urbanLab Magazin 2021 - Transformation

INTERACTIVE AND CONTROL
SYSTEM
Interactive systems are intelligent as
they learn through continuous interaction
with their environment. They
perceive (through sensors), act (through
effectors), and communicate with the
environment, using various machine learning
structures and techniques, such
as neural networks or genetic algorithms,
for learning [Cuayáhuitl et al. 2013].
The successful control of the interaction
forces between the facade and the
human is determined by the interactive
behavior of the facade mechanism.
This behavior can be called a sensation,
which is a function of the dynamics of
mechanical interaction [Hogan and Buerger,
2004]. The interaction control
system can be categorized by passive
and active interaction [Achten, 2011].
The research concentrate on a passive
interaction which is focused on the use
of newly established parametric design
tools in conjunction with sensors, actuators,
and microcontrollers.
DESIGN PHASE
The goal of the design was to create a
modular double-skin façade system, an
intelligent façade where multiple users
can interact with it and change its behavior.
On the ground floors, the sensor
is located at the exterior and causes an
interaction with people on the street
(Fig.1). On the 1st floor, the sensor is
located inside the building where the
interaction occurs (Fig. 6). All this creates
a user experience that directs visitors’
curiosity towards the inside space
of the building and engaged them with
playful interaction. When someone comes
closer to the facade they activate a
personal “portal” to unveil the interior.
From a design perspective, the façade
has to be changed from opaque to 100%
visibility in a particular part in front of a
person (Fig. 2). The interactive kinetic
façade module includes sensors that
react to the person's movement, if no
interaction activates the sensors then a
pre-programmed choreography is switched
on. Application of motion to facades
is accomplished through modeling,
simulation, and rapid design iterations
during the facade design phase. The
facade modeling process involves movement
and requires digital and physical
models (Fig. 5) that complement the
effective representation of movement
on the facade. In the process, a prototype
of an interactive kinetic module
mechanism was built. The result was
aimed to respond to human body movement
at certain distances.
HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT
Given that the development of the design
is the result of numerous moving
parts, the geometry and the number
of parts has been carefully considered.
Fig.3: Façade mechanism
module (own illustration)
138 STUDENT IDEAS