By using a thin film of magnesium-titanium alloy, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology has produced a switchable mirror that can be easily transformed between reflective and transparent states. The mirror window is 60 x 70 cm in size, and has been designed to reduce energy consumed by air conditioning systems in buildings and automobiles by over 30%.
In the development of early prototypes, Kazuki Yoshimura and his team focused on the use of thin films made of magnesium-nickel alloy that behave as switchable mirrors. Unfortunately, these first versions all had a yellow tinge in their transparent state. The newly developed thin film, however, is made of an alloy of magnesium and titanium, which does not turn yellow in its current configuration. The switchable mirror consists of two layers of glass enclosing a cavity and coated on their interior surfaces with the alloy film. A gas that contains hydrogen at a low concentration of about 1% or oxygen at a concentration of about 20% is introduced to the cavity to activate the switching behavior. [via AIST; suggested by Dace Campbell, Seattle.]
Labels: 8, glass, mirror, transformational
Paper softseating is made entirely from kraft paper, utilizing a flexible honeycomb structure to fan open into stools, benches and loungers. Each of the sizes and types of softseating can compress like a big book for storage. The seating is available in natural, unbleached brown kraft paper and kraft paper that has been dyed a deep black with bamboo charcoal ink to emphasize the geometric pattern of light and shadow. Paper softseating can be used creatively and interchangeably as seating or low tables, and the elements can be stacked playfully as building blocks.
Paper softseating is not intended to be disposable or thought of for short-term use. According to the manufacturer, the paper actually improves with age, as the surface texture of the paper edges softens with use over time into a pleasing natural patina. When one sits on the paper stools or loungers, the edges of the paper will gently soften and crush, creating irregular facets that catch the light and form a unique organic pattern within the crisp honeycomb geometry of the structure. As the surface of the paper softens, the stools and loungers maintain their structural integrity, because the honeycomb geometry lends the paper strength and enables this economy of material resources. Paper softseating is flame-retardant treated and 100% recyclable. [via Molo; suggested by Tom McCollum, Oakland, CA.]
A video demonstration of paper softseating may be viewed here:
http://www.glumbert.com/media/foldingchairLabels: 12, furniture, multidimensional, paper
