High technology is nowadays leading many aspects of life, like industrialization, education, innovations, and other fields. Moreover, high technology has gained the power to convert materials into smart ones that are not only self-adaptable and self-sensing but can also react to external environmental stimuli, whether by strengthening and embracing all wanted features or by expelling the unwanted ones. Unfortunately, architects are not aware of most of the technologies that can be implemented in building construction and finishing materials, so they squander all opportunities to produce a sustainable building and increase energy performance.
The paper undertakes many phases to help architects understand and use smart materials in general and smart glass in particular. These phases start by revealing how materials can be converted into smart ones, followed by the characteristics of smart materials, their importance, types, applications, and advantages in architecture.
Smart glass is presented to architects as one of the most significant examples of smart materials that play an important role in building envelopes. Therefore, all types of smart glass will be presented using a comparative analytical method to explain their benefits and features that can assist architects in applying sustainable principles in architecture. Moreover, the research suggests a methodology to assist architects in utilizing smart glass and choosing the most convenient according to surrounding stimuli.