Innovations in Materials for Designers & Architects: Steel vs. Spider Silk
Publication Date
Spring 4-22-2026
College
O'More College of Architecture & Design
Department
Interior Design
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Kathy Worthington
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
For the SPARK Symposium, we will be presenting materials and the way in which they are applied towards the architecture discipline.Original materials included in the architecture of the past included stone, timber, clay, and mud. Materials used in present-day architecture are all focused towards sustainability, high-performance in digital integration, cross-laminated timber, carbon neutral/self-healing concrete, smart glass, and fiber-reinforced polymers. Some innovations looking towards the future include mycelium, hempcrete, electro-chromatic glass and thermo-chromatic cement for climate control.
Recommended Citation
Van Gelderen, Colby R., "Innovations in Materials for Designers & Architects: Steel vs. Spider Silk" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1231.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1231
