There are many universities around the world that have extensive materials research institutions. These universities seem to focus their attention and research mainly on the micro and nano scales while taking the approach of a chemist. This specific type of material research has helped the world develop many of the technologies enjoyed today. Whilst developing nano-fibers used in electronics from silicon based synthetic compounds is helpful to the massive electronics world, there are other projects that need our attention.
Despite the growing number of institutions that have this type of material research facilities, including the University of Cincinnati, there is a need for a different type of research. This type of research is focused on advanced material innovations for buildings. The University of Cincinnati's already proven Materials Research programs are a stepping stone to this new research venture; this type of research exists at only a few places around the United States.
The institute will develop and improve upon advanced materials in a way in which they can better building material products and processes. These products will not only benefit the physical building community, but will also benefit society through the use of these new materials in other products.
The advancement of these new materials will be controlled by a new department within the university, but will ultimately rely on the interdisciplinary efforts from many different departments. Some of these departments include Architecture, Industrial Design, Chemical & Materials Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Biology, Physics, and others.
By using multiple disciplines to create and develop new and innovative advanced materials, the institution will yield results unlike any other around the country. For the purpose of experimentation the institute will use its own building and university as a playground for its unique developments. This means that the progress and developments made within the Material Research Center will not only be tested inside the labs, but also used as either mockups or final installations on the building itself.
This institution is at the forefront of the design world; giving itself the opportunity to create new systems that will eventually be mainstream. In The handbook of Advanced Materials: Enabling New Designs, James Wessel states, “Psychologists tell us that 5% of designers are willing to try something new and 80% will follow if the 5% are successful”. This statement is the precise principle in which the new Materials Research Institute should and will operate.
The new facility for the research center in itself has to be revolutionary in both its design and concept to show the community that it will do precisely what its meant to do. This concept and system will also exhibit the qualities of University Culture to promote its function within.
The goal of this document is to coordinate the relationships between a university, functionalism in the 21st century, and advanced materials for the development of a Materials Research Institute while also giving a detailed account of each.