chaPter 12 the Broader context
510
control them, or, minimally, provide warnings, such as following too closely. Safety can surely be improved by a host of these
means. In other areas, display and other communication systems
will become better. Driving safety, for example, can be improved
via enhanced road views projected onto dyecoated windshields
(headsup or other kinds of displays) that highlight hazards or
warnings as part of the viewer experience—for example, crossing
pedestrians are highlighted.
Improved way finding and navigation systems are surely expected.
Driver alert systems are already being explored and could save
many lives. In this unfortunate age of biothreats, biosensors that
can provide warnings are certainly feasible. Though only occasionally discussed, the potential of sensors and devices for health monitoring and communication is surely there. Here there are detection
and communication of vital signs during crashes; communication
of similar information during medical emergencies (heart attacks,
stroke, or the like) as well as driver and vehicle status information,
and more ongoing personal health maintenance, such as blood
pressure levels.
12.3 the BuIldIng and
constructIon Industry
directions
Large portions of this book have addressed specific needs and potential uses of nanomaterials in the building industry. Industry characteristics were also discussed in Chapter 3. Still, it is useful to view
the topic in a summary fashion on a par with other industry discussions in this chapter, simply to put it into perspective. A question
always of interest to architects, for example, is whether the essential visible forms of architecture will undergo radical or disruptive
changes as a consequence of developments in nanomaterial and
nanotechnologies, as was the case with the faddish plethora of
“blob” architecture in the last decade, when architects discovered
powerful digital modeling tools. As we will see, this is a highly
doubtful scenario. Most changes will be largely incremental and
many seemingly “invisible” to the eye, although some will indeed
have strikingly visible manifestations (the obvious referent here is in
relation to light and optical phenomena). Highly positive benefits
that have less visible manifestations, however, will accrue through
performance increases in the many systems and components of a
building. Performance attributes will improve. Our buildings will be
better. They will serve society better.
510
control them, or, minimally, provide warnings, such as following too closely. Safety can surely be improved by a host of these
means. In other areas, display and other communication systems
will become better. Driving safety, for example, can be improved
via enhanced road views projected onto dyecoated windshields
(headsup or other kinds of displays) that highlight hazards or
warnings as part of the viewer experience—for example, crossing
pedestrians are highlighted.
Improved way finding and navigation systems are surely expected.
Driver alert systems are already being explored and could save
many lives. In this unfortunate age of biothreats, biosensors that
can provide warnings are certainly feasible. Though only occasionally discussed, the potential of sensors and devices for health monitoring and communication is surely there. Here there are detection
and communication of vital signs during crashes; communication
of similar information during medical emergencies (heart attacks,
stroke, or the like) as well as driver and vehicle status information,
and more ongoing personal health maintenance, such as blood
pressure levels.
12.3 the BuIldIng and
constructIon Industry
directions
Large portions of this book have addressed specific needs and potential uses of nanomaterials in the building industry. Industry characteristics were also discussed in Chapter 3. Still, it is useful to view
the topic in a summary fashion on a par with other industry discussions in this chapter, simply to put it into perspective. A question
always of interest to architects, for example, is whether the essential visible forms of architecture will undergo radical or disruptive
changes as a consequence of developments in nanomaterial and
nanotechnologies, as was the case with the faddish plethora of
“blob” architecture in the last decade, when architects discovered
powerful digital modeling tools. As we will see, this is a highly
doubtful scenario. Most changes will be largely incremental and
many seemingly “invisible” to the eye, although some will indeed
have strikingly visible manifestations (the obvious referent here is in
relation to light and optical phenomena). Highly positive benefits
that have less visible manifestations, however, will accrue through
performance increases in the many systems and components of a
building. Performance attributes will improve. Our buildings will be
better. They will serve society better.