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Marine sponges inspire the next generation of skyscrapers and bridges

Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a new lattice design inspired by marine sponge skeletons, achieving higher strength-to-weight ratios than traditional designs. The diagonal reinforcement strategy improves structural strength without adding material, paving the way for innovative infrastructural applications.

How building features impact veterans with PTSD

Veterans with PTSD prefer buildings with large windows, easy entrance and exit locations, open floor plans, and green spaces to feel comfortable. Interior design features like brighter colors and fewer furniture pieces also contribute to their comfort.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateAug 10, 2020

BIM & Lean Construction well-established in major firms but lacking within industry's SMEs

Research at the University of Huddersfield warns that smaller construction firms are missing out on cutting-edge techniques like BIM and Lean Construction, which can improve efficiency and productivity. The study found that SMEs are not adopting these practices, despite their potential to transform the industry.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateApr 28, 2020

Scientists came up with nanoconcrete for casting under negative temperature conditions

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University develop a novel concrete mixture with nano additives, allowing for casting under low-temperature conditions and reducing the need for major renewal after 50 years. The new mixture also exhibits improved strength, density, and durability compared to conventional concrete.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateFeb 28, 2020

Historic shadows in a glass house

Researcher Nora Wendl is re-examining the life and legacy of Edith Farnsworth, a pioneering female physician who commissioned Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to build Farnsworth House. By removing Mies-designed furniture, Wendl aims to showcase Farnsworth's own design vision and challenge traditional narratives of modern architecture.

Choice architecture for architecture choices

A new tool, Multicriteria Decision Aiding methodology, helps decision makers structure and aggregate complex information for social housing initiatives. The method, based on Analytical Hierarchy Process and Non-Additive Robust Ordinal Regression, provides a transparent and explainable outcome.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 24, 2018

How physics explains the evolution of social organization

A scientist at Duke University outlines how the constructal law of evolution in nature predicts the natural evolution of social organizations into larger and more complex communities. By applying this principle, Bejan shows why humans naturally organize themselves into societies with hierarchical systems to access finite resources.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research·DateJun 20, 2018

How plant architectures mimic subway networks

Researchers found that plant architectures mimic subway networks by balancing competing objectives of cost and performance. By analyzing 3D scans of growing plants, the team identified a universal design principle guiding plant growth, which could help increase crop yields or breed plants better adapted to climate change.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 26, 2017