Science and technology as evolving flow architectures

This essay traces the evolution of thermodynamics from its origins to ad hoc applications of thermodynamic optimization (entropy generation minimization) and the principle-based generation of flow configuration in nonequilibrium systems (constructal theory). Geophysical and biological flow systems evolve in one direction, toward configurations that flow more easily. This evolutionary process is like an animated movie in which existing flow designs are replaced by designs that offer greater flow access. This paradigm fuels a new attitude toward globalization and sustainability: the natural way to bring the less advanced areas into the flow of things is to allow the vascular systems of goods, people and ideas to bathe the whole earth more and more freely. Constructal theory shows that freedom is good for design, and that the future belongs to vascularized architectures with increased svelteness and optimal distribution of imperfection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.