two new technologies in design

In the October 2007 issue of Architect, there is an article called "Model Behavior." This article is about scientists that are conducting research with virtual scenarios to see how crowds will react in public spaces if there is a disaster. They test how large crowds can exit sports complexes, arenas, and other buildings where large crowds gather the quickest way possible. Although crowds have been modeled before, the new way that has been developed is that each person is individual. Each individual person reacts to others they may come in contact with as well. Scientists work with a scale of 1/60th of a second, which is the average reaction time for human movement. One day they hope to model entire cities to test these close to real probable situations. City planners and architects can benefit from this research because it will give them an idea about how well their buildings are fit for emergencies. Research like this will be extremely beneficial to future designers.

Another new technology that is becoming increasingly popular are electronic window shades. In many magazines I've looked through, such as Architectural Digest and Dwell, I've found the same exact ad for a remote control "blind closer." This new technology allows for quick and easy shade closing; it could be helpful to lots of different types of people such as elderly who may have a hard time closing and un-closing blinds. The ad also advertises a remote control that has light controls, fan controls, and shade controls all in one. They even have one to go in your car, so you can turn the lights on before you even get inside. In the future, I think everyone will have automatic blinds, because they are a lot simpler, don't get tangled or ripped because they're inside the glass, and are all around more practical. These new technologies are becoming more and more accesible for everyday people.