(image credit: Italcementi)
if you had been to the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, you might have noticed the awesome Italian Pavilion. looks aside, it was what they used to clad this building that was (somewhat) magical. apparently, the Italian Pavilion walls are not your usual bricks and mortars, and it wasn’t cement either. when viewed at a certain angle, the walls looked like it was concrete but it was really an unique material which actually allows light to pass through them.
developed by an Italian firm, Italcementi Group, the trademarked “transparent cement” is named as the i.light. what is it with the “i” in front of a word, anyway? in anyway, what’s in the i.light is a trade secret and what was known is that it’s “an innovative cement and admixtures mix design.” we shall spare ourselves the torment of technical details.
no words on the i.light availability commercially but using such materials in future buildings could potentially cut down on electricity in terms of day time lighting. not to mention a more bright and lively environment. you know? future doesn’t have to be all dark and creepy like Dark City. the future is indeed bright, isn’t it?
via Gizmag
