly enhance material properties has been well documented. However, as carbon is inert and does not mix well with other materials it needs to be homogeneously dispersed and bonded into the host material in order to realize its potential. There are hundreds of graphenes in the market today and all display different characteristics, from flake size, to thickness and chemical groups on the surface and ends to the supply chain issue in delivery of volume at a commercial cost. Some supply may well require scale up and the likelihood is that the volume output will be different from the pilot plant. Knowing which one material works best and applying a sympathetic surface treatment for a specific application is the Haydale expertise. This functionalization treatment plus the years of processing know how sets Haydale apart in the ability to commercialize nanomaterials. For industry to adopt these new materials we need to demonstrate a repeatable and cost effective supply chain that delivers a masterbatch to the customer. One of the challenges industry faces is that there is currently no standard definition of graphene which means that R&D and general procurement departments may not know exactly what it is they are not buying nor be able to replicate test results with a subsequent batch of material. Industry requires a standardization of materials to remove this uncertainty. The recent ISO paper has helped but there is a way to go. Recent work at Haydale has now confirmed significant improvements in electrical, thermal and mechanical performance of Carbon Fibre pre preg, opening up many applications now. Haydale has significant expertise in GRP and thermoplastic pipes for water, sewerage, and the oil and gas industry. With latter suffering for significant repair issues, leak detection and a desire to replace pipes with non-metallics, the Haydale team has unique solutions for these needs. These breakthroughs plus new pastes for bio medical sensors offers real short term commercial opportunities for grapheme and nanoparticles. The industrial and financial world has been waiting for these commercial applications to bear fruit. Further, in order to persuade industry to adopt the new materials we need to be able to incorporate the functionalized materials into existing production facilities thus avoiding the need for replacement of existing capital equipment. The author will examine these challenges and explain how Haydale has established a consistent supply chain of the nanomaterials and are addressing the commercial adoption challenges through the establishment of Centres of Excellence in strategic locations across the globe in the three dominant continents of The Far East, USA and Europe.

Biography:

Wilson is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan and is an Associate Professor with research interests that cover diverse topics in physical chemistry, materials science and environmental chemistry. Ongoing research activities are focused on the development of new types of materials and studies related to adsorption and interfacial phenomena related to water science and technology. The Wilson research group is developing new forms sustainable biomaterials for the controlled removal of contaminants from water and chemical separations using methods based on green chemistry. This research contributes significantly to technology related to water and energy security that are especially important in various areas of agriculture, natural resources and the environment.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: There is a need to develop improved biopolymer adsorbents with responsive properties and enhanced adsorption toward target species for specialized applications in water treatment. In this study, polymer brushes and their iron oxide composites were prepared and characterized, along with the efficacy of methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution. These “smart” materials were designed by grafting biodegradable polymers, poly acrylic acid (PAA) or poly itaconic acid (PIA) onto chitosan to yield pH-responsive polymer brushes of PAAgCHI, PIAgCHI and their magnetic nano composites (MNCs) containing iron oxide, respectively (Fig. 1). The MNCs are pH-sensitive and magnetically responsive adsorbents with switchable polymer morphology between swollen and collapsed states, along with the controlled adsorption and desorption of MB. Switchable MB uptake is based on the pH driven molecular recognition and conformational changes of brushes. The adsorption capacity of the materials varies between 421.2 to 470.2 mg g^–1 with a removal efficiency of 99.2% (Fe₃O₄–PIAgCHI) and 99.5% (Fe₃O₄–PIAgCHI) for the MNCs. Sorbents can be recovered and efficiently regenerated by switching the pH of solution under an applied external field over five recycle steps. This work illustrates the potential utility of “smart” polymer brush systems for the remediation of model cationic dyes in wastewater. These eco-friendly sorbent materials possess excellent adsorption capacity, modular design, low cost, excellent regeneration, and rapid separation. Potential applications of these materials include the controlled removal of antimicrobials, pesticides, and personal care products from water and wastewater streams with high efficiency and recovery.

Figure 1:

Recent Publications

1. Dolatkhah A, Wilson L D (2016) Magnetite/Polymer Brush Nanocomposites with Switchable Uptake Behavior Toward Methylene Blue. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 8 (8): 5595–5607.
2. Guo R, Wilson L D (2012) Synthetically Engineered Chitosan-Based Materials and their Sorption Properties with Methylene Blue in Aqueous Solution. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 388: 225–234.
3. Casey L S, Wilson L D (2015) Investigation of Chitosan-PVA Composite Films and their Adsorption Properties. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection 3(2): 78-84.
4. Karoyo, A H, Wilson L D (2016) Investigation of the Adsorption Processes of Fluorocarbon and Hydrocarbon anions at the Solid-Solution Interface of Macromolecular Imprinted Polymer Materials, J. Phys. Chem. C  120 (12): 6553–6568.
5. 5. Dolatkhah A, Wilson L D (2018) Salt-Responsive Fe3O4 Nanocomposites and Phase Behavior in Water. Langmuir in press, DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03613.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Vladimir Nazarov, (Ph.D.-physics), now is an Associate Research Fellow at the Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taiwan. He got his B Sc in physcics, M Sc physics from the Far-Eastern National University, Vladivostok, Russia, and his Ph.D. degree from the Institute for Automation and Control Processes, Far-Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia. Currently Dr. Vladimir Nazarov's researches focus on the fundamentals of Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory (TDDFT) and its applications to optics and transport in bulk materials and low-dimensional structures.  Dr. Vladimir Nazarov has his Habilitation (in Russia, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences) from the Far-Eastern National University, Russia. The past positions of Dr. Vladimir Nazarov include the Leading Researcher at the Institute for Automation, Far-Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, the Associate Professor at Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan, Visiting Professor at the Institute for Solid State Physics, Japan, and Visiting Professor at Chonnam National University, South Korea.

Abstract:

Biography:

Ashok Ganapathy Iyer is the Chairperson of School of Design & Architecture (SoDA), Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai (MAHE-Dubai). He is currently pursuing his PhD Studies at Welsh School of Architecture. His research interests are at the classification of the approaches to learning adopted by students in their design coursework through the five years of the architecture program. He has pursued his Masters in Architectural Studies at Sir J.J College of Architecture, Mumbai, India and Bachelor’s degree from Pillai College of Architecture, Navi Mumbai, India. He was a Faculty at Sir J.J College and Rizvi College of Architecture Mumbai. His other research interests include urban studies and historic architectural developments to construct pattern language, issues of sustainability in contemporary architecture, fine arts and architecture heritage cum documentation

Abstract:

Architectural documentation of heritage buildings in the United Arab Emirates has gained momentum in the past decade with the rapid urbanization of the Emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, UAE. This has been spearheaded through various government departments focusing on architectural conservation of these historic buildings. The school has delved into architectural documentation as a part of the bachelor of architecture program to give students a hands-on insight of the built environment and deconstruct the details into drawings since 2012. As a part of this academic journey, Al Mahatta, the first airport of the Middle-East Region was documented in 2014-15. This documentation led to the consolidated project of preparing a conservation management plan for the museum. This was followed by two projects representing Al Mahatta within the urban fabric of the Emirate of Sharjah as-well-as the neighborhood where it is currently located. This paper delves into the importance of incorporating smart materials in architectural conservation. The paper further delves into the relevance of the technology domain in architectural education and the impact of smart materials of students’ approaches to learning.

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Figure: Conservation Management Plan

Recent Publications

1. Ashok G Iyer (2015) Review of approaches to learning adopted by architecture students in the coursework of architectural design archi DOCT. The e-Journal for the Dissemination of Doctoral Research in Architecture; 3(1): 21-30.

2. Ashok G Iyer & Andrew Roberts (2014) A Phenomenographic Study in Understanding Architecture Students’ Approaches to Learning the Coursework of Architectural Design. Journal for Education in the Built Environment (JEBE); 9(1): 89-109.

References

• AGI “Approaches to Learning in Architectural Design - A Classification,” Abstract No. 65 in RIBA President’s Awards for Research 2017 - Book of Abstracts.
• AGI & Kairmein Deboo, “Archiving an Impression – Al Mahatta and Sharjah,” Conservation Management Plan and Urban Analysis at Al Mahatta Museum, Sharjah, UAE from June 2017 to Jan 2018 

Biography:

Anumol Thomas is currently a 4^th year student of B.Arch in Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, UAE. Her dissertation topic was focused on illusions in architecture, where she studied the different techniques used to create illusions. She has also focused on different smart materials which brought in kinetism such as interactive movements into architecture.

Abstract:

Visual disruptions are the future of modern designs through illusions in architecture. Optical illusions have long been a useful tool for architects. Perhaps most famously, the ancient Greeks used them in the construction of the Parthenon. The interactive movement in architecture through kinetics is also one method to explain about illusions. The motion of small parts together can largely obtain the concept of kinetic architecture. The current lack of extension in the actual movement application in architecture refers to the complexity of the design and the high cost and difficulty of execution; however the evolution in smart materials makes it simpler and easier. The evolution of architecture from static and stability to dynamic and movement has been accompanied by changes in the architectural thought. The interactive material with wind using kinetics has been explained. Inspired by the beauty of grass blowing in the wind, Super Cilia Skin has become the tactile and visual system. An array of computer-controlled actuators (Cilia) is connected to an elastic membrane. These actuators represent data by changing their physical alignment. It has the potential to replay dynamic gestures over time and to communicate remote gestures; this makes it a potentially important tool for tactual communication and education. These cilia move in response to computer-controlled magnetic fields created under the membrane, allowing them to represent information by dynamically changing their physical orientation. The device is designed to sense physical gestures on the cilia and to replay those gestures by fluttering the same cilia that were tapped. On an architectural scale, a facade superimposed with Super Cilia Skin could represent the “wake” of a local wind pattern blowing up and down the surface during the day generating energy. The entire surface of the facade responds to wind via thousands of 9-inch squares of perforated aluminium mounted on low friction hinges. A photographic mosaic of sand dune images is formed from the perforations of the moving panel. Intricate shadow images of the dunes are projected onto the walls and floor of the building lobby, when sunlight passes through the screens. The optical qualities of the skin alter fiercely with the weather and the time of day.

Image

Figure-1: Super cilia skin.

Figure-2: Movement of super cilia skin in a façade.

References

1.Youssef Osama Elkhayat (2014) Interactive movement in kinetic architecture. Journal of Engineering Sciences Assiut University Faculty of Engineering; 42(3): 816-84.

Biography:

Aishwarya Thomas is currently a 4^th year student of B.Arch program at MAHE, Dubai campus. The mentioned smart technology including a kinetic energy system and pavagen tiling system, has been referred to for use in her undergraduate thesis project which focuses on creating a sustainable campus, reducing levels of inactivity amongst the youth and young adults and the community as a general in the UAE by establishing certain principles of sustainability within the campus and connecting it to the built environment.

Abstract:

Physical inactivity is a major health threat to the global population and in recent years, there has been an increasing body of literature about the fact that the people in Dubai are not getting enough physical activity. According to a disease study report, the obesity rate in the UAE is double the world average more than 2.1 billion people; close to 30 per cent of the global population are overweight or obese, the World Health Organization says. This project plans to research the relationship between physical inactivity and architecture. It is essential that architectural design be re-thought to increase the physical activity levels within the built environment. An alternative approach needs to be looked at, when talking about the design framework and it should definitely focus on convenience without reducing activity with the increase of physical activity levels. A smart approach to achieve this would be a range of considerations to increase the amount of physical behaviors within an individual to produce energy expenditure by individuals in Dubai. The concept of interaction with buildings where change and response could be connected with the physical movement alongside the building is an interesting concept. A kinetic energy system where pedestrian foot fall could be used to power a digital screen so the building can interact with the physical act of walking past could be thought off. It could create a fun and innovative environment that encourages people to enter a space. With potential uses being, passive walker past or even urban street dance competitions or events. Pavegen tiling systems is a tile based urban design feature that captures the kinetic energy from a pedestrian’s footfall and harvests and/or reuses it to power certain off the grid electrical devices.  They will be used throughout the design but mainly with relation to an interactive wall. The kinetic energy from foot fall is stored and used to power the LED lights in the wall to create an interactive relationship between the architecture and the physical activity powering it.

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References

1.Cyra, M. (2013). Promoting Physical activity within the built environment

Biography:

Sundara Vadhana Gurushev is currently a 4^th year undergraduate student in the B.Arch. program at the School of Design and Architecture at Manipal Academy of Higher Education-Dubai Campus. She is currently working on her design dissertation and thesis on the topic “Archetypes and Identities in Architecture”, that looks at the transition in Emirati Architecture from its vernacular form to the contemporary form. As President of the Conservation and Environment Team at MAHE-Dubai, she has actively been a part of various sustainability initiatives and has led the team to being winners of the Sustainable Campus Initiative by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. She is also a part of the UNGC Local Network as a Youth Ambassador.

Abstract:

Archetype, in Jungian theory, is a primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors and supposed to be present in the collective unconscious. Identity refers to one’s unique façade, so to speak, in this case, a country’s history or culture. Vernacular Architecture is referred to as ‘Architecture of the People’. It becomes a language of form and culture which gives rise to identities unique to its context. Architectural identities, however, do not necessarily mean monuments or magnificent structures. The architectural identity of a region can be found in the most basic houses of the region. This study focuses on the vernacular design elements that can be reinterpreted and adapted into present day architecture of the gulf. Sudare, the famous Japanese bamboo blinds and Uchimizu, a Japanese air-cooling technique that uses water-spray to cool the surroundings. These were the foundations of the BioSkin Facade system, developed by Nikken Sekkei for the Sony Tower in Osaka back in 2011. The reinterpretation of two ancient techniques by infusing them with existing technology, won the company the CTBUH 2014 award for Innovation. The system uses ceramic pipes which have rainwater harvested on the rooftop running through them. These pipes are exposed to the heat of the buildings surroundings which lets the water evaporate, thus, cooling the immediate surroundings. This second skin facade of Sony Tower reduces its cooling load while also eliminating Urban Heat Island Effect. The concept is similar to that of a Mashrabiya found in the gulf region. The Mashrabiya in olden times was an intricately carved screen that sometimes had a pot of water that cooled the hot air passing through the screen. Applying a similar concept to the gulf region, the BioSkin Facades could be applied in this region as well. Although the system uses rainwater, something that is not found in the gulf; the water could instead be replaced with grey water, which is found globally and can be sourced from the building itself. This would mean the existence of a second skin system that can be adapted and used globally, even in regions where rainwater harvesting is not feasible.

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References

1.  Oliver, P. (2014). Built to Meet Needs.

2. Yamanashi, T. &. (2011). BIO SKIN urban cooling facade. Architectural Design.

3.  Fathy, H. (1989). Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture: Principles and Examples with Reference to Hot Arid Climates. United Nations University.

Biography:

Saigeethalakshmi is a student of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, U.A.E. Her current thesis project focusses on designing a textile factory which will show the industrial architecture and the concept of the free flowing concrete texture on the building façade. The probable conclusion that would come in the future is to challenge and show that factory, industrial architecture and design also has to narrate its own story.

Abstract:

When we think of factories or any industrial buildings, beauty’s usually not the first thing to come to mind, but apparently think of dirt, mud, toxic waste, impurity contamination, dim and dull box like warehouse structures with no sunlight entry inside. But this is not the truth. Factory buildings repeatedly offer a chance for architects to experiment with form, materiality, and structural techniques. Beauty in industrial architecture conveys various factors including exterior design, interior functionality, environmental efficiency and landscape layout. All of them have to narrate their story.

The product named “Crushed wall” is the latest architectural installation designed by British artist Walter Jack (Pic: 1 & 2) which tells how the texture and the form of textiles can be used to create architecture. This material is designed at the entrance of the heartlands project in Cornwall, UK, the expansive 40-metre long, 3-metre high wall utilizes concrete in such a way that it appears as soft and malleable, partially wrapping around the perimeter of a building.

The product being concrete has tried to reflect the fluidity of textile. Material used is Bardon Cemflow A, a free flowing, self-compacting mix of concrete of an architectural grade, used for finishes, a sheet of rubber and plywood. Concrete isn’t known for its tactile qualities also not noted for its fluid softness. And yet it is a liquid. The challenge of this concrete material is to retain continuity of the fluid form of concrete and mirror it with the textile texture accuracy to ensure continuity of form. Benefits of the material: Reduced labour requirements and lower site noise levels, flexible placing options and reductions of placing and finishing time and improved output in precast environments.

Images

References

Biography:

Christy Paul Joseph is a student currently enrolled in the 4^th Year of the Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) Program in MAHE Manipal, Dubai Campus, UAE. His research largely revolves around the interpretative planning and schematic implementation of a design that echoes the character of a renowned genius, Leonardo Da Vinci. The design aims at complementing the tropical climate in its site of inception, while incorporating parametric façade skins that envelope the organic framework while generating a daylit illuminance in the exhibition space.

Abstract: