Adaptable Façade Systems

One of the major focuses for my final design is going to be that of adaptable architecture - a necessary characteristic in a constantly evolving city-scape. However I want to take this farther than a façade system and into the general quality of the overall building(s). For now I have conducted some research on adaptable façade and building systems in order to provide a foundation for influence.

The ABI (adaptive building initiative) was started by the engineering firm Buro Happold. It was created to explore how buildings respond in real time to environmental changes. It tries to bring a "new capacity" to buildings by enabling architecture to perform with controlling functions and adapting to weather conditions. Their website states that besides practical applications, it is intended to develop solutions for possible future scenarios. This ties in perfectly to the objectives of the final design for this semester. The engineering firm collaborated with Chuck Hoberman, an American inventor who creates 3D mechanical puzzles and toys. A post on their website links to a magazine called "Patterns", which provides an interesting article about how adaptable façades make people comfortable (pg 23) - http://issuu.com/burohappold/docs/patterns-16?mode=window&printButtonEnabled=false&searchButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor=%23222222

Chuck Hoberman has also worked with Foster and Partners to create the 'Campus of Justice' in Madrid with adaptable ceilings. The images below are design ideas by Hoberman used to influence the ceiling (http://www.blueprintmagazine.co.uk/index.php/everything-else/from-toys-to-adapable-structures/), showing that creative minds can find inspiration many forms.



The 'Tessellate' website provides an array of information regarding their adaptable façade systems and how they can be applied for the benefit of the building's users. In their words, they create a "living building."

Their façades mainly compromise of shifting screens that overlap. These general mechanical idea can be considered for my proposal, although this is primarily intended for the use of shading and aesthetics. I'll have to be careful to take the idea much further in order to address much more complex issues. Their website (http://www.tessellatesurface.com/) provides many more images and videos demonstrating how the systems work.