An analysis of the types and properties of smart materials used in the exterior shell of office buildings through example analyses

Human life has undergone continuous development throughout history. Over time, living conditions and environmental factors have changed, and the materials used by humans have also evolved to meet these changing needs. Today, instead of the traditional approach of materials that merely combat environmental conditions, materials that can meet changing user requirements throughout their lifespan and respond to environmental stimuli are coming to the fore. Smart materials are defined as materials that change their properties by self-actuation in response to physical, chemical, or biological external factors, respond by exchanging energy and matter, and whose behavior can be predicted. While smart materials can be applied in various parts of a structure, the outer shell, which is directly exposed to environmental effects, is one of the areas where these materials are most intensively used. In this context, the selection of smart materials that can adapt to environmental conditions and meet user requirements is important for roofs and facades that form the outer shell. Aiming to improve quality of life, these materials offer significant contributions in areas such as energy savings in the use of office buildings, increased user comfort, optimized heat and light balance, and reduced maintenance and repair costs. Within the scope of the thesis, the first chapter outlines the thesis problem, purpose, scope, method, and limitations. The second chapter addresses the concepts of materials and smart materials; it examines the historical development of smart materials, their areas of application, and classification methods. The third chapter presents the types of smart materials and their properties in detail. The fourth chapter comprehensively analyzes examples of smart materials used in office buildings. Finally, the results obtained from the topics examined and the sample analyses in the study are explained.