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Reben
Developed by Japan-based Suzuran Corporation, Reben is an environmentally remediating paint
made from 100 percent natural ingredients. Created as a response to sick-building syndrome
and poor indoor-air quality, Reben emits no harmful volatile organic compounds and actually
cleans the air. The environmentally friendly coating, which means “alive” in German, is comprised
of powdered Japanese washi paper, seaweed glue, scallop-shell powder, titanium dioxide, and
natural pigments. Washi naturally controls humidity, absorbing moisture during the summer and
releasing it during the winter. Scallop-shell powder prevents mold and bacteria growth, as well
as flame-spread. Titanium dioxide acts as a photocatalyst, deodorizing the air and absorbing
pollution when the paint surface is illuminated. Despite its completely natural and edible
composition, Reben is a durable coating that is preferable to wallpaper. Its textured surface
conveys a plasterlike richness, and it is available in a variety of textures, colors, and integrated
natural grasses. Reben has no chemical glues or dyes that would negate its positive effects.
www.ydny.com
Synthetic Gecko
Scientists at BAE Systems have created an artificial surface that grips incredibly tightly without
glue or pressure. A sheet of this material just over 1 square meter could be used to suspend the
weight of an average family car. Called Synthetic Gecko, the new adhesive is inspired by the gecko
lizard, whose ability to scurry up vertical walls and windows has intrigued people for centuries
and inspired comic book characters like Spiderman. “We wanted to mimic this ability,” said Jeff
Sargent, research physicist at BAE Systems’ Advanced Technology Centre. “We recognized that a
synthetic material could have tremendous engineering potential not only in our own aerospace
and defense businesses, but also in other commercial applications.” The gecko gets its ability to
stick without glue from the soles of its feet which are patterned with millions of tiny hairs with
split ends. At the tip of each split is a mushroom shaped cap less than one-thousandth of a
millimeter across. These ensure the gecko’s toes are always in very close contact with the surface
beneath – so close that molecular forces of attraction create the grip. The grip is released by a
peeling action when the animal lifts its foot to break the bond. Using their micro-engineering
clean room facilities, BAE Systems’ scientists, led by Jeff Sargent and Sajad Haq, created layers
comprising thousands of microscopic polyimide stalks with splayed tips, closely resembling the
mushroom headed hairs on a gecko’s feet. The next step in the development program comprises
further research into the influence of surface roughness and water on the adhesive properties
of the material, to ensure that it is effective on a wide range of surface roughness. A number
of potential business applications for Gecko have been identified, ranging from instant repair
patches for holed structures such as fuel tanks and aircraft skins, access panels without fasteners
or even the rapid attachment of armor panels. Synthetic Gecko could also be used for new
building materials, personal safety harnesses and for super grip tires and training shoes.
www.baesystems.com
Interactive Ink
Inks that change color with temperature or light intensity. They can be painted on architectural
surfaces.
www.ctiinks.com
Maximillian’s Schell
The new vortex-shaped, outdoor installation by architects Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues
warps the flow of space with a featherweight rendition of a celestial black hole. Hovering over the
courtyard of Los Angeles-based Materials & Applications, “Maximilian’s Schell” is a spectacle the
size of an apartment building that has been stopping traffic along Silver Lake Boulevard since its
unveiling in June. Constructed with tinted Mylar resembling stained glass, the vortex functions
as a shade structure, swirling above the outdoor gallery. Beginning development over a year ago,
the designers created a project that functions as architecture, sculpture, and a “made-to-order”
product. They achieved their aesthetic effects by manipulating Mylar, internally reinforced with
bundled Nylon and Kevlar fibers, with a sophisticated computer controlled (CNC) cutting machine.
The transparent amber-colored film offers UV-resistance through a golden metallic finish. The
result is neither a tent-type membrane nor a cable net structure in the manner of Frei Otto, but
a unique tensile matrix comprised of 504 different instances of a parametric component, each
cut using the CNC system. As though warped by the force of gravity, the components continually
change scale and shape as they approach the center or “singularity” of the piece.
www.ball-nogues.com