Architecture Without Materials: A Future with Structures Printed from Air, Light, and Waves

Introduction

Architecture has traditionally relied on physical materials like concrete, steel, wood, and glass. However, with significant advancements in various scientific and technological fields, this dependence on physical materials is changing. Architecture without materials is a new concept that refers to the use of natural forces and energies instead of physical materials to design and build structures. This type of architecture can be based on technologies like photonics, magnetic forces, sound waves, and 3D printing without solid matter. This article will explore these approaches and real-world examples of projects currently using these technologies.

Photonic Structures: Creating Buildings with Light

Photonics refers to the study and use of light in architectural design and structures. In material-less architecture, light is considered as a material or physical structure that can be used to shape spaces and buildings. The use of photonic technologies, particularly in creating structures that can change depending on lighting conditions and environmental factors, allows architects to create spaces that are dynamic and responsive to environmental needs.

Case Study:

The Light Pavilion project at ETH Zurich in Switzerland is an outstanding example of using photonics in architecture. This project is essentially an experimental pavilion made from photonic systems that control light and energy. The walls of this pavilion are made from a combination of photonic materials that can automatically adjust the amount of light passing through them depending on the intensity of the natural light and environmental conditions. Such walls can absorb natural light and automatically regulate the level of indoor light as needed. This type of architecture can be used in public spaces, commercial centers, or even residential buildings to optimize energy use and create flexible environments.

Architecture with Magnetic Forces: Building Without Physical Materials

Magnetic forces are one of the fundamental forces of nature that can be harnessed in architectural design and construction. Architecture utilizing magnetic forces could result in structures that are suspended and held together using magnetic fields instead of physical connections, eliminating the need for physical materials. This technology could be used to design lightweight, dynamic, and flexible structures.

Case Study:

The MagLev House project in Japan is a successful example of utilizing magnetic forces in architecture. This house is designed to be constructed using magnetic levitation systems, where magnetic forces are used to suspend walls and ceilings without physical connections. These houses are resistant to environmental changes like earthquakes and can be relocated due to their lightweight structure. Using magnetic forces in architecture can lead to the design of highly unique and specialized buildings.

Sound Wave-Based Structures: Using Sound to Create Space

Sound waves are another fascinating tool that can be utilized in architecture to create material-less spaces. Sound waves, particularly in environments that require precise control of energy and pressure, can be used to control various properties of a space, such as temperature, pressure, and even the shape of the space. This technology could be especially useful in medical, research, and industrial environments.

Case Study:

The Acoustic Metamaterials project developed at Harvard University is a practical example of using sound waves in architecture. This project explores metamaterials that can control sound waves in such a way that they modify the characteristics of a space. This technology can be used in spaces such as hospitals, laboratories, and research centers, where precise control of sound and pressure is required. Additionally, it can be used to create spaces with special acoustic properties, such as therapeutic environments aimed at relaxation and focus.

3D Printing Without Solid Matter: A Technology That Will Change Architecture

3D printing, or Additive Manufacturing, is one of the most important technologies that allows architecture to move away from physical materials and instead use virtual materials, light, or even energy to construct buildings. This technology not only reduces the need for physical materials but can also be used in the future to design structures with specific optimized characteristics.

Case Study:

The 3D-Printed Habitat for Humanity project by ICON in the United States is an example of using 3D printing in the construction of residential buildings. In this project, 3D printing with sustainable and bio-based materials is used to build affordable, resilient homes. These homes can be constructed in remote areas and challenging environments, and with 3D printing technology, construction time and costs are significantly reduced. This project demonstrates how 3D printing can be used to design and build structures with unique features, without relying on traditional materials.

The Future of Material-less Architecture: A New World of Buildings

By using technologies such as photonics, magnetic forces, sound waves, and 3D printing without solid matter, we can expect a new world of buildings and structures in the future, built on energies and forces rather than physical materials. This type of architecture could revolutionize the construction industry and enable the creation of flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective spaces.

Sources

1. Gibbons, J., & Jensen, M. (2020). “Photonics and the Future of Architecture: A New Era in Building Design.” Journal of Architectural Innovation.

2. Caves, R. (2019). “Magnetic Levitation in Modern Architecture.” Journal of Experimental Architecture.

3. Smith, L. (2021). “Acoustic Metamaterials: A New Frontier in Building Design.” International Journal of Architectural Acoustics.

4. ICON 3D Printing. (2022). “Revolutionizing Construction with 3D Printing Technology.” ICON Technologies Report.

Farzad Jalali Mosallam

JUL-2025