Integrating innovative textiles and building materials will also change a building's environmental footprint by changing our attitudes and energy consumption. "Scientific research has produced materials that adjust to environmental conditions in different contexts" explained Klassen. In the future, Klassen's conceptual designs could help catapult Canada ahead in the field of sustainable, energy-conscious building design, helping architects visualize building skins that harness, transfer and release natures energy for better performance rather than solely relying on mechanical heating, cooling and artificial lighting. Full Article at PhysOrg.com