Phase 01: Definition and Classification

Reading Tip:
Michelle Addington, Daniel Schodek: Smart Materials and Technologies, Architectural Press, 2005

In this book material and technologies are categorized by behavior- physical and phenomenological- and overlaid with increasing component and system complexity.

Smart Materials characteristics:
SM – Type 1: Property changing-Intrinsic response variation of material to specific internal or external stimuli (Thermochromic, Magnetorheological, Thermotropic, Shape memory):
SM – Type 2: Energy exchanging- responses can be computationally controlled or enhanced (Photovoltaic, Thermoelectric, Piezoelectric, Photoluminescent, Electrostrictive)

A smart material has an inherent “active” behavior that makes it to fit into several categories. For example: electrochromic glass is simultaneously a glazing material, a window, a curtain wall system, a lighting control system or an automated shading system. It has a lot to do with new technologies.
It is necessary a multi-layered classification of SM according to its physical behavior (what it does) and the phenomenological behavior (the results, the effects, the actions, what do we want the material to do?, the architect’s intention). The SM produce direct effects on the energy environments (luminous, thermal, and acoustic), or indirect effects on systems (energy generation, mechanical equipment).

Assignment 1.1

Traditional Architectural Classifications:

USA- Construction Specifications institute (CSI)
Material ConneXion
Technotextiles (book on Fashion Design materials)
Other Classification Systems (Material Science, Engineering)


The internal structure of materials:
Related to material behavior. Knowledge of atomic and molecular structure to understand the intrinsic properties of materials. Bonding forces.
- Solid materials

Properties of materials:
- Intrinsic properties (molecular structure- chemical composition- for ex. strength)
- Extrinsic properties (macrostructure-for ex. optical properties)
Total of 5 material properties indicative of the energy stimuli that every material must respond to: mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, optical.


Traditional Materials characteristics:
TM- Fixed responses to external stimuli (material properties remain constant under normal conditions).

TM may range from:

1) Primary material classes:
- Metals (pure metals, transitional metal);
- Ceramics;
- Polymers;

2) Derivated classes:
- Composites (High performance strength or stiffness applications. Reinforcing materials, Resin and Matrix materials, Core materials)

Nanomaterials (Nanotechnology)