Footprint in the sand

Aluminium, the third most common element in the earth's crust behind oxygen and silicon, is often heralded as one of the world's most dynamic building materials. Aluminium's strength-to-weight ratio is unparalleled and its functionality, after mining, smelting and extrusion, allows for forms and shapes that were previously unthinkable.

Of the approximate 230,000 metric tonnes of aluminium produced by Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL) in 2007, 90% is slated to be used in architectural applications in the Middle East and northern Africa.

Because aluminium is the base material for myriad models of curtain walls, façade cladding, window/door frames, interior cabinets, exterior shading devices and air-conditioning systems, the case is often made that its functionality trumps its somewhat large environmental footprint.

While it's true that aluminium is uniquely versatile as a building material, the scope with which it is being used in regional architecture is raising concerns about the amount of embodied energy that goes into mining and manufacturing primary aluminium. And, when one considers that bauxite ore is a non-renewable resource and that it makes up just 8% of the earth's crust, as with oil, we are becoming dependent on another finite resource.

Formability

After alumina is extracted from bauxite ore it is smelted to produce primary aluminium. This final product can be cast, rolled, forged or extruded according to the specifications of a project or the intricacies of an engineer's mind.

Once aluminium is produced, it can be curved, tapered, welded, formed or cut into geometric shapes that challenge architectural rules and confound the imagination. It is this very characteristic that makes aluminium such an ideal material for contemporary architecture. According to a recent report from the European Aluminium Association (EAA): "The extrusion process offers an infinite range of forms and sections, which allows designers to integrate numerous functions into one profile."

Without the capability for such extreme shaping, those iconic buildings that dominate the skylines of so many cities would be impossible to build. Without aluminium frames that bend, twist and cantilever, those award-winning structures that serve as inspiration for current and future architects would never have made it off the sketch-room floor.

Lightweight

According to Ali Khalaf, managing director of Reynaers Middle East, "There is a big weight difference between [aluminium, steel and titanium]. Aluminium is a lot lighter than steel, which puts less stress on the structure. Titanium is quite light too, but it's very expensive."

Moreover, if we can assume that aluminium weighs 35-45% less than steel and costs much less than titanium, it will always be more energy-efficient to use aluminium in a project than using the same amount of either of its closest competitors.

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