Composites are Changing Architecture and Design

Renowned experimental architect, Achim Menges, recently said carbon fiber is the architecture market’s biggest untapped resource. He added that carbon fiber in architecture represents a paradigm shift that could create a fourth industrial revolution.
As architects from around the country discovered at the American Institute of Architects’ 2016 Convention in Philadelphia, a composites revolution may be coming sooner rather than later. During AIA 2016, students from UCLA, Temple University, and Georgia Tech displayed innovative composite designs as a part of the American Composites Manufacturers Association’s (ACMA) first-ever Composites in Architecture Design Challenge.
UCLA won the challenge with their composite fabrication of “mega-panels,” using robotic technology to fabricate panels without a mold. The second place entry in the challenge, from Temple, drew inspiration from Menges’ recently-unveiled Elytra Filament Pavilion at London’s famous Victoria and Albert Museum. Georgia Tech’s third place entry explored waste-less fabrication with its composite “balloon panels.” If you were not able to attend AIA, you will have the opportunity to see these designs at CAMX at the ACE Pavilion!
CAMX – September 26-29, 2016 in Anaheim, California – is your opportunity to pick the brains of many experts in architectural composites. Discounted registration and housing are available for CAMX 2016. Now in its third year, CAMX, co-produced by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), has become North America’s premier event for composite products, solutions, networking, and advanced industry thinking.
CAMX is an all-encompassing event that connects and advances all of the world’s composites and advanced materials communities – research and development, engineering, manufacturing, OEMs, service providers and end users.
During CAMX on September 28, a special full-day of architectural sessions and events tailored for architects, design professionals, architectural students and faculty will be presented. Use registration code – CAMXAR– at checkout, and attend a full-day of architectural sessions and events at CAMX 2016 for free!
Visit www.theCAMX.org for more information and to register.