Building Design + Construction Interviews SoA Director

School of Architecture Director Blaine Brownell, FAIA, was interviewed by Building Design + Construction Executive Editor Robert Cassidy about new materials and systems for post-COVID construction. The interview was broadcast on March 11 via Horizon TV Construction Streaming.

In his interview, Brownell presented five trends or products in building technology that offer positive responses to global threats such as COVID-19 and climate change. Among those discussed were silicon dioxide coating to create germ-free surfaces, far-UV lighting that kills pathogens without harming people, and ventilated walls containing “shape memory alloy” structures that open and close like flowers in response to air, light, or heat.

Brownell also discussed the ongoing microalgae façade research of Associate Professor of Architecture Kyoung-Hee Kim. Kim, director of the Integrated Design Research Lab is currently field-testing a window system that incorporates a network of screens filled with microalgae. Microalgae growing within the window system produces a natural tinting of windows to create solar shade, thermal insulation, and carbon sequestration. In addition, the algae can then be harvested to create biofuel, medicines, or other beneficial uses.

Brownell, who is in his first year as SoA director, has written eight books on advanced and sustainable materials for architecture and design, and his work has been published in more than 70 architecture, design, science, and news journals, including The New York Times, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Nature.