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Design for Neurodivergence

The Invisible City : Designing for Neurodivergence

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The Nautilus: A Glimpse into the Future of Libraries and Design in the Digital Age

The Nautilus: A Glimpse into the Future of Libraries and Design in the Digital Age

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Designing for Protest: How Public Spaces Shape Movements

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gardens of the afterlife

Gardens of the Afterlife : The Symbolism of Burial Spaces

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The Liminal Zone Spaces of Transition and Transformation

The Liminal Zone : Spaces of Transition and Transformation

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Glass That Breathes: Innovations in Smart Façades The late afternoon sun reflected off the crystalline towers of Singapore’s financial district, creating a dazzling interplay of light and shadow. Will Hunter stood at the base of the Marina One building, marveling at the shimmering glass façade that seemed alive, as though it was inhaling and exhaling with the rhythm of the city itself. Designed by Ingenhoven Architects, Marina One was a prime example of how smart façades were revolutionizing urban architecture. These weren’t just glass walls—they were dynamic systems that adapted to their environment, balancing aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort. “Glass is no longer a passive material,” explained Ava, a sustainability engineer guiding Will through the building. “It’s interactive. The façades here are designed to regulate light, heat, and airflow, reducing energy consumption while enhancing the user experience.” Will touched the cool surface of the glass. Ava described the double-skin façade, a layered design that trapped a cushion of air between two panes, acting as insulation. “The outer layer shields against the sun’s heat, while the inner layer allows for natural ventilation,” she said. Inside, the atrium was bathed in natural light filtered through fritted glass—a surface etched with tiny patterns to scatter sunlight and reduce glare. Sensors embedded in the glass monitored the sun’s position, adjusting shades automatically to maintain optimal lighting and temperature. Will thought of other buildings where smart façades had transformed architecture. The Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi featured a façade of honeycomb-like panels that opened and closed like petals, reducing solar gain while mimicking the mashrabiya screens of traditional Islamic architecture. In contrast, Milan’s Bosco Verticale used a green façade—rows of trees and shrubs growing directly from the building—to provide insulation, purify the air, and create a living ecosystem in the sky. “These designs aren’t just about efficiency,” Ava said as they walked toward a shaded terrace. “They’re about creating harmony—between the building, its occupants, and the environment.” As Will watched the evening light shift across Marina One’s façade, he imagined a future where buildings were no longer rigid structures but living systems. “Glass that breathes,” he thought, “isn’t just innovation. It’s evolution—a step toward architecture that listens, adapts, and thrives.”

Glass That Breathes: Innovations in Smart Façades

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Smart Cities, Big Questions Are They Sustainable

Smart Cities, Big Questions: Are They Sustainable?

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The Dreaming Architect by Asif Khan