The pigment-shifting window that responds to light - and could help slash energy costs
University of Toronto researchers have developed dynamic window panels that mimic the pigment-shifting cells of squids to regulate light and heat. This technology aims to retrofit existing buildings to significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and lighting.
Why it matters
Innovative building materials are essential for meeting global climate goals, as existing structures account for a large portion of energy usage.
Benjamin Hatton spends a lot of time contemplating the perfect window.
In the summer, it would keep out the sun's heat while letting in light. In winter, it would let in both light and heat. It would scatter and evenly distribute light on overly bright days to keep a building naturally lit.
In short, the perfect window would act a little like a squid.
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