Taking into account the development in the last five years, the kinetic facade system has evolved at a very complex rate incorporating various different architectural design styles as well. Without complicated maintenance, users can participate in the dynamic movement of the building envelope for play, fun, and energy saving.As technological advancements are taking place every moment, kinetic architecture is also developing at a fast pace. Traditionally, unstable movement within the building construction is considered as an undesirable occurrence but, the Snapping Facade aims to harness the characteristics of elastic instability by applying it as an opening and closing mechanism using the embedded energy within the materials. The prototype explores using weakening-induced bands tied within the elastic threshold which, produce “snap” deformation with minimal stimulus. Snapping Facade suggests an alternative approach for the design of dynamic facade systems that use a “snapping-induced motion” to open and close apertures, providing shading for the building.

Compared to the mechanical dynamic shading, these glass systems can efficiently provide substantial energy saving with low cost, however the façade design becomes independent gears added to the irrelevant building design. Other Smart glass such as Suspended Particle Devices can provide the similar function and form-changing polymer sheet can be installed in the glazing units. For instance, electrochromic glass uses voltage to change light transmission property. Built dynamic façade systems such as Abu-Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters by AHR Architects, dynamic roof shading at Aldar Central Market by Foster + Partners, Hoberman Associates and Adaptive Building Initiative and Kiefer Technic Showroom by Giselbrecht+Partner are based on mechanical actuators which need additional energy consumption to operate and require complex maintenance.Īdvances in material science and engineering have also contributed to the mission of smarter building envelope. The increasing need for high performance building envelope and advancements in manufacturing industries have facilitated the design of dynamic envelope system to replace traditional, uninspiring shading controls. However, in the United States, buildings account for 41% of energy use and 38% of CO2 emissions. The reflection and refraction of glass represents the dynamic, bustling activities of our cities while diverse lifestyles and programmatic functions are expressed through the façade of our buildings. Advances in the high performance glass industry have made the use of glass ubiquitous. The building envelope controls heat gain and loss, allows views for visual comfort, and provides natural light.

El Kiefer Technic Showroom