I think it’s safe to assume that anyone who is an architect probably grew up playing with Legos, the innovative toy that has long been credited with fostering creativity in children. And I think it’s also safe to assume that any architect would love to still be playing with Legos if they had the opportunity. Well, the architect of the future may very well get that chance thanks to the creation of a new Lego like building block.
According to Futurism, “Design studio Breakfast threw out that playbook with an extraordinary new demo of a technology it calls ‘Brixels’ — a portmanteau for ‘bricks’ and ‘pixels.’ They’re smart blocks, kind of like giant Legos, with built-in actuators that let them transform on the fly, giving designers a new tool with which to create adaptable public and living spaces.”
Considering our growing populations and space limitations, having adaptable public and living spaces could soon become more of a necessity than a luxury. Think of modular work spaces that can transform from privates offices into conference rooms or think of living rooms that can convert into spare bedrooms when guests come over. Better yet, think about double sided walls that can be rotated to reveal a solid surface on one side and a mirror on the other. Interior designers could have a field day with a technology that’s this flexible, giving them the freedom to design houses that can be altered to fit any need or style as entire houses transform to accommodate a single homeowner, a family of four, or a young couple hosting a dinner party.
But that’s not all. These customizable bricks are capable of doing so much more from becoming part of an art installation to displaying digital content.
As they state on their website: “Brixels are infinitely rotating, variable-size bricks that are controlled by proprietary software and can act as pixels in large-scale and customizable artworks, building facades, and a range of other applications. They can also display a range of digital content, as well as respond to the movements of passers-by. The bricks themselves are customizable in size, shape, material, and color, making each installation unique.”
All of which is to say that Brixels could very well be the future of design. Part brick. Part pixel. Totally cool.
Are Brixels the Greatest Idea Ever?
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