PV-TV…. this amorphous silicon technology has a “three-in-one†functionality: it is able to act as a glazing element, solar panel, and video display screen.
I particularly like the “architect’s rendering of the Kanazawa Bus Terminal in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.” I hope buildings like these become ubiquitous in my lifetime. Of course, the “video” feature will mostly be used only for advertisments, but I’m sure many creative geeks will figure out interesting uses for the material as well. [This came to my attention via the Viridian Design email list. Here's the company's product page.]
Dig this: http://www.kierantimberlake.com/SmartWrap/index.htm
Yo dog that is seriously cool. Almost sounds too good to be true, like some kind of wonder hoax. Hopefully I’ll understand a little better when I get home and can look at their videos. But the possibilities are intriguing! The best thing will be when different techs like these are bundled together in amazing buildings that use them smartly and creatively.
I like what the Timberlake guy is quoted as saying in the Wired article linked to from that site: “Buildings are still being designed using the same materials and processes that were used thousands of years ago. We can do better.” I’ve been thinking the same thing, particularly acutely since seeing the medieval palaces in England last week.