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Nanotechnology, the ability to manipulate matter at the scale of less
than one billionth of a meter, has the potential to transform the built
environment in ways almost unimaginable today. Nanotechnology is already
employed in the manufacture of everyday items from sunscreen to clothing,
and its introduction to architecture is not far behind. On the near horizon,
it may take building enclosure materials (coatings, panels and insulation)
to dramatic new levels of performance in terms of energy, light, security
and intelligence. Even these first steps into the world of nanotechnology
could dramatically alter the nature of building enclosure and the way
our buildings relate to environment and user. At mid-horizon, the development
of carbon nanotubes and other breakthrough materials could radically alter
building design and performance. The entire distinction between structure
and skin, for example, could disappear as ultralight, super-strong materials
functioning as both structural skeleton and enclosing skin are developed.
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