Dutch architect and UNStudio practice co-founder Ben van Berkel, Hon. FAIA, has launched UNSense, a startup and innovation platform dedicated to researching and developing sensor-based technology for cities, buildings, and indoor environments. "The digital revolution is driving change in every part of our lives, except within the built environment," van Berkel wrote in a blog post announcing the new company. "I believe the time has now come for architecture and the building industry to catch up." Though UNSense will operate as an independent sister company to UNStudio, van Berkel predicts that any innovations by the startup will inform the work of the Amsterdam-based architectural practice. UNStudio associate director of new business Roger Tan will be responsible for running the startup, which will be located in an innovation hub in Amsterdam. [UNSense]
Troy, N.Y.–based Biotech company Vital Vio has partnered with Miami-based Evolution Lighting, the creator of Ellumi Lighting, to make the Ellumi LED under-cabinet lamp commercially available. Ellumi reportedly kills 99 percent of bacteria and more than 23 germs by emitting specific wavelengths of light. It is available in four sizes from 9 to 24 inches long, starting at $89.99. [Ellumi Lighting]
On March 15, a pedestrian bridge on the Florida International University (FIU) Modesto Madique campus collapsed, causing multiple injuries and at least six casualties. The 950-ton concrete bridge was installed last week was being touted as a one-of-a-kind pedestrian bridge due to its innovative production and installation methods. "The FIU-Sweetwater UniversityCity Bridge is the largest pedestrian bridge moved via Self-Propelled Modular Transportation in U.S. history. It is also the first in the world to be constructed entirely of self-cleaning concrete," said a March 10 university press release. "When exposed to sunlight, the titanium dioxide in the concrete captures pollutants and turns it bright white, reducing maintenance costs." [ARCHITECT]
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created an insulating material that is as efficient as Styrofoam using wood. By removing lignin—or the structural polymers that are responsible for wood's rigidity—from wood, the team successfully manipulated the remaining grain and fibers to channel and control heat. The resulting "nanowood" is 30 times stronger than commercial thermal insulation materials. It also reflects sunlight. [University of Maryland]
Why do architects and designers still specify dangerous substances, such as lead? And what can be done when the safety of the public's health requires their removal? Blaine Brownell, AIA, explores. [ARCHITECT]
Inspired by the white scales of a Southeast Asian beetle, a team from the University of Cambridge has developed a a super-thin, non-toxic, lightweight, and edible ultra-white coating. [University of Cambridge]
University of British Columbia researchers have successfully created a new, cost-effective method for making smart, self-tinting windows. Project lead Wei Cheng deposited a solution that includes a metal ion onto glass, baking it into a film using ultraviolet light. The film is transparent until it becomes charged by electricity, upon which it tints to blue. This method negates the need of high temperatures or the sophisticated vacuum equipment that severely increases manufacturing costs in existing products. [University of British Columbia]
Call for Entries: ARCHITECT invites design firms, manufacturers, researchers, students, startups, and innovators in all building-related disciplines to enter its 12th annual R+D Awards by April 20. Winners will be featured in our July issue and online. [ARCHITECT]
