Nanotechnology in the built environment for sustainable development

Abstract

Abstract Nanotechnology as an emerging discipline of the 21st century has immense benefits for mankind due to the exceptional attributes of nanomaterials which can be used to render novel products and services. Amongst several fields of human endeavours, the built environment, largely composed of the disciplines of construction engineering, architecture, fine and applied arts, and urban and regional planning can make use of nanomaterials in creating green facilities with improved properties, aesthetics and innovation. Though there are reports of basic and applied investigations dealing with the production and evaluation of nanomaterials in the built environment, there is still a gap in harnessing the information together for the benefits of the practitioners in the built environment. Therefore, this treatise serves to x-ray the applications of nanotechnology in the built environment with the view of establishing nexus between the two areas. This compendium may stimulate the re-engineering of curricula in the built environment and stimulates new lines of research, product development and evaluation.