SCI-Arc’s conference “Material beyond Materials” provided a forum for architects and innovators in advanced materials and fabrication technologies.

Advanced Materials and Digital Manufacturing.

John Enright introduces the panelists.

Urs Meier discusses performance analysis of a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) box girder and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) straps. He compares the performance of steel to CFRP and GFRP, and offers insight into the future of membranes.

Kurt Jordan discusses composites used in high-performance yacht racing for the America’s Cup, structural fiberglass shells, fiberglass composite construction. He compares the strength and stiffness of conventional building materials to composites.

Ruben Suare of the 3form company discusses Polyethylene Terephtalate (PETG) thermoplastic ceiling systems, translucent metal panels made of an aluminum/resin composite, and translucent wood panels, and translucent balconies using Varia Ecoresin.

Wolfgang Reider of fibreC discusses the uses of GFRC, translucent concrete, a concrete coloring system derived from auto industry, and smarter envelopes.

The panelists discuss performance criteria, the economics of using high-performance materials, and interdisciplinary collaboration.