Content uploaded by Wijdan Deyaa Abdul Jalil
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Wijdan Deyaa Abdul Jalil on Apr 18, 2020
Content may be subject to copyright.
Available via license: CC BY 3.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
PAPER • OPEN ACCESS
Smart textiles for the architectural façade
To cite this article: W D Abdul Jalil 2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 737 012078
View the article online for updates and enhancements.
This content was downloaded from IP address 37.236.176.45 on 17/04/2020 at 22:21
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution
of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
1
Smart textiles for the architectural façade
W D Abdul Jalil
Dep. of Civil Engineering / Univ. of Technology, Baghdad-Iraq
Email: 130017@uotechnology.edu.iq
Abstract. Historically, the availability of new materials inspires designers and
architects with new potential solutions. Recently, architectural applications have more
concerns about sustainable requirements, which are combined with the development of
nanotechnology. The availability of nanomaterials and nano-devices offer the
possibility to produce smart textiles. However, smart textiles witness a commercial
production and increasing application for the contemporary architectural façades. The
availability of nanomaterials adds smartness to the textiles by the use of a coating, like
self-healing, antimicrobial, anti-fouling, self-thermos regulating, etc. Other
nanomaterials are used like conductive ink, thermos-chromic inks, conductive
polymers, conductive threads, shape memory materials, piezoelectric materials, and
ceramic materials to produce nano-devices that add smartness to the textiles. The paper
aims to detect the inquiry about the multi-functional properties of smart textiles for the
architectural façade. The methodology follows a descriptive method to study the use of
smart textiles, relying on the data collected from previous theoretical literature. A
chosen case study has been described briefly and analysed to indicate the multi-
functional properties of smart textile used. As a conclusion, smart textiles are used
according to the purpose that is proposed by the designer. They are used to fulfil
aesthetic, structural and environmental functions. The most effective property is the
potentiality that has been available to create interactive and creative shapes and patterns
for the architectural façade with additional sustainable multi-functions.
1. Introduction
Using textile in architecture isn't new. However, textiles have many good properties like the clear-span
design, lightweight, flexible, quick to install, easy to relocate and easy to transport. They have low
weight/strength ratio. They need a low maintenance and less labor. [1] In recent years, many innovations
of nanotechnology in the industry of textile make them smart and active. While traditional materials
already have multi-functions, nanomaterials and nano-sensors add a new version for the 21st century
textiles to be used for the architectural façades. Smart textiles according to their types, introduce
additional multi-functions like thermal and sound insulating, ventilation controlling, sunlight
controlling, air filtering, solar energy collecting, wind energy collecting or motion energy collecting. [2]
So smart textiles witness a spared using in contemporary architecture. Recently, many textiles are
commercially available for architects and designers to be used to fulfil the functional and aesthetic
requirements of architecture and design.
2. Nanotechnology
It is a revolution that deals with controlling the manipulation of the material at the nanoscale. It affects
the characterization, improves or create new properties of the product. Nanotechnology extends to many
industrial fields, including architecture. The use of nanotechnology in architecture has not only been
determined by energy efficiency and sustainability but also been involved in the architectural design
process. Nanotechnology may be used in architectural applications with one or more functions such as
the characteristics of air purification, self-cleaning, anti-soiling, energy production, thermal regulation,
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
2
solar radiation protection and fire protection. [3] Nanotechnology provides a new set of materials like
electronic ink, biomaterials, conductive textiles that make the necessary collaboration between design
and science. [4] Thus, these inventions can produce a building that is more sustainable.
Nanotechnology adopts the mechanical principles of nature by simulating the biological functions of
organisms, then translated them to produce multi-functional products. It opens the new prospect for the
functional materials. Multi-functions acquire new collaboration between materials engineers, designers
and architects. Contemporary architects often adopt the new inventions in the architectural design. [4]
Nanotechnology depends on mimicking nature to produce materials with the principle of sustainability
like energy saving, recyclable and energy harvesting. [2] Every organism in nature has a cover layer to
protect its body like skin, hair, feathers, shell, which provide it with comfort and its own beauty. [2]
Textiles with the use of new nanomaterials, offer unique opportunities for mimicking organism’s
sustainable behavior.
Studying the biological systems are based on analyzing the principles of the sustainable system of
organisms. [5] Many examples of the micro and nano structures are available in nature. The structure of
the fabric of the plants, like coconut, palm, wood, pine cones or bamboo are arranged to get high
responsive and mechanical properties. Another example is the micro hierarchical structure of glass
sponge that is truss-like. Some experiments have been made to produce fabric that open or close the
pores of textiles as a response to increase or decrease the moisture in the interior spaces. The silk of
spiders has the properties of fineness, lustre, low weight, strength and softness. Nanotechnology makes
it possible to mimic natural silk as a model to produce industrial textile with extraordinary properties.
Nanotechnology aims to mimic spider to spin artificial silk in a sustainable process for many
applications. The surface of the lotus leaf has the properties of self-cleaning, mimicked by coating with
nano TiO2 to be used for industrial super hydrophobic textile surfaces that remain clean. [2]
3. Nanomaterials
They can improve mechanical and chemical properties to produce multi-functional textiles. However,
they present new electronic, magnetic, optical and biological functions. [3] The development of
nanomaterials includes many trends, including architecture that has led to changes in the process of
design itself. They enter into many architectural aspects like design processes, production and
manufacture of construction materials. Some nanomaterials possess the characteristics of the ability to
change their properties to provide thermal, mechanical, chemical and magnetic energy. That change is
based on the material properties or depending on the user preferences. The response may be limited to
the outer layer of the smart material. So, the change may be in color, shape or from one physical state
to another. [6] In addition to their effect, it is possible to use nanomaterials to design architectural
elements with dynamic aesthetics. It also provides flexibility and fulfilment of the requirements of
architecture adaptation to external and internal conditions to meet the appropriate level of user’s
comfort. [3] Nanomaterials can be produced at the molecular and nano level. In future, it is expected to
be used for improving the fabrication of nano-electronics, nano-machines for the industry of textiles,
which can’t just add new properties but lead to developing the process of producing electronic textiles.
[7]
4. Smart textiles
The Latin word “textilis” is the origin of the word textile. Smart textiles can be defined as any product
with fine thickness, high flexibility and multi-functional, made of any organic or inorganic materials
like fibers, membrane, films, foams, metals, polymers, leather or furs. [8] Smart textiles can be described
as interactive, responsive or adaptable. Their properties are offered by the embedded advanced materials
and the miniaturization of components to the nano or micro scale. [9] Smart textiles were introduced to
be used in the commercial industry in the nineties. The main concept was about their response to having
functional properties and the ability to respond to the change of the environment.
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
3
Kuusisto mentioned a categorization for smart textile to be passive or active. While the passive only
senses the environment, the active response to the stimuli that has been sensed. Another type that is
called very smart, which can sense electricity, chemical reactions, pressure and light. Then, they
respond, react or adapt the suitable response to the environment. Smart textiles have nano or micro
devices that can be micro encapsulated, sewn, embroidered, woven, coated or printed. Chromatic are
the most common materials to be used for smart textiles.
According to its type, chromatic materials can be the stimulus for electricity, electron beam, pressure
or temperature. [8] Youssef argued that smart textiles can be classified into three types: The first
generation (smart textiles) that responds to weather conditions. The second generation (active smart
textiles) contains sensors within the same tissue that control the texture in response to direct or indirect
changes. Electrically conductive polymers (conductive polymers) are used to allow the transmission
without the need for electronic wiring. They are provided with two types of components, sensors or
actuators. As an example, thermos-chromic materials are used to change the environment where the
crystal structure changes in response to environmental changes. [6]
Alioglu classified textiles in two main types: Uncoated and coated. Uncoated textiles are made of
fine fibers, then woven at the particular place. [10] examples of uncoated textiles are organic cotton
fiber, fluor polymer, polyesters, polymer polyethylene, polymer polyamide (nylon fibers), polymer
vectran and nonorganic fiberglass. [1] Coated textiles have been developed and available for façade
applications like woven based, coated on both exterior and interior sides, like polytetrafluoroethylene
PTFE, polyvinyl chloride PVC and ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene ETFE, which are the most commonly
used for the contemporary architecture. ETFE textiles are made of membrane foil; they can be used for
single layer, which provides low insulation and highlight transition. So, single layer is used for the
exterior sun shading. Multi-layers coated textiles are used to make pillows with two or more layers that
are better in thermal insulation, controlling solar lighting and flexibility. They can be printed with PV
cells or any patterns. PVC membrane is made of fiberglass, coated with Teflon or silicon. [10] Multi-
layers coated textiles have better thermal and less U-values. [11]
4.1. Smart coatings Smart coatings
According to their type, Smart coatings are used for their fire resistance, UV resistance, durability, fold-
ability, store-ability, move-ability, self-cleaning or recycle-ability. [10] They are also used to protect
textiles against the attack of high ultraviolet (UV) levels, bacteria, fungi, infrared radiation (IR), scratch,
micro cracks or damage. [12] Some types of smart coating of the textiles are the following:
4.1.1. Self-healing and antimicrobial coating include spherical micro-capsules to repair the damage
formation in any stage. These micro-capsules are filled with the healing agent that cure the damage.
Antimicrobial coatings are used to protect textiles against microorganisms and bacterial growth, like
metal-based, nanomaterials. Antimicrobial coating with metal-based are coated during textile extrusion,
these metals include silver, copper, zinc, titanium. [12] Nano TiO2 and Nano ZnO are photo-catalysts,
which means that they can absorb the energy of light (photons) and decompose the bacteria and other
microorganisms. [13]
4.1.2. Self-cleaning coatings are coated with self-cleaning hydrophobic nanomaterial are capable of
having self-cleaning properties as anti-bacteria and pollutant degradation. So, self-cleaning coating, like
nano TiO2 and nano ZnO, simulate (Lotus Effect) of natural lotus leaf, which has micro-rough
composition on its surface and it is covered by nano structured wax crystals to repel drops of water and
remove dirt. [13]
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
4
4.1.3. Anti-fouling coatings like copper or heavy metal is the base of the anti-fouling coatings, which
are used and available. However, there are environmental concerns about some toxic compounds.
Coatings protect textiles against UV radiation of sunlight and some artificial discharge lamps by
breaking down UV into harmless radiation. IR-reflective pigments or low emissivity (Low-E) coatings
is used as multi - layers to protect against (IR heat) by reflecting up to 70%. These coatings decrease
energy consumption and adjust comfortable temperature for the interior spaces because IR is about 53%
of sunlight radiation and it is responsible for the heating phenomena. [12]
4.1.4. Self-thermos regulating coatings imitate organisms to keep their body temperature, in spite of
the change of their surrounding environment. Self-thermos regulated smart textiles contains micro-
capsules of phase changing materials PCM. These materials can conversely change their crystal structure
from a liquid into a solid state, according to the change of the environment. [13]
4.1.5. Optical coatings are multi-layers with nano or micro thickness, made of layers of thermos-
chromic transparent polymer materials (polyester and nylon. Light emitting diodes LED's lights, which
interact with the environment. Optical textiles are lightweight, flexible, waterproof and don't consume
energy. They can change their absorptivity, transmissivity and reflectivity depending on intrinsic and
extrinsic factor; they can change their colours or become luminous and transmits signal with the aid of
digital computer tools. [6]
4.2. Electronic textiles (e-textiles) and conductive textiles
They could be electrically conductive, made with plastic, steel, aluminium or carbon. Optical textiles
can be used to carry computer data, signals of light or sound waves. Electrically generating textiles, as
an example, polyethylene terephthalates are made to be responding to the change of the environment.
PV (photo-voltaic cells) are integrated into smart textiles to generate electricity in the presence of sun’s
light. So, textiles work as substrates to the PV cells. [8] Electronic textiles (e- textiles) include computer
and electronic micro or nano devices, like micro-controllers, electro-luminescent (EL) or active
materials integrated or embedded in smart textiles, that sense or process some operation to make these
textiles adaptable. They can be used by contemporary designers for interior or exterior of the
architectural design like carpets, furniture, walls and façades. Smart e-textiles are responsive to the
environment depending on the materials which they are made of, so they can change their shape, colour
or sizes. Smart textile's properties are related to the development of conductive ink, conductive
polymers, conductive threads, conductive coatings, shape memory material, piezoelectric materials,
chromatic materials, thermo-chromic inks. [7] Some of these electronic devices and materials are used
for electric power distribution, sensor, actuator, optical fibers, transmission of digital signals, heating
resistors, flexible LED's / OLED's lights, solar cells, thermos-electric or piezo-electric devices. [13]
5. Functions of smart textiles for the architectural façade
Smart textiles are designed to be multi-functional. They are used not only for aesthetics, but also for
multiple benefits, like lightness, fold-ability, ephemerality, flexibility or dynamic. [9] The applications
of smart textiles are controlled by nanotechnology and digital fabrication. Environmental concerns about
sustainability make architects to design façades on the principles of technical solutions and energy
saving to maximize material saving. The success keys for the use of textiles in architectural façades are:
1-Reducing of weight while ensuring the highest environmental performance. 2-Minimizing the time of
the cladding process and maintenance by allowing easy methods of replacing damaged parts. 3-Having
a high-dimensional stability, especially if the textile is wrapped over all the building. [14] Smart textiles
could be electrically conductive, made with plastic, steel, aluminum or carbon. Optical textiles can be
used to carry computer data, signals of light or sound waves. Electrically generating textiles, as an
example, polyethylene terephthalates are made to be responding to the change of the environment. PV
(photo-voltaic cells) are integrated into smart textiles to generate electricity in the presence of sunlight.
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
5
So, textiles work as substrates to the PV cells. [8] Smart textiles provide one or more functions for the
architectural façade like the following:
5.1. Enhancing strength and reducing the cost of the materials:
Smart textiles are designed to resist the high tensile strength. In addition, the ratio of strength/weight is
high. So, using lightweight textiles, minimize the dead load of the façade, while they can withstand the
wind loads. The use of smart textiles offers new structural properties like sharing loads, resistance to
corrosion, frost, thaw and failure feedback. [11] However, the low weight and flexibility in the structure
of textiles are valued for their architectural applications. [2]
Smart textiles have the capability to withstand the loads with less weight in other parts of the
structures. They also minimize the amount of materials to be consumed in their production. They are
also able to be recycled, which meet eco-design strategies. [8] The relation of textiles to the substructure
can be categorized into three types: 1-Textiles that wrap the envelope totally, must be fixed to
substructure that are made of rigid materials like concrete, steel or wood. 2-Textile that are installed as
panels, will be as similar as the traditional curtain wall. 3- Textiles that are used as multi- layers' cushions
are cladded to the substructure. So, the membrane doesn't cover the whole façade. Therefore, it is
regarded as a screen for the sunlight protection. 4-Apneumatic structure made of air- supported multi-
layers' cushions are designed to be self-standing and fixed on the foundations. [14]
5.2. Providing new aesthetic proprieties:
Smart textiles offer new tectonics; a new relationship between the structure and the elements of façade
and the materials. However, this changes the traditional relation of structure and façade, the structural
framework and the envelope of the architecture. [9] Smart textiles make it possible to obtain non-
traditional architectural forms for the design of façades to bring motion and new aesthetics. [10] Textile
has flexibility and elasticity that they allow more complex architectural forms and hybrid patterns. [6]
Single or double surfaces could be adopted for free-form architectural design with the use of textiles for
the replacing of glass. Otherwise, they are used for the covering glass to defuse and optimize sunlight,
heating and glare. [15]
5.3. Providing the possibility of resisting weather conditions and enhancing environmental interaction
and sustainability:
Smart textiles have the ability to resist one or more of weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, UV
rays, extreme weather conditions, light absorption or reflection. They control the passage of light or
have acoustic insulation feature, self-cleaning and self-repairing. Innovation supports sustainability by
enhancing environmental interaction, adaptability, symbiosis, intelligent systems, smart materials and
durable structures. Multi-functional materials depend on the study of the flow system of energy in
organisms, like trees and lungs to imitate their ability to adjust temperature in the best way. Sustainable
materials as a principle may include recyclability, re-usability, durability and energy efficiency. [3]
Contemporary architecture deals with multi-functional textiles by employing their full characteristics to
create the creative architectural form and performance. Smart textiles are used for the sustainable goals,
related to textile properties. They are better than energy conservation or production, heat isolation
ability, solar heat and light transmission controlling, dynamic loads resisting, fires resisting and
recycling. [10] Textiles can be easier to be re - manufactured or recycled than rigid materials. [16]
5.4. Remembering their original shape:
Smart textiles can be provided with (shape memory metal strips) that has the ability to remember their
shape at the designed degree of temperature. They can be used to cover the façades to sense heat, then
change their shapes according to the change of temperature. So, the change of these strips will affect the
textile to be responding to the change too. [6] Shape memory materials, like metal (SMA), polymers
(SMP) or ceramics (SMC), can return to their original shape after removing the stimuli like the change
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
6
of temperature, pH-value, UV-light, stress, electric or magnetic fields. So that return may be a change
in position or porous size that is controlling water vapour, strain, friction or stiffness. SMA is used to
control solar gain for adaptable façades. [17]
5.5. Self-cleaning:
an extra coating TiO2 can be provided as a self-cleaning thin layer. [8] Piezo-ceramic materials change
in response to changes in pressure, while phase change material changed as a response to the rise of the
temperature from the crystalline to the liquid state. The third generation (Ultra Smart Textile) that has
the ability of both of the self-responsive and adaptable according to the external changes. The
availability of nano microprocessors that are embedded in smart textiles offer them the ability to change
their shapes as a real-time response to the environmental changes. Nanotechnology offers a new concept
to create what could be called as a "breathing wall" using shape memory strips of metal, which are
integrated into the textile wall, [18] but the concept is still in an experimental stage.
6. Smart textiles for the architectural façade (Case studies)
The paper chooses 10 case studies that are arranged according to the date of their completion to describe
the multi-functions of the smart textiles as shown in (table 1.), then compares them to detect the
availability of textile's functional properties as shown in (table 2.).
Table 1. Smart textiles for the architectural façade.
The image of the case study
Case study number and the description of the smart textiles
Case study No.1: Cheops Technology building by the Architect Sarl
Arsene Henry in Canejan, France, 2019. The printed (Solits FT381) textile
façade is made of a single layer, stretched and wrapped around three sides
of the building and fixed to extruded profiles of special aluminum alloy. It
is digitally printed with a protective layer (PU varnish). The textile
provides insulation and a sun-breaker functions and it controls the
temperature inside the building. [19]
Case study No.2: Schuco Green Tower by Lena Ganswindt, Ankit Patel,
Mahsa Shafghnia and Malu Lücking in Bielefeld, Germany, 2017: It is an
experimental application for the electro-active Polymer (EAP) as a second
skin behind the glass façade. The membrane is designed to the functions
of (liquid breathing) and energy generating by movements of the textile.
The generating process is based on both form finding of membrane and
shape geometry and is stimulated by rainwater storage or water drops
falling. [20]
Case study No.3: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium by the architects Pattern
Design (Ltd.) in Al Ain, UAE, 2013. The desired architectural appearance
based on a façade that look like (palm bole), which is made of glass-PTFE
membrane panels, fixed on the diagrid steel structure. The panels have a
shading function, while it allows viewing of the exterior. At night, the
panels can be illuminated by LED's lights in various colors. The membrane
used is anti-flame, self-cleaning, anti-dirt and 100% recyclable. [11]
Case study No.4: Fraunhofer Institute IBMT by architect Hammeskrause
in Sulzbach, Germany, 2013: The building is covered with self-structured
envelope, which is made of ETFE membrane cushions. It is coated with
Teflon layer (water resisting) and anti-bacterial layer, and is also resistant
to dirt and UV. It is easy to repair and reflects radiation effectively [14]
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
7
Case study No.5: Soft House by the architect KVA Matx in Hamburg,
Germany, 2013. It is an example of using the innovative textile shading
which are elastic and kinetic. The flexible PTFE membrane is used in
making PV curtains that obtain free energy, while they are protecting the
façade from direct sunlight. The smart curtains bend smartly to face the
best angle of the sun to accurate the orientation of the PV cells to have a
vertical angle with the lights of the sun. The membrane also provided with
LED's lighting to add enjoyment, while the surface itself carries the energy
and information. [3]
Case study No.6: Beatbox Coca-Cola by architects Asif Khan and Pernilla
Ohrstedt in London, 2012: The screen of façade is made of two layers of
red and white ETFE cushions supported by an aluminum frame. The
membrane façade has a sculpture function with LED's lighting. It is
designed with interaction devices that are integrated into the membrane to
turn the building to seem as a musical instrument by making it interact
through the change of lighting. [21]
Case study No.7: Uniqlo Shinsaibashi Building by the Architect Sou
Fujimoto in Osaka, Japan, 2010: The façade is covered with triple layered
cushions made of (158 ETFE) membrane, which is silver printed, designed
to offer weather protection and thermal insulation. It is also provided with
embedded LED lights that show patterns and shapes by programming. [21]
Case study No.8: iHome Lab by the Architects Lisher partner in Lucerne,
Switzland, 2008: The façade is covered with louvers made of composite
membrane that control the penetration of sunlight being curved. The
louvers can also change their color at night as response to the movement
of the people who approach to the façade of the building. [22]
Case study No.9: The Allianz Arena by the Architects Herzog and de
Meuron in Munich, 2005. The project has the biggest membrane covering
that are made of self-cleaning and fire resistant inflated ETFE pillows,
fixed on a metal net. These pillows reflect the indoor event and are
provided with LED lights. The façade is illuminated with the same color
of the clothes of the team that is playing. It interacts with the inside events
that are happening at the time and it has PV Integration devices. [10] [23]
Case study No.10: Gerontology Centre by the Architects Siegert in Bad
Tolz, Germany, 2003: Architect’s intention is creating a building as a snail
shape to protect its façade and the walkways. So, the façade is covered with
a single layer of ETFE membrane coated with transparent film and has the
property of self-cleaning. The membrane covers the complete span of the
building that makes it possible for a continuous view and the penetration
of natural light. The screen can be illuminated and opened at night for
effective (stack ventilation) [22]
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
8
Table 2. The smart multi–functions textiles that are used for the architectural façades of the
case studies. The plus symbol refer to the viability of function.!
Textile's functional properties
NO. of Case study
Total
%
!
"
#
$
%
&
'
(
)
!
*
+,-./01-02,345
627-0/879!
New aesthetics
10
100%
LED's lighting
8
80%
Optical propriety
7
70%
:8790,2-0/87345627-0/879!
Strength enhancement
9
90%
Easy installing
10
100%
Easy repairing
10
100%
Solar Protection
10
100%
UV resisting
9
90%
Sensing and Responding
6
60%
Computing
6
60%
Kinetic
3
30%
Environmental functions
Energy harvesting
3
30%
Self- cleaning
10
100%
Anti-bacterial
3
30%
Anti-dirt
10
100%
Recyclability
3
30%
Fire Resisting
9
90%
Thermal insulating
9
90%
Breathing
1
10%
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
9
7. Conclusion
• The highest percentage (90-100%) of the smart textile's functions in the façades of the case
studies, as it is shown in (table 2), is for the new aesthetics, easy installing, fire Resisting, easy
repairing, water resisting, solar protection, thermal insulating, self-cleaning and anti-dirt,
because they are highly demanded for the architectural, structural and environmental concerns.
However, the less percentage (60-80%) of the functions, is for the LED's lighting, optical
propriety, sensing/responding and computing, due to textile's benefits that are related to the
attraction appearance, like playing with lights, advertising or decorating function. The much
less percentage (10-30%), is for the kinetics, energy harvesting, recyclable and breathing
functions, where these functions are still uncommercial. However, smart textiles are used
according to the purpose that is proposed by the designer to fulfil aesthetic, structural,
environmental and sustainable multi- functions, but the most used functions are about the desire
for the new approach of architecture and the interesting appearances.
• Nanotechnology provides textiles with materials and devices to be smart. So, designers get a
new set of materials to deal with. Multi-functional textiles, containing functional coating and
energy harvesting devices, give the appropriate design solutions for lightweight, long span, low
cost, sustainable, multi-functions architectural façades. This leads to the challenge and necessity
for the architect to be educated with the knowledge about the properties of smart textiles in order
to use them as a starting point to operate the whole design process and extend the limits of
creativity of multi-functional complex patterns in architectural design.
• The future will witness a continuous development and an increasing use of smart textiles for the
architectural façades because of their sustainable ecological benefits and unique appearance.
References
[1]
M Z ElDars and A S Algendy 2011 A Review: Biomimicry in textiles: past, present and
Fabric in Egypt,” Vol. 13, no. 46, pp 134-146
[2]
L Eadie and T K Ghosh 2011 A Review: Biomimicry in textiles: past, present and,” Journal
of The Royal Society Interface, pp 762-766
[3]
N K Parthenopoulou and M Malindretos 2016 Materials Today in Proceedings 3
[4]
S Bonnemaison and C Macy 2007 Responsive Textile Environments, Dalhousie architectural
press
[5]
W D Abdul Jalil 2016 The application of biomimicry in kinetic façades The journal of
Engineering Vol.22 No.10, p 28
[6]
M M Youssef 2017 Smart textiles as hybrid interactive materials, a responsive behavior
International Design Journal, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp 2015-226
[7]
M Andonovska, 2009 E-textiles: The intersection of computation and traditional textiles,
Master Thesis, Medialogy Aalborg University Copenhagen
[8]
T K Kuusisto 2010 Textile in architecture. Master’s Thesis, Tampere University of
Technology
[9]
D Dumitrescu 2013 Relational textiles: Surface expressions in space design, PhD thesis,
Studies in Artistic research No. 7. The Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås
[10]
T Alioglu and A Sirel 2018 The use of textile-based materials in shell system, design in
architecture and an evaluation in terms of sustainability Contemporary Urban Affair,
vol. 2, no. 3 pp 88– 94
[11]
C Paech 2016 Structural membranes used in modern building façades in International
Symposium on "Novel structural skins - Improving sustainability and efficiency through
new structural textile materials and designs
BCEE4
IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 737 (2020) 012078
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/737/1/012078
10
[12]
P Heyse, D Vilder and M V C Centexbel 2016 Smart, durable and self-healing textile coatings,
Textile Competence Centre, Ghent, Belgium, Elsevier Ltd
[13]
T W Cheung and L Li 2018 Sustainable development of smart textiles: A review of self
functioning abilities which makes textiles alive Journal of Textile Engineering &
Fashion Technology, vol. 4, no. 2, pp 151-156
[14]
C Monticilli 2015 Membrane cladding in architecture in J., Fabric Structures in Architecture,
Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles no.165, Elsevier, pp 499-500
[15]
E H Wærsted 2014 Textiles in the material practice of architects–oppportunities towards
transformable surfaces, PhD dissertation, DTU Management Engineering, 2014
[16]
A R Koehler 2010 Overview of 100 climate adaptive building shells, MSc thesis report
Eindhoven University of Technology
[17]
W D Abdul Jalil 2017 The role of smart materials in adaptable façades Institute of theUnion
of Arab Universities for Engineering Studies and Research, vol. 24, no. 2, p 107
[18]
M Youssef 2017 Kinetic behavior, the dynamic potential through architecture and design. Int.
J. Comp. Meth. and Exp. Meas. , vol. 5, no. 4, pp 607-618
[19]
[Online]. Available: https://www.highpoint-structures.com/structures/structures-
textiles/façades-textiles/textilefaçade-for-cheops/. [Accessed 12 5 2019]
[20]
U Knaack and Pottgiesser, 2017 Uta, Efficient Envelopes, efnMOBILE 2.0, TU Delf
[21]
S Hunkin and J a S A Ling 2017 Textile based architecture, exploring the state of art,
Greenvate, European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research
[22]
R Loonen 2010 Overview of 100 climate adaptive building shells. MSc thesis report,
Eindhoven University of Technology, 2010
[23]
A P L Fiúza 2016 Polymeric membranes in architecture, Master Thesis, The Technical
University of Lisbon in Portugal
