PolyBrick H2.0

A Project by Sabin Design Lab
Cornell University

 

Viola Zhang, William Qian, Jenny Sabin. 2019. “PolyBrick H2.0: Internal Bone-Based Hydraulics in Bricks Through Controlled Water Flow from Micro-texturing and Surface Chemistry.” ACADIA 2019 (Ubiquity and Autonomy): 246-256.

Abstract

The PolyBrick H2.0 series is a manifestation of novel digital fabrication techniques, bioinspired design, materials inquiry, and contemporary evolutions of building materials. A new purpose for the brick is explored that is not solely focused on the mechanical constraints necessary for built masonry structures. PolyBrick H2.0 interweaves theintricacies of living systems (beings and environments combined) to create a more responsive and interactive material system. The PolyBrick 2.0 series looks at human bone as a design model for foundational research. PolyBrick H2.0 merges the cortical bone hydraulic network with new functionalities as a water filtration and collection system for self-preservation and conservation as well as passive cooling solutions. It also pushes the ability of 3D printing techniques to the microscale.