Inverted pyramid Azores - an eternal hybrid structure

Engineering structures are designed with observation of rules for structural performance under specific design loads, defined in the so-called structural codes. While dead loads are directly dependent from the selection of structural materials to a given structural function, live and accidental loads are often linked to the region where the structure must perform. In a complete opposition to engineering principles in Ancient Egypt, the inverted pyramid was designed to become a statement of how to bend gravitational laws, and what can be achieved by modern engineering, sill with intelligence to fulfill its function in a region where engineering structures are subjected to extreme live and accidental load regimes, e.g. high risk of earthquakes and high wind seasonal loads. A hybrid structural concept was specified, comprising lightweight structural wall elements anchored to a relatively heavyweight structural core. The suggested design concept fulfills the global equilibrium equation defined by architecture, and should become a structural example from a structural design perspective. As any other project involving non-comprehensive geometry, design and construction of the inverted pyramid is highly sensible to management options, which shall assure high precision manufacturing, and accurate control of its production.

Coupled Superhydrophilic PMMA Film with Inverted Pyramid Microstructures for Antireflection and Antifogging Properties

Transparent substrates with antifogging and antireflection ability are of extreme significance for optical devices, because they alleviate performance loss and maintenance costs. Here, we reported that a multifunctional film, with excellent mechanical properties, can be fabricated on the PMMA surface via the micro-transfer printing method. In particular, the synergistic effect of the inverted pyramid microstructure and SiO2 nanoparticles gives the film excellent antireflective, superhydrophilic and antifogging properties, and the silica sol firmly adheres to the PMMA substrate via the silane coupling agent, which exhibits an encouraging prospect of practical applications from lenses for personal and sports eyewear to transparent displays and sensors, etc.