Trans RINA, Vol 156, Part C1, Intl J Marine Design, Jan - Dec 2014
or interactive - reacting to user stimulus (movement, sound, touch). The ability of these systems to sense and respond to user needs/desires is referred to as Ambient Intelligence (AmI). AmI systems can be characterised by being:
embedded, context adaptive and anticipatory [24].
There are many (rapidly evolving) technologies behind these surfaces. They are becoming increasingly more durable, efficient and indeed marvellous. Perhaps this will be the next trend in superyacht design?
The Greenpix Zero Energy Media Wall (Figure 18) in Beijing by SGP Architects features ‘the largest colour LED display worldwide… the building performs as a self-sufficient organic system, harvesting solar energy by day and using it to illuminate the screen after dark, mirroring a day’s climatic cycle.’ [25]
aware, personalise-able,
Radical increases in resource efficiency A move from linear to closed loop cycles A move from the fossil fuel economy to a solar economy [26]
Given the superyacht’s large carbon footprint, and its need for self-sufficiency when at sea, it would seem imperative to adopt these materials where feasible.
The Las Palmas Water Theatre concept by Grimshaw Architects (Figure 19) takes inspiration from the Namibian fog-basking beetle [27], and proposes a way to create fresh desalinated water in the desert – beautiful and essential.
Figure 18: Greenpix Zero Energy Media Wall (2008) by SGP Architects [25]
3.2(f) ‘The
Passive façade of the future
responding to its environment like skin – its surface waterproof and yet permeable,
should be capable of reacting to external
factors such as hot or cold temperatures, and capable of reporting damage and even healing itself. The necessary materials and technologies already exist.’ Christiane Sauer [20]
The desire for architecture to behave in an organic manner is pushing forward not only electronic solutions (see ACTIVE),
but materials that work
also new (almost unbelievable) passively: self-cleaning nano
surfaces, surfaces that filter and treat rainwater, surfaces that absorb greenhouse gases, surfaces that collect clean water from fog, surfaces that reduce drag. And this is only the beginning.
Engineered surfaces may sequester kinetic energy from movement or solar energy from sunlight, increasing the sustainability of a building (or superyacht?).
Biomimetic solutions (elements, models and systems that imitate those found in nature) potentially promise a great deal:
©2014: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects
Figure 19: Las Palmas Water Theatre concept by Grimshaw [28]
Of course, much easier than mimicking nature, we can simply use it as a surface material. Living (or green) roofs
architectural solutions where climates are conducive to their
and façades are prosperity. While
frequently becoming part of not impossible to cultivate
vegetation on a superyacht, it is not without challenges. 3.2(g)
Patination/Longevity
‘Our aim… is to revise the sense of the ending of an architectural project, not to see finishing as the final moment
of construction, but to see the unending
deterioration of a finish that results from weathering, the continuing metamorphosis of the building itself, as part of its beginning(s) and its ever-changing “finish.”’ Mostafavi & Leatherbarrow [29]
Painted surfaces, plastics and composites are arguably at their most beautiful when brand new, but what about materials that become more
beautiful with time,
materials that age and weather gracefully, materials that record the narrative of use? Superyachts must endure harsh climatic conditions as well as wear from users. Both decking and hardware are usually specified for longevity, but is there an opportunity to introduce upright surface materials that will age as well?
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