The use of smart materials in building design is changing how we create and improve buildings. Smart materials can change their properties when they experience different conditions. This helps us design buildings that can adjust automatically to factors like the weather.

Key Enhancements:

1. Responsive Design: Buildings can react to changes in the weather. For example, some materials can change how see-through they are based on sunlight. This helps save on energy costs and makes the building more comfortable.

2. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs): These materials can "remember" their original shape and go back to it when heated. We can use this in building designs that can move or change their look based on what people need or how the environment is changing.

3. Interactive Surfaces: By adding materials that turn movement into energy in sidewalks or walls, we can make everyday actions help save energy.

Examples:

• The Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris has a special building front made with smart materials that move with the weather, showing how buildings can work well with their surroundings.
• The Sculptural Pavilion designed by SOM uses shape memory alloys to create a structure that can change its form and purpose throughout the day.

In short, using smart materials not only opens up new ways to design buildings but also helps make modern architecture more sustainable.