Nanotechnology & Nanoarchitecture

Contemporary Technology Glasses

TOWARDS A NEW ARCHITECTURAL VISION

5th International Architectural conference
Cairo University
16 – 17th December 2009
th

Dr. Olfat Kesheik

Head of construction Technology Department
High Institute for Architecture & Business Administration Technology,
Cairo, Egypt.
E-Mail: olfat.kesheik@gmail.com

Arch. Maged Fouad El-Samny

E-mail: magedelsamny@yahoo.com
Masters of Science in Architecture; University of Alexandria,
Faculty of Engineering,
ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology is still a fledging science but one that

has been forecast an extremely promising future with the
potential to change the world around us. A nanometer is one
billionth (10-9) of a meter, it offers ways to create smaller,
cheaper, lighter and faster devices that can do cleverer things,
use fewer raw materials and consume less energy.
The applications of nanotechnology are in all aspects of our
life, it can be pertained in medicine, industry,
communications, transportation, and more important,
architecture. The use of nanotechnology in architecture varies
from materials, equipments, to forms and design theories.
When introducing a new technology to a field such as the
construction industry, one should always first examine the
benefits it can bring. In case of the application of
nanotechnology, we are talking about added value, additional
functionality, as well as market demand with regard to product
development.

▪ Will it affect forms, design, materials.

▪ Can nanoarchitecture be extremely useful in hospitals
hotels…etc?

Keywords:
Nanotechnology, Nanoarchitecture, Nonmaterial, Nano
applications, Nanosurfaces, Nanosensors, Carbon Nanotubes,
and Nanocomposite,

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 Nanotechnology & Nanoarchitecture

Dr. Olfat Kesheik

Head of construction Technology Dept.High Institute for Architecture &
BusinessAdministration Technology,Cairo, Egypt.
E-Mail: olfat.kesheik@gmail.comn

Arch. Maged Fouad El-Samny

Masters of Science in Architecture;University of Alexandria,
Faculty of Engineering,
E-mail: magedelsamny@yahoo.com

Introduction:
Nanotechnology is currently all the rage.
Accordingly, both the term and the concept are much over-
used. Nevertheless, few people, and even fewer designers,
really know what nanotechnology actually is and what it is
good for.
Nanotechnology originates from
the Greek word meaning,
―dwarf‖. A nanometer is one
billionth (10 -9) of a meter, which
is tiny, only the length of ten
hydrogen atoms, or about one
hundred thousandth of the width
of a hair! In simple terms,
nanotechnology can be defined
as ‗engineering at a very small
scale‘, and this term can be
applied to many areas of research
and development.
All dimensions are approximate.

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Working at the nanoscale, scientists are creating new tools,
products, and technologies to address some of the world‘s
biggest challenges, including;
 clean, secure, affordable energy
 stronger, lighter, more durable materials
 medical devices and drugs to detect and treat diseases more
effectively with fewer side effects
 lighting that uses a fraction of the energy
 sensors to detect and identify harmful chemical or
biological agents in the air
 techniques to clean up hazardous chemicals in the
environment
Good design in principle is always based on demand, and in
this way contributes to the evolution of both nanomaterials and
the resulting nanoproduct – in the long term the materials and
products for which there is a demand will become established
whereas others will disappear from the market. The use of
nanotechnology is therefore not an end in itself but follows an
ongoing demand for innovation as a result of the growing
cooperation between scientific global entities of the each
country of the world.
This manipulation of matter at the nano scale has
provided the human with a different new technology
customized materials and technology; it is not an individual
science or technology; it is a uniting expression for the multi-
disciplinary area of producing technologies operating in the
area of extremely small size particles and materials. Many
products involving nanotechnology are already available and
the future applications seem endless in different areas ranging
from biomedicine, computers, consumer products, energy and
material design.
The aim of this research is to bring to light the applications
offered by nanomaterials in a particular sector and to examine

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the new materials from the point of view of architects, interior
designers and designers – is the right way to encourage people
to examine a new technology more closely, both critically as
well as enthusiastically. In particular, when they would
otherwise be unlikely to discover this field through scientific
publications on nanosciences and technologies.

Nano-Revolution:
Nano has the potential to become the flagship of the
new millennium‗s building methods and architectural style in
the developed as well as in the developing worlds
The world of materials science is witnessing a revolution in
the exploration of matter at the small scale. Sub-atomic
particles have been a fascination since the first half of the 20 th
century. High-energy accelerators allow us now to penetrate
the constituents of sub-atomic particles. New and improved
properties of materials whose constituting units are nanosized
objects make one explore these objects in further detail, and
many things inconceivable in the past can be achieved.
Imagine devices such as moving bodies 1000 times smaller
than a bacterium. Imagine complex machines as small as a
virus. In fact, the virus itself is such a machine, created by
nature. Reducing dimension and consequent exploration of
properties has no limit.

The advancements in nanotechnology necessitate many

questions among:
1- How will the society respond to the distribution and
diffusion of engineered nanomaterials, including
commodities, instrument facilities and services and how
will these change society?

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2- How will the architect use such novel cutting-edge
technology to create contributing innovative ideas that
positively reflect new architectural conceptions?
3- Would nanomaterials become the conventional materials of
the 21st century?
4- Nanotechnology is still in its infancy, we should make the
society aware of it in order to drive this technology to
improve its benefits for the society.

Nanoarchitecture:
Nanoarchitecture is the conversion of architecture in
the new nano revolution in the 21st century. The use of
nanotechnology in architecture varies from materials,
equipments, to forms and design theories.

Nanotechnology Together with architecture, it marks

up the Nanoarchitecture style, which is the use of
nanotechnology in architecture by either the new customized
materials or new shapes and forms of buildings. There are
numerous questions that any architect would ask when
confronted by a new building technology such as :
How will this building method aid in designing better
buildings? What alternatives will it provide? what are its
potentials and limitations? What defines its character? How
will this molecular growth process express itself?

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Nano-Design:

The international
integration has sparked a new
race of technological inventions
that helps the architect to develop
and create new architectural
trends.
Nanotechnology building on the
nanotech island, Second Life
The use of Nanotechnology in
architecture is wide and varies from the early stages of
sketching up to the final touches of finishing, especially in
choosing the right material which will not only reflect the
design but also has a great influence in the methodology of
thinking of architecture regarding the new vast options that the
nanotechnology offers.
Architects and other designers will become
increasingly ignorant of the composition and consequences of
the materials they use. Therefore, it is very important for
designers to keep informed of scientific developments. A
design area that will be influenced by nanotechnology is the
smart environment. Here, tiny embedded nanosensors will
make architectural features responsive. Since smart
architecture will be, changing states and communicating
heavily, architects will likely focus on relationships as much
as they focus on designed forms during the design stage. It is
likely that both forms and their relationships will make up
rule-based systems by which smart architectural spaces can
function. The science of nanotechnology continues to progress
and the design field stands to benefit. It is believed that design
creativity will reach new heights as innovative nanomaterials

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and nanosensors come together to give designers a renewed
palette.

Nanomaterials:

Nanotech's ―wonder materials‖ have the potential to

revolutionize how and what we build. One day, carbon
nanotubes and other nanomaterials could so radically
transform our material palette that paper-thin sheets might
hold up entire buildings, forcing us to completely rethink the
relationship between structure and skin.
Carbon nanotubes—sheets of graphite just one atom thick,
formed into a cylinder—are not only 50 times stronger than
steel and 10 times lighter, they are transparent and electrically
conductive to boot. Nanotubes are already the building blocks
for hundreds of applications, used to reinforce concrete and
deliver medication to individual cells.
There are many fascinating examples of nanotechnology
applications in new materials.
In the near term, nanocomposite reinforcement of steel,
concrete, glass, and plastics will dramatically improve the
performance, durability, and strength-to-weight ratio of these
materials. Before long, nano-reinforced glass might be used
for both structure and enclosure. Research that is now under
way to make Army vehicle windshields bomb-proof, using
polycarbonate-reinforced nanofibers, may soon be applicable
to building glass.

The application of nanosurfaces in interiors:

Nano functions have been employed in interior design
only occasionally if at all, and more or less by chance. A
schematic plan for a hospital room demonstrate concepts for a
general strategic approach to using nano functions in interior

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design. The overall concept varies depending on the respective
needs of the different uses. The spaces are optimized through
the strategic use of nanosurfaces with regard to aesthetic,
economical and ecological concerns. Improved comfort and
cost-effectiveness go hand in hand. Cost assessments should
take account not only of the initial expenditure but also the
follow-on costs, which are reduced considerably. Despite the
fact that these are visionary concepts, they could already be
realized today in this or a similar form.

NanoArchitecture – Hospitals:
Nanotechnology will help architects design better
hospitals and healthcare facilities for the benefit of society and
public health. Healthcare architecture will be optimized in
terms of aesthetics, economy, and ecology.
Functions like smooth workflows, safety, hygiene and low-
maintenance continue to form an important foundation for
good design. The cost factor is of great importance, not only
during initial investment but also in terms of follow-up costs.
At the same time, ecological aspect must not be ignored.
Already today, many nano-surfaces can be used to create an
intelligent, easy to clean healthcare facilities. When healthcare
facilities are redesigned, the available options should be
considered. The use of nano-surfaces reduces costs, saves
resources like energy and water, and last but not least
increases the quality of life for patients and employees alike.

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With rising concern about the spread of hospital super bugs,
healthcare trusts are increasingly looking to find better ways to
maintain hygienic standards in hospitals. The same concerns
are driving developments in the food industry and in
pharmaceutical companies. New nanotechnology paints for
walls, ceilings, and surfaces could be used to kill hospital
superbugs when fluorescent lights are switched on. Facilities
such as bathrooms and childcare facilities, public
conveniences and domestic bathrooms would all benefit from
good hygiene control. In all these places, surface hygiene
could be improved by the action of fluorescent light on
catalytic surfaces such as paints containing nanotitanium. This
would slow down contamination and save on the costs of
cleaning maintenance.

A novel approach of deploying nanotechnology in textiles to

reduce the spread of drug-resistant germs such as MRSA
infection rates in hospitals is a major public health concern. A
significant element of the MRSA problem arises from the use
of conventional textiles such as hospital gowns, curtains,
beddings and pillow covers. As a result, hospital sterility has
been a major concern. It is intended to develop
nanotechnology-derived textiles that will help hospitals in
their fight against MRSA.

Hygiene is of primary importance in operating theatres and

antibacterial tiling contributes to lessening the risk of
infection.

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Case Study – Sylvia Leydecker, Patient room of the future:

Hospital and hygiene go hand in hand. The hygiene

aspect is addressed through anti-bacterial functions. It is useful
for all light switches, call buttons, grips and tile surfaces to
have a special anti-bacterial and at the same time non-stick
surface. The anti-bacterial coating kills bacteria while the non-
stick surface ensures that the ―dead bacteria‖ do not form a
bio-film, which would reverse the desired effect. At the same
time, materials are available that enable the creation of a
comfortable atmosphere. Anti-bacterial bedding and work
clothes can also be used.

Textiles also serve to purify air and provide a living room

atmosphere. Paint, curtains and chair cushions achieve the
same effect. Unpleasant odors resulting for instance from
incontinence is chemically decomposed. Via oxidative
catalysis, odors and pollutants are eliminated in a matter of
hours. Not just odors, but also pollutants like nicotine and
formaldehyde can be cracked to filter them out of the air. To
avoid the sick building syndrome, the ability to eliminate
pollutants that may cause allergies, teary eyes, headaches etc.
is of great concern.

Self-cleaning windows ensure unclouded views. UV light

starts a photo catalytic reaction, which decomposes dirt with
the help of titanium dioxide. Due to being a hydrophilic
surface, rain does not drain down as drops but as water films
and takes the loose dirt with it. Cleaning intervals can be
significantly increased. Electro-chromatic windows dim rooms
in an efficient and environmental friendly manner. In contrast
to traditional electro-chromatic windows, only a single switch
rather than continuous current is necessary. With a single
switch, the window is dimmed and remains in this state until a

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further switch switches it back to its transparent state. Photo-
chromatic windows, which dim once sunlight falls on them,
are useful on the south side of buildings in order to protect
bed-ridden patients from glaring sunlight and ensure a more
comfortable room atmosphere. Both electro- and photo-
chromatic windows dim rooms, but still allow the patient to
see outside.

All bathroom objects are equipped with an easy-to-clean and

non-stick surface easing cleaning. Due to the hydrophobic
surface, dirt does not stick easily and in order to ensure
durability, the coating is scratchproof. The table surface and
the bathroom fittings are equipped with an anti-fingerprint
surface and are scratchproof.

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 02

01
03
08

07

04

05
06

A schematic plan for an office room in a bank branch with a general

strategic approach for the use of nanomaterials [2]
05 – Windows: Self-cleaning
01 – Shower Screen: Anti-fogging
photocatalytic

02 – W.C.: Easy to clean 06 – Screen: Anti-reflective

03 – Walls: Nanoparticles ceramic 07– Switches & Handles: Antibacterial,

covering non-stick

04 – Chairs: Dirt-repellent 08 – Carpet: Air-purifying

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Conclusion and Recommendations

1. It is not only the society but also the architect must be

aware of the dire outcome of growth-oriented
nanotechnology. Such technology gives us the opportunity
to move into new high value-added areas both by creating
new architecture and by radically changing traditional ones.
2. In the architectural planning process, it is necessary to
bring together the knowledge of different specialist
planners at an early stage. The use of nanotechnology in
the design and construction disciplines would be involved
by many applications and, all design phases from the early
sketches to the disposal of the built material.
3. Material design in particular will play a great role in our
perception of designing architecture and building
implementation.
4. We need architects, scientists and technologies to give
careful thought to any ethical, cultural, architectural and
environmental issues raised by nanotechnology, to say
whether any new regulatory controls are required, and to
enter into an open dialogue with the public.
5. It is an opportunity we must seize, and the governments
shall put in place the public goods such as a world-class
science and technology base, incentives for knowledge
transfer and high educational standards, to enable
companies to put innovation at the centre of their strategies
for the development of technology.
6. The applications of the nanotechnology in architecture
can vary widely from early stages of design to the final
touches of finishes and throughout the building's lifetime
7. With rising concern about the spread of hospital
superbugs, healthcare trusts are increasingly looking to find
better ways to maintain hygienic standards in hospitals.

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8. Nanotechnology would help us also overcome
environmental issues, such as the greenhouse effect, global
warming, or even the Ozone hole. By reducing the vast
amount of CO2 emissions from the built material, and
purifying the surrounding environments.
9. Finally, with the aid of new technologies, especially
nanotechnology the architecture would witness a gigantic
revolution in all architectural aspects. By starting to
deliberate his thoughts and conception of materials,
construction, forms, functions, programs, etc. the architect
has to cope with this new pace of technology and the
everlasting flood of information in the current century.
Thus, contributes to the architectural inspiration which
relies on the creativity with no limits in order to be able to
form new exquisite patterns of architecture, produce more
controversial ideas and create novel designs for the current
and future generations.

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References:

(1) Algorithmic Architecture. Kostas Terzidis. ElSevier Ltd.

2006. http://e-book-free.com/2008/08/25/algorithmic-
architecture-bykostasterzidis.html#more-316.
(2) El-Samny, Maged Fouad (2008) NanoArchitecture -
Nanotechnology and Architecture. Master‘s thesis, University
of Alexandria.
(3) Nano Materials in architecture, Interior architecture and
Design. Leydecker,Sylvia (2008)
(4) Nano The Essentials: Understanding Nanoscience and
Technology. Pradeep, T. McGrew Hill, New Delhi, (2007)
(5) Nanoarchitecture: A New Species of rchitecture. Johansen
John M. Princeton Architectural Press New York. (2002)
(6) Nanohouse. http://www.nano.uts.edu.au/about/australia.html.
(Retrieved March, 2008)
(7) Nanostudio explores architecture and nanotechnology.
http://www.nanotechbuzz.com/50226711/nanostudio_explores_
architecture_and_nanotechnology.php. (Retrieved September,
2008)
(8) Nanotechnology for the Dummies, The hitchhiker's guide to
Nanotechnology.Bookers, Richard & Boysen, Earl.Wiley
Publishing Inc. (2005)
(9) Nanotechnology: A science impacts Architectural Design.
http://sensingarchitecture.com/2009/02/11/nanotechnology-a-
science-impacting-architectural-design. (Retrieved March,
2009)
(10) Switched-on new nanotechnology paints for hospitals could
kill superbugs. http://www.physorg.com/news140205656.html

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