Six Products That Stood out at AIA Conference 2017

Thousands of architects, brands, and even Michelle Obama (really!) gathered to discuss the future of architecture and gawk at the products changing the way we build at the American Institute of Architects 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture in Orlando, Florida last month.

The annual conference unveils some of the industry's most innovative products, and we couldn't wait to see what this year had in store. From technology to physical materials, hundreds of products on display at the show floor left us excited about the future of design. The following six products made it to the top of our list.

View Dynamic Glass

Glass is an instrumental product used in some of technology's most inventive designs, but isn't it time that glass itself gets smart? That's where View Glass comes in. View's Dynamic Glass intelligently transitions through multiple tint states to control the sun's energy, providing an enhanced experience and optimum natural light and thermal comfort. View is already being used in major projects across the commercial sector, including at the new San Francisco Airport Terminal 1, where more than 66,000 square feet of View Dynamic Glass will be installed.

NanaWall cero

According to recent reports, humans spend up to 87% of the time indoors. With work, schooling, and recreational activities keeping us within walls more frequently, products like NanaWall blend the indoors with nature. NanaWall announced their cero® wall at the AIA Conference, with its minimal framed large panel sliding glass wall system providing an ultra-minimalistic design. NanaWall is growing in popularity in restaurants, offices, retail spaces and sports venues, making it a truly versatile product.

Silestone Suede

With its low maintenance upkeep, chic design, and countless color options, quartz is an increasingly popular countertop alternative to natural stone. Silestone took their quartz surface to the next level with their Suede Touch finish, which has a soft velvety texture that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the hand. While the product is soft to the touch, it also provides superior resistance to marks and stains. Silestone's Blanco Zeus countertop is used at the Mugaritz Restaurant, considered by many as the fifth best restaurant in the world.

GKD Mediamesh

Advertising comes in many shapes and forms, but one caught our eye at the AIA Conference. GKD's Mediamesh is a stainless-steel wire mesh interwoven with LED lights that can transform any building into a dynamic, vivid experience of communication. The product can be easily installed over any building surface and uses as much as 80% less electricity than traditional billboards. Mediamesh is used across universities, stadiums, and the Mellon Independence Center.

Prestige Stone Pavers

Upwards of 40,000,000 visitors head to New York's Times Square annually to gaze at billboards and take in the sights and sounds of one of America's most iconic corners. When the square underwent a massive renovation beginning in 2012 and wrapping in December 2016, Prestige Stone partnered with Snohetta to place custom pavers in an eye-catching array of sizes and colors worthy of such an iconic destination.

Benjamin Moore Scuff-X

Walls are the foundation of homes and structures, and they often take a beating. From hospital corners to school walls, paint in high traffic areas has a big job to do, and not all products can live up to the challenge. Benjamin Moore displayed their Ultra Spec Scuff-X paint at the AIA Conference, which is specifically designed to hold up against scuffs and stains. The product boasts washability without the offensive odor or short pot life of similar, two-component products. Scuff-X's stain-resistant formula is currently available in three sheens.

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