· Oana · community talks
Sustainable Construction on Earth and Beyond
A deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in adopting cutting edge technologies in the building industry, and the need for a shift in approach to AEC from a resilience perspective towards creating adaptable and efficient structures
In this episode of Infrared Cities Community Talks, Melodie Yashar, VP of Building and Design Performance at ICON, recently shared her fascinating journey and insights on the intersection of space architecture, 3D printing, and sustainable design. As a space architect who has collaborated with NASA and now leads innovation in large-scale additive manufacturing, Melodie offers a unique perspective on creating resilient habitats both on Earth and beyond.
Key points
- Learning from space conditions we must redefine sustainability and resilience to create structures that withstand extreme environments. These principles can help us build more durable and adaptable structures on Earth.
- Additive methods for authonomus construction are key to deliver a a "construction as a service" model, enabling anyone to design and build optimal structures through rapid iteration and performance simulation
- Moving Past Traditional Aesthetics, 3D printing enables unprecedented freedom and unique shapes with more autonomous and precise construction. It's important to balance creative designs with practical considerations and user expectations.
- AI integration in design and construction opens new possibilities for efficiency and innovation. By generating design options and optimizing performance simulations, AI serves as a powerful tool that enhances - rather than replaces - human creativity.
By applying lessons learned from designing for extreme space environments to terrestrial challenges, we can create more sustainable, resilient, and innovative buildings. As AI and autonomous systems continue to evolve, the potential for revolutionary changes in architecture and construction seems boundless. The future of habitats, whether on Mars or in our own backyard, is being shaped by visionaries like Melodie who dare to think beyond traditional boundaries.
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