Faculty Member: Simon Laflamme
Co-PIs: Rob Whitehead, Ayodele Iyanalu (College of Design)
Funding Source(s): NSF CMMI
Description
Imagine a building that “bends” to follow the sun or “snaps” into a new shape to provide instant shade—all without using a single watt of power to stay in place. A multi-university research team, led by Professor Simon Laflamme at Iowa State University, is turning this futuristic concept into a reality. Supported by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation, the project aims to revolutionize building envelopes using multi-stable systems.
The “Slap Bracelet” Strategy
The secret behind this technology lies in the same physics as a child’s slap bracelet. These mechanisms are “multi-stable,” meaning they can hold multiple different shapes indefinitely without an external power source. When applied to rainscreen systems on large buildings, these structures can be “flipped” into new configurations to optimize sunlight or ventilation, maintaining their position passively.
Historically, these complex mechanisms were nearly impossible to manufacture at scale. However, the team is leveraging advanced 3D printing technology to bridge the gap between theoretical design and real-world construction.
Impacts
The implications for the civil engineering, architecture, and construction industry are significant. Beyond energy savings from natural climate control, the project focuses on two key breakthroughs: 1) Structural Resiliency: Adaptive envelopes allow buildings to better withstand environmental stressors and changing climates; 2) Lightweight Efficiency: Through “form-finding” (calculating the most efficient shape for a structure), researchers can create deployable systems that use significantly less material than traditional methods.
As 3D printing continues to evolve, the “living” building envelope may soon become a standard feature of the modern skyline, offering a more sustainable and resilient way to house the world’s population.
