Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
CONTENTS List of Illustrations
3
Introduction
4
Chapter 1: Kinetic Architecture 1.1: Intro to kinetic architecture
6
1.2: Early examples of kinetics used in architecture
6-8
1.3: Floating Theatre: Teatro del Mondo: Is this kinetic architecture?
8-9
1.4: Summary
9
Chapter 2: Why Kinetic Architecture? 2.1: Why kinetic architecture exists
11
2:2: Experience
11-12
2.3: Space
12-13
2.4: Summary
13
Chapter 3: Kinetic Trends 3.1: Kinetic Trends in Architecture
15
3.2: Spatial optimisation
15-16
3.3: Contextual adaptation
17-19
3.4: Mobility
19-21
3.5: Summary
21
Chapter 4: Kinetics and Sustainability 4.1: Responsive Kinetics
23
4.2: Automated shading systems
23
4.3: Natural Ventilation
24
4.4: Summary
25
Chapter 5: What’s Next? 5.1: Rapid advancements in Technology
27
5.2: The Future
27-28
5:3 Materiality
29
5.3.1: Thermo-bimetal
29-30
5.3.2: Nanotechnology
30
5.4: Summary
30
Conclusion
31
Bibliography
32-33
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Figure 1: http://www.the-colosseum.net/ita/architecture/novavelarium.htm Figure 2: https://pursuit.ca/tech/build-moat/ Figure 3: http://architectuul.com/architecture/view_image/villa-girasole/4345 Figure 4: http://architectuul.com/architecture/view_image/villa-girasole/8771 Figure 5: http://www.totaldesign.it/aldo-rossi-il-primo-pritzker-italiano/ Figure 6: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/75083518768868280/?lp=true Figure 7: https://www.rhysspoor.com/space-needle-history-fun-facts/ Figure 8: http://sylvanlakelibrary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/may-22-international-day-for-biological.html Figure 9: http://drmm.co.uk/projects/view.php?p=sliding-house Figure 10: http://drmm.co.uk/projects/view.php?p=sliding-house Figure 11: http://www.archdaily.com/59905/gary-chang-life-in-32-sqm Figure 12: http://www.archilovers.com/projects/177324/domestic-transformer.html Figure 13: http://openbuildings.com/buildings/wind-veil-profile-39040 Figure 14: http://nedkahn.com/wind/ Figure 15: https://www.pinterest.de/pin/485614772303397499/?autologin=true Figure 16: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_Court Figure 17: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/3900587/wimbledon-2017-how-long-does-the-roof-take-toclose/ Figure 18: http://www.lot-ek.com/MDU-Mobile-Dwelling-Unit Figure 19: https://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbay/059MDU-lotek/MDU-UCSB-home.htm Figure 20: http://narchitects.com/work/carmel-place/ Figure 21: http://narchitects.com/work/carmel-place/ Figure 22: http://www.wohrparking.in/combiparker-555.html Figure 23: https://www.arup.com/projects/abu-dhabi-investment-council-headquarters Figure 24: http://designalmic.com/al-bahar-towers-abu-dhabi-investment-council-headquarters-aedasarchitects/ Figure 25: https://www.archdaily.com/395131/ch2-melbourne-city-council-house-2-designinc Figure 26: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/sustainable-building/councilhouse-2/Pages/council-house-2.aspx Figure 27: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spinning-skyscraper-planned-for-dubai/ Figure 28: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4127954/Plans-world-s-floating-cityunveiled.html Figure 29: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4127954/Plans-world-s-floating-cityunveiled.html Figure 30: https://arch3150.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/thermo-bimetal/ Figure 31: http://www.architectmagazine.com/awards/r-d-awards/2012-r-d-awards-honorable-mentionbloom_o Figure 32: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/534976/nano-architecture/
TITLE PAGE IMAGES: • • • • • •
Chapter 1 - http://architime.ru/specarch/angelo_invernizzi/villa_girasole.htm Chapter 2 - http://modulo.net/en/realizzazioni/arab-world-institute Chapter 3 - https://www.quora.com/What-are-kinetic-facades-in-architecture Chapter 4 - https://inhabitat.com/ch2-australias-greenest-building/ Chapter 5 - https://divisare.com/projects/111262-soma-architecture-one-ocean Chapter 6 - http://tsrieb.com/12663/strikingly-beautiful-futuristic-architecture/chic-futuristicarchitecture-0b39bd4e1378f9682fb6266bbb28b8e9jpg/
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Introduction This dissertation explores the different types of kinetic architecture and what it means to me. I aim to analyse case studies and provide my opinions to argue for or against each design in the hope to come to the conclusion of whether kinetic architecture is the way forward for the field. I chose kinetic architecture as the subject of this dissertation because the idea of moving buildings is widely ignored by architects and I want to know the reason why. I think the concept of kinetic components is interesting and believe the opportunities that come with them can change the future. The structure will follow the order of time, from the earliest examples of kinetic architecture to what the future of kinetic architecture could be and its impact on the industry.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Chapter 1: Kinetic Architecture
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
1.1: Kinetic Architecture Kinetic is commonly used in the field of architecture to describe a building capable of movement. However, this does not mean that automatic windows and doors are considered ‘kinetic architecture’, in fact the very opposite. Kinetic architecture to me is the concept relating to or resulting from motion. The concept in which all, or parts of a building is designed to allow movement without compromising its structural integrity. This movement has been either produced mechanically or by the interaction of people, air, water and other kinetic forces. The transformative and mechanised structures within building designs are relied heavily upon within kinetic architecture. They aim to change the shape and form of buildings, so they meet the needs of the users on the interior while adapting to elements on the exterior if possible. This can range from a whole building moving, to segments of a building shifting, to a façade responding to the environment and adapting to change through movement. The change in light, the change in temperature, the change in climate and the change in the flow of energy which the world has cultivated within the last decade along with vast technological advancements and engineering methods, all to enhance a building’s performance, adapt to the users need and reach a level of sustainability. Ever since the earliest of times, architecture has been, in essence, static. Building structures with the criteria of long-lasting and the belief that the longer a building would last, the better it was. The invention of the wheel was the motive behind using kinetics in architecture. During this early time of man, windows and doors were considered kinetic architecture due to the capabilities of technology in that era (Zuk, 1970). In the present day, doors and windows have become a fundamental part of architecture thus having buildings with windows and doors that merely open and close cannot be considered kinetic architecture but defined by automated systems that can change the form of part, or the whole building. Thus, by this logic, to me, kinetic architecture is defined by the current technological capabilities and is subject to change along with the advancements of technology into the future.
1.2: Early Examples of Kinetics Used in Architecture Kinetics in architecture has roots dating back to the Roman and Medieval times. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy had a retractable roof called the ‘velarium’ to provide shelter for the audience if it was raining or if the sun was too intense during the games. It was a canvas made roof that covered approximately two-thirds of the seats. It was believed that it used a system of ropes and pulleys to lift or lower wooden beams which supported the canvas roof. (Mariamilani, no date).
(Figure 1: The retractable roof of the Colosseum.)
(Figure 2: Drawbridge labelled.)
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
A castles drawbridge served multiple purposes such as a kinetic wall, door, and footbridge. A typical drawbridge was made up of a wooden platform with one side hinged to the castle and the other raised by either chains or rope. When opening the drawbridge, it would be raised vertically and dropped down again once the danger had passed. The drawbridge was connected to a road when opened to allow entry into the castle. However, the purpose of it was to hinder or prevent easy access into the castle. The way in which a drawbridge is operated can be done by several methods: • • • •
Manpower. The system of ropes and pulleys. Chains replaced ropes. Counterweights were developed to ease the effort of raising the bridge. (Ancientfortresses, 2015)
The Villa Girasole in Italy is an early example of modern kinetic architecture. Built in 1935, the Villa Girasole is a house that rotates according to the suns path during the day. Designed by naval engineer Angelo Invernizzi, he had dreamed of owning a house that can follow the movement of the sun. In 1935, this kind of building was not easy to construct as it involved many complex and expensive techniques and technology were only in its early stages. The total construction time was six years from 1929 to 1935. (Architectuul, 2012)
(Figure 3: The Villa Girasole, Marcellise, Italy.)
The Villa Girasole is made up of two parts: one being a forty-four-meter diameter circular base and the other is a rotational block with two pavements on the ‘L’ shape. A pivoting element joins the two parts at the center. The total mass of this building weighed up to one-thousand-five-hundred tonnes covering five-thousand cubic meters. The building is powered by two diesel motors totalling three horsepower which can move four millimetres per second thus a complete rotation can be achieved in nine hours and twenty minutes. (Architectuul, 2012) From a technological standpoint, the Villa Girasole is a great example of kinetic architecture as it pushed the limits of mechanical engineering methods of its period further. Instead of static buildings, the Villa Girasole showcased a glimpse of what architecture could become.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
(Figure 4: Plan and section of the Villa Girasole.)
1.3: Teatro del Mondo. Kinetic Architecture? The Teatro del Mondo was a theatre in Venice, Italy by Aldo Rossi in 1979. Is the Teatro an example of kinetic architecture? While kinetic architecture suggests that parts of or the whole building moving, it may fall into the category of a whole building moving, but not as one would expect. The Teatro was a temporary building that had no foundations, no mechanical controls, but floated on the waters of Venice contrasting the concept of the Villa Girasole mentioned before which used a mechanical track to rotate the entire building. As the Teatro was a theatre, it was able move and dock itself to multiple locations around Venice. This meant that the theatre came to the people instead of the people coming to the theatre. (Abitare,2010)
(Figure 5: Architectural Drawings of the Teatro del Mondo)
(Figure 6: Teatro del Mundo on water being moved by boats)
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Although the Teatro had no mechanical engines or parts to move across the water, it would be assisted by boats and dragged to a new location. Some will argue that the Teatro cannot be considered kinetic architecture since it cannot move on its own and that there are no actual kinetic parts within its structure, but I believe that if a building has the potential to relocate itself without compromising the structural integrity or by disassemble then it falls into the category of kinetic architecture. The Floating City Project by the Seasteading Institute has a very similar concept ready for construction and test in 2019 where, as the name suggests, is a city floating in the Pacific Ocean made up of individual modules combined. The modules can move to form different combinations of spaces. The Floating City Project will be explained in depth in Chapter 5: What’s Next? Therefore, if the Floating City Project can be considered kinetic architecture with its modular network of spaces floating on water, then the Teatro del Mondo is an early inspiration for this concept thus why I believe the Teatro is a part of kinetic architecture.
1.4: Summary Kinetics within architecture have been present as early as the Roman and Medieval times with examples of the drawbridge and the Colosseum. It shows that kinetic architecture doesn’t necessarily mean using advanced technology to make buildings move, demonstrated with the Teatro del Mondo by Aldo Rossi which was constructed in 1979, only a few decades ago and even further with the Villa Girasole which was built much earlier that used mechanical controls decades before the Teatro. The reason kinetic architecture has been a rapid trend over the last few decades is due to the great strides in technological advancements that has become apparent in science. Now that we have discovered buildings can twist and turn, open and close and even relocate itself, the next chapter and onwards will explore the uses and reasoning behind kinetic architecture.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Chapter 2: Why Kinetic Architecture?
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
2.1: Why Kinetic Architecture? Why does kinetic architecture exist? What is the purpose of implementing kinetics into buildings? Nowadays, there are many kinds of kinetics appearing in architecture. It started with buildings being constructed with moving parts in the façade, mobile walls or rotating components. As they develop, they become equipped with subtle responsive systems in place. “The modern aim of transformability is to respond to the user’s requirements in an ever-changing world” (Maziar, 2010, p. 45). Responsive systems such as automated shading, natural ventilation and retractable roofs to name a few. This chapter focuses on how the implementation of kinetics affect the user experience and spatial management. Chapter 4 will focus on responsive systems and its link to sustainability.
2.2: User Experience A rotating restaurant is a prime example of providing a unique experience to the user. Rather than dining at a conventional restaurant, a rotating restaurant is exactly how it sounds. These types of restaurants are all the world with the first being The Space Needle in Seattle, USA opened in 1962. The restaurant sits one-hundred and fifty meters above ground level and the floor is a ring-shaped measuring at 4.3m deep. The floor revolves on a track and wheel system weighing one-hundred and twenty-five tonnes and results in one full rotation in forty-seven minutes. The seating is arranged in a manner where all tables have an unobscured view of the Seattle metropolitan area thus customers can enjoy a full three-hundred and sixty-degree panoramic view of the city, enhancing the experience of dining. (Space Needle, no date)
(Figure 7: Showing the Space Needle along with the city skyline)
Is the Space Needle and other rotating restaurants in the world good examples of kinetic architecture? Some would argue against because the rotating element is no more than a gimmick to bring in more customers. However, I disagree. Essentially, it is the same as the Villa Girasole mentioned in Chapter 1. It both operates on a track system and both rotates, with the only exception of rotating restaurants being situated much higher than the Villa Girasole. Although the rotating aspect is a ploy to attract customers, it serves a good purpose. Customers do not wander in and are surprised by the fact the restaurant move, they expect it before going in. As stated before, kinetic architecture uses movement to adapt to the users need. This certainly meets that requirement.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Like the Villa Girasole, the purpose of the rotation was to fulfil the need of the user which was to provide a view which followed the sun during the day. Rotating restaurants fulfil their customers need of a panoramic and unique view while they dine thus serving its intended purpose and the reason why this type of kinetic architecture exists.
(Figure 8: Showing the interior space of the rotating restaurant, Sky City)
2.3: Space The Sliding House by DRMM in the UK is an example of a transformable building that has the ability to slide open to create space. Again, the design is centered on providing the user’s flexibility with the space. For example, if the user is hosting an event in this house and needs to accommodate for a large number of guests, the glass half can slide out to create a conservatory while creating a much larger space too. (DRMM, 2009) “The outcome is three conventional building forms with unconventional detailing, radical performance, and a big surprise. A linear building of apparent simplicity is sliced into three programmes; house, garage and annexe. The garage is pulled off axis to create a courtyard between the three. The composition is further defined by material and colour; red rubber membrane and glass, red and black stained larch” (DRMM, 2009)
(Figure 9: The Sliding House by DRRM)
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
(Figure 10: Labelled diagram of the different components within the Sliding House)
A combination of enclosures, open-air living spaces and the framing of views according to position is created by a twenty-tonne roof/wall enclosure which traverses the site. With the implementation of this sliding feature, the house is able to offer “radically variable spaces, extent of shelter, sunlight insulation, and views. A denial of static architecture. The dynamic change is a physical phenomenon difficult to describe in words or images. It is about the ability to alter the overall building composition and character according to season, weather, or a remote-controlled desire to delight” (DRRM, 2009). This project by DRMM, in my opinion, is great because it meets all the requirements of my definition of kinetic architecture. It can adapt to the users need by providing flexible spacing and comfort for the users. This project contrasts rotating restaurants but uses the same principles to create the movement as both use a wheel and rail tracks, however, the tracks in this project is linear as opposed to the rotating restaurants continuous track meaning the distance in which the sliding house can move is limited. This is a ‘one-off’ project specific to one client meaning this would not likely be replicated or become a norm for future housing developments. While I agree this is a great example of kinetic architecture, I also understand the reasons why this would not become the future of housing. Firstly, the space needed is too large and the sliding element would not work well in residential areas with other buildings nearby. Secondly, the cost of purchasing a house like this would be immense. Kinetic houses are usually bespoke meaning rarity thus higher pricing.
2.4: Summary Kinetic architecture exists to adapt to the users need and these examples are only two reasons why. A rotating building does not mean it is only present for its aesthetics, but it serves the purpose of fulfilling that user experience that is expected from the beginning. The sliding house is able to offer the user a flexible space by adapting to the number of people present thus creating a more comfortable area for the users. The other reason being sustainability which will be explored in depth in chapter 4.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Chapter 3: Kinetic Trends
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
3.1: Kinetic Trends in Architecture This chapter will focus on the current capabilities of kinetic architecture and its trend. The trend in kinetics within the field of architecture is split into two categories: humanistic and pragmatic. On one hand, humanistic are concerned about how an architectural environment may influence the user physically and psychologically as they change. On the other hand, pragmatic is concerned with problem-solving, optimising solutions and implying space efficiency. These trends are further dissected into four subcategories addressing the humanistic or pragmatic considerations, or both. • • • •
Spatial Optimisation Multi-functional Design Contextual Adaptation Mobility
3.2: Spatial Optimisation Spatial optimisation systems are most commonly found in large spaces that may be used for several different activities during the day, much like that of the Sliding house designed by DRMM mentioned in the previous chapter. These spaces usually have a transformable infrastructure that is built-in that allows spaces to move accordingly to provide several different configurations. However, optimising space in a small area will benefit the user greatly as they would be able to do more things in the smaller space. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated city in the world with a population of 7.5 million and a density of approximately 7000 people per square meter. (Worldbank, 2017) Many of the homes in Hong Kong are located in tall apartment towers because of such little land and such large population, up the only viable direction to build. This means towers are tall and densely packed with small flat sizes averaging 470 square feet. (Scmp, 2016)
(Figure 11: Showing transformation of one space to another.) | 15
Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
A project called the Domestic Transformer in Hong Kong by Gary Chang seems like a great solution to this problem. The flat used for the project is 344 square feet in size and uses a series of sliding and foldable walls that double as storage. Using these movable elements, pulling walls and furniture around can create over 24 different rooms, from a kitchen to a so-called gaming room. Chang states this project is “all about transformation, flexibility and maximising space�. (Buisnessinsider, 2016)
(Figure 12: All 24 plans of the space.)
This pragmatic approach to spatial optimisation and multifunctional design is what I believe flats in Hong Kong, or any country, would benefit from hugely. To be able to adapt to the users need on the fly and create a comfortable living space. While I do agree with this type of the design for the future of Hong Kong apartments, this project was a renovation project which costed $218,000 which is not an affordable price for the average consumer in Hong Kong therefore not suitable and I predict it would not be adopted in the future.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
3.3: Contextual Adaptation These adaptations consider the location of the site such as weather and temperature patterns. Buildings with this adaptability usually use a characteristic of the environment and try to emphasise it to become apparent. For example, The Wind Veil designed by Ned Kahn is a six-storey tall faรงade of a parking garage located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It uses 80,000 small aluminium plates that are held by a hinge on one side resulting in free movement with the wind flow. Along with the flow of wind, it creates a wave-like effect in a field of metallic grass to mimic the visualisation of the wind to give viewers a sense of abstract movement. This was also designed to provide ventilation and shade for the interior of the parking garage. (Dynamicarchitecture, 2012)
(Figure 13: Faรงade in motion)
(Figure 14: Individual aluminium plate) | 17
Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
While others agree that this can be a great example kinetic architecture, in my opinion, this does not represent kinetic architecture very well. Sure, it has kinetic elements that react to the wind to create a visual representation of the wind itself, but it bears no useful responsibility. It is only a spectacle at best. It states it was designed to provide ventilation and shade for the interior. However, I disagree. The façade is built on a steel structure extended out of the car park meaning there is a significant gap between this façade and the actual car park wall (as shown in the image below) so the car park itself would already be ventilated well even if this façade was not present, however, on windy days, I predict the ventilation would be stronger due to the air being pushed in more vigorously by the moving plates, but this only applies days with mild to strong wind.
(Figure 15: A significant gap between the car park wall and facade)
The building is also very deep in area but short in height, meaning light from the sun does not reach very far into the car park and if the day is sunny and not windy it will provide shade, but it would also make the interior of the car park much darker too therefore it would require the need for artificial lights to be powered on during the day thus increasing energy usage. The façade also poses as a potential health risk as there is a total of 80,000 aluminium plates dangle on one hinge. Unexpected strong winds may cause plates to break off and hit pedestrians below causing potentially fatal wounds. As I said, in my opinion, this façade is no more than just a spectacle, without it, the car park would receive more natural lighting thus making it more of a safe environment rather than a shaded space, the space is already ventilated since the façade is not held directly onto the car park wall therefore the façade is of little use and it is potentially a health risk for pedestrians passing under or near by the car park.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
A good example of contextual adaptation is the Wimbledon Center Court. The retractable roof is used depending on the weather on the day of a sporting event taking place. If there is rain, the roof will close to provide spectators and players shelter from the rain whilst also providing comfort. The material of the roof will be made from Gore Tenara (a type of Gore-Tex fabric) which is stretched along ten trusses. The transparent properties allow a lot of natural light through into the court. The roof was also designed to maintain a steady level of light and air flowing through the court when it is open and closed. Condensation from within the bowl is removed by the air flow system, therefore, providing good court conditions conductive to the playing of tennis. (Wimbedon, no date) This ability to adapt to the weather conditions means adapting to the users need which to me, is a fundamental part of what kinetic architecture should be.
(Figure 16: Wimbledon Center Court, roof open.)
(Figure 17: Wimbledon Center Court, roof closed.)
3.4: Mobility As technological advancements in recent years have made great strides, mobility has been a trend in which portable houses are available on the market. There are two types of mobile buildings that can be argued as kinetic architecture. On one hand, there are the cheap, easy to construct and easy to move buildings. On the other hand, there are more expensive, easy to construct but require more effort to move around and usually not designed to be constructed and deconstructed on the go. For example, The Mobile Dwelling Unit by Lot-Ek have large boxes resembling shipping containers can be transformed into a larger space within minutes allowing the use of more space for other activities. These transformations are usually extrusions or foldouts that create the additional spaces. These spaces can be easily transported to another location easily if required. (Lok-Ek, 2003)
(Figure 18: The Mobile Dwelling Unit.)
(Figure 19: Plan view with images of space.) | 19
Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
The idea of a mobile building this size has been around for many decades in the form of a caravan. So, what makes this an example of kinetic architecture? Is a caravan a kinetic building? Essentially yes, looking back at the Teatro del Mondo by Aldo Rossi in Chapter 1, I considered the Teatro to a part of kinetic architecture even though it had no moving parts, but instead the whole building moved with the help of boats. This is the same concept but on a much smaller scale and on land instead of water, and it moves by using cars, not boats. These cheap mobile buildings are currently still being used, and quite popular, mainly for holiday usage especially if the location was national because it is much cheaper than paying for a flight and hotel, can be reused many times and can be customised by the user to make them feel like home. If this idea was introduced decades ago and is still popular today, does it mean this will be the definition of kinetic mobile buildings for the future? Not necessarily. While this remains a cheap and conventional way having a transportable building, concepts and construction of modular apartments have been raised within the last few years.
(Figure 20: Stacking of modular homes completed within one month. nARCHITECTS, Carmel Place, New York)
Carmel Place by nARCHITECTS is a series of pre-fab modular micro homes stacked together to create an apartment block in New York. The modular homes are constructed offsite in a factory and then transported and stacked using heavy machinery such as cranes. These micro homes range from around 260 to 360 square feet in size. The aim of this project was to create small but affordable living spaces to tackle the shortage of affordable housing in New York. (nARCHITECTS, 2015)
(Figure 21: Construction of the modular homes off-site) | 20
Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
This concept of modular apartments has the potential to raise the bar of mobility in architecture. In the near future I believe we would be seeing modular homes like these capable of being moved to different locations and further into the future, maybe even shipped to different countries. While the caravan and Lok-Ek are similar, those examples are mainly used as temporary structures while this concept is much more about a permanent space. Cheap and quick to construct, this has the potential to create a whole new vision of how people see the future of living spaces. Instead of moving houses and the hassle that comes with it such as packing and unpacking, your house comes with you, even if moving to another country, the house can be air shipped to that country along with the owner. There are downsides to this concept however, large infrastructures would need to be built to house these modular homes like a massive grid (similar to that of the picture on the right). The only system comparable to this would be automated car parks where cars are allocated automatically into an empty slot of a bigger infrastructure but instead of cars, imagine modular homes that can come with you wherever you go whether it is going on vacation or moving to a different city or country. Another downside would be the cost of transporting these modules may be more than the cost of constructing one of these housing units. (Figure 22: Automated car park, grid structure)
3.5: Summary Most projects have a mixture of both humanistic and pragmatic approach to their designs, however, some lean towards a more specific approach. The Domestic Transformer in Hong Kong and the mobile homes have a pragmatic approach to its design as it focuses on solving a limited space issue. Large projects such as the Wind Veil car park was more humanistic in the sense it wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere by using the aluminium panels to mimic the visualisation of the wind and create the sense of movement, while Wimbledon Court has the pragmatic approach to provide shelter for the players and spectators.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Chapter 4: Kinetics and Sustainability
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
4.1: Responsive Kinetics As mentioned in chapter 2, sustainability is a reason why kinetic architecture is needed. With the issue of global warming, architects have started to implement kinetics into designs as an approach to tackle this issue, however, these techniques tend to be quite expensive due to them being new and experimental. Responsive kinetics that react to the change in light, temperature and wind is the type of kinetics that allow buildings to reach a level of sustainability. This chapter will focus on the newly developed kinetics in architecture and their role in sustainability and if the cost of developing these systems are worth it.
4.2: Automated Shading Systems An example is the Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters. These systems are implemented into the façade to provide shading which minimalises heat gain and glare which in return reduces cooling demand, improves the performance of the glass with better natural lighting and views and provides a more pleasant environment for its users. Depending on the time of day or the amount of direct sunlight, parts of the façade can maneuver itself by opening and closing to block most or all the incoming glare. The shading system is called the mashrabiya system which compromises of one thousand elements across the two towers which each installed like three-sided umbrellas which are made from a PTFEcoated fibreglass mesh with a twenty percent visible light transmittance which is cantilevered from the glass façade. A dynamic façade for this building is very useful since Abu Dhabi has a hot climate. Analysis showed that with the implementation of this façade led to a twenty to sixty percent reductions in solar heat gain when compared to their benchmarks. Overall, this environmental strategy has reduced the annual cooling load by thirty-five percent and an overall reduction of fifteen percent in annual energy demand when compared to conventional buildings.
(Figure 23: The Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters.)
(Figure 24: Kinetic façade adapting to light.)
The mashrabiya system was developed solely for this building therefore the price of research and development that went into this project would be immense. A thirty-five percent reduction in annual cooling and fifteen percent reduction in annual energy consumption is a significant amount however, a similar energy reduction could have been achieved with a much simpler or existing shading systems thus reducing the price of research and development. Abu Dhabi is well known for its bold, abstract and over-the-top building designs therefore that can be a reason why they developed this advanced shading system; to also maintain a level of futuristic aesthetic and build upon its existing unique skyline.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
4.3: Natural Ventilation Council House 2 (CH2). Widely considered as Australia’s most sustainable building, CH2 is project meant to demonstrate to architects, engineers, developers and building owners that such as sustainable building could be viable in the urban core of a dense city. CH2 achieves a passive design strategy that relies on sun shading, natural ventilation and solar chimneys to provide the users of the space a comfortable interior space.
(Figure 25: The dynamic west façade of CH2)
(Figure 26: CH2 in relation to the location)
Each façade expresses the relationship between environment and occupants. The east façade is enclosed by a service core, the west uses recycled timber shutters which open and close, and the north and south include operable windows and balconies. The underfloor displacement ventilation system pulls in fresh outside air into the space. Automated window systems are also used at night to allow air to cool the exposed concrete surfaces. During morning hours, the energy stored dissipates which results in the reduction of the demand in cooling by approximately 20 percent. However, the west façade is most interesting. The west façade is made up of two layers, one being a glass curtain wall system on the inside and recycled timber shutters mounted to a secondary steel structure on the outside. These panels are individually mounted and are positioned accurately according to the position of the sun; thus, the façade opens during the morning and slowly closes as the sun drifts overhead afternoon resulting in reduced heat gain. All of these façade strategies combine to significantly reduce the internal heat gain, provide cooling from the low-energy chilled ceiling system and to minimise the amount of air provided from ventilation systems by only using the underfloor displacement system. (Fortmeyer, R. and Linn, C., 2014, p. 138-141) While this focuses on the natural ventilation, a big part of the sustainability strategy is the automated shading with the help of the wooden panels. Unlike the Abu Dhabi project previously, this technique does not require new development or new materials meaning the cost is much lower while achieving similar results in reduction of energy usage.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
4.4: Summary Tackling global warming through implementing kinetics in architecture to create sustainable buildings is what I believe the future of architecture to be. Council House 2 achieved the title of most sustainable building in Australia using simple mechanics and recycled material proving affordability to be a reality. Abu Dhabi Investment Headquarters achieves the same but with newly developed materials and techniques which has its own pros and cons. The con being expensive in all aspects such as research, development and construction but the reduced demand in energy usage would eventually cover the costs of these. Therefore, I believe the pro outweighs the con. The research and development of the Abu Dhabi project pushed the limits of modern architecture engineering, and that to me, is a very positive way of approaching design as it showcases what the future may hold in terms of materiality and form.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Chapter 5: What’s Next?
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
5.1: Rapid Technological Advancements As mentioned before, kinetic architecture relies heavily on technology. Since the rapid advancements and engineering methods in the past few decades, the growth has been at an all-time high, with automation and machinery improving yearly and with each year’s improvements being substantial. What can we expect down the road of kinetic architecture? In ten or twenty years’ time? With the power of technology the world already possesses and still developing, concepts we thought would have taken place fifty years in the future have been reduced to a mere five to ten.
5.2: The Future The Dynamic Tower was a concept proposed by architect David Fisher which composed of a fourhundred and twenty metres, eighty floors, skyscraper to be in Dubai. Each floor is designed to rotate independently thus resulting in a constant change in shape of the tower. Floors can rotate a whole three-hundred and sixty degrees in one-hundred and eighty minutes. This proposal would have been the first prefabricated skyscraper in the world, meaning each floor can be built individually then shipped to the construction site and be attached together to the core. The floors would be made from steel, aluminium and carbon fibre materials. The duration of the construction of the entire building would have been reduced significantly. Wind turbines would be placed in between each of the rotating floors whereas the solar panels would be placed covering the roof of each floor. This idea should produce enough surplus electricity to power five other similar sized buildings within its vicinity. The highlight of the building is, of course, the rotating floors of the building. This concept was proposed in 2008 and will start construction in 2020. (Dynamicarchitecture, 2012)
(Figure 26: Various concept renders of how the Dynamic Tower may look.)
The idea of this concept is to provide each user with more personalisation. Like the Villa Girasole in chapter 1, if the user wishes to have their apartment follow the path of the sun, this can be done. If they wanted their living room or bedroom to face a specific direction at different times of day, it can be done. If the living room is receiving too much light at noon, the room can be rotated to move away
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
from the sunlight. Because the idea of for apartment, the rotating aspect serves a useful purpose in that it can adapt to the users need and comfort. But what kinetic architecture can be applied to a much larger scale? The Seasteading Institute has proposed its ‘Floating City Project’. Designing and creating a city based in the Pacific Ocean which would be used to test new governments and agricultural methods. The city set for construction in 2019 off the island of Tahiti. A network of eleven rectangular and five-sided platforms would be built so the city could be rearranged according to the inhabitants, essentially a modular design that can be added or subtracted if need be without the disturbance of other platforms. The platforms would be made from reinforced concrete and support three-storey buildings such as offices and apartments for up to onehundred years according to plans. (Seasteading, 2017)
(Figure 28: One ‘city’ connected to others.)
(Figure 29: Showing the modular aspect of the design.)
This project is very similar and probably inspired by the Teatro del Mondo by Aldo Rossi mentioned in chapter 1 as they are both capable of relocation, the difference being this project is on a much larger scale with modularity. The modular aspect allows for very flexible spacing getting rid of an unwanted settlement would be as simple as unplugging and replace with something that is needed or wanted. Cities could be shaped according to how the community wants rather than restricted by land. I think modularity is a way forward for kinetic architecture to solve overcrowded issue the planet faces currently with seven billion humans. | 28
Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
5.3: Materiality Materiality plays a vital role in kinetic architecture as it certain materials allow for certain movements. Metals and tensile materials are the most common in kinetic architecture with current technology as opposed to concrete or wood because they have the capability to be stronger and flexible allowing further range of movements to create more dynamic kinetic components. Materials in architecture started from stone, to concrete, to metals, to tensile fabrics. It appears as technology advances, materials become more ‘organic’. With the advancements of technology and engineering methods, multiple types of materials can bond to create one new type of material with new properties while retaining the properties of the individual material used in the bonding process. What can we expect the buildings of the future to be made of?
5.3.1 Thermo-Bimetal Most people realise architecture as being extremely static, buildings do not conform to the human body or nature, however, with rapid technological growth, why can’t architecture accommodate the human? Instead of looking at a building with thick static concrete walls, why can’t we make it respond so that we consider it more like a skin? Professor Doris Sung aims to use responsive thermos-bimetals that can ‘breathe’ to heat or cool a building and become more lifelike and environmentally friendly. Doris Sung’s most recognised project is an installation called Bloom at the Materials and Applications gallery in Lost Angeles, USA which opens and closes accordingly to environmental conditions. What is so fascinating about thermo-bimetal is the ability to bypass the on/off switch entirely. (Creators, 2013) Bloom is a twenty-foot canopy instalment consisting of over fourteen-thousand thermo-bimetal pieces. The intention was to create a canopy that was able to do two things, one being a sun-shading device that when the sun hits the surface, it constricts the amount of sun passing through, and two being a ventilating system so that hot trapped air underneath the canopy can move through and out when necessary. (Creators, 2013)
(Figure 30: Individual thermos-bimetal tiles reacting to sun)
(Figure 31: The difference according to temperature)
Thermo-bimetal, a material made of two thin layers of metal that each have a different coefficient of expansion (Architizer, 2012). Responding to the surrounding, when temperature rises, one side heats up faster than the other thus causing the material to curl.
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Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
If applied to a building façade, it can curl when hit by direct sunlight to create shade for the interior of the building which will reduce heat gain and demand for air conditioning resulting in less energy usage or curl in strategic locations to open up vents to release hot air and if the power is down, the skin still works accordingly since it does not use any mechanical systems and require no human intervention. They will continue to work “tirelessly, efficiently, and endlessly” said Sung (Ted Talks, 2012). A material like thermo-bimetals introduces great benefits into the future of buildings. The material is essentially an organic shading system. The mashrabiya system of the Abu Dhabi Investment Headquarter uses energy to create an automated shading system to lower the cost of cooling demand whereas a thermo-bimetal façade would require no energy or maintenance to achieve the same function. That is what I believe to be the future of sustainability design; not powering a system that saves energy but a system that saves energy without any power.
5.3.2 Nanotechnology Nanotechnology seems like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it is quickly becoming reality. Nanoscience is the study of the extremely small which can be used across all other scientific fields including physics, materials science and engineering which can benefit the field of architecture. Nanometer is the measurement used and to put it into perspective, there are over twenty-five million nanometers in an inch and one-hundred-thousand nanometers make up the thickness of one sheet of newspaper. Creating materials at the nanoscale takes advantage of their enhanced properties such as higher strength, lighter weight, increased control light spectrum and greater chemical reactivity than their larger-scale counterparts. (Nano, no date)
(Figure 32: Nanoscale lattice structures.)
Materials such as ceramic and steel tend to be heavy while lightweight materials are wear. Nanoscience materials can change the rule of conventional materiality. Applied to architecture, the buildings of the future may not be using these conventional materials and instead move towards the unconventional. Stronger materials being lightweight could mean more cantilever buildings and possibly buildings with no columns as the material is lightweight enough to support itself without any.
5.4: Summary Part design and part science defines architecture and we are in a technological era where the two have great potential to help one another. Both scientists and designers strive to push their respective fields forward and I believe kinetic architecture is one of those things that can provide insight into the other as scientists help designers by bringing newfound technologies and theories to design disciplines while designers help scientist to think ‘outside the box’ to develop these newfound technologies. Kinetic architecture gives the users a whole other dimension to interact with their environment and show them what it means to have transition and morphing states in architecture. | 30
Architecture Y3
Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Conclusion To me, I do not believe there is a set line to define what is kinetic architecture and what is not. I believe the line is subject to change according with the advancements of technology. With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, the ideas and concepts that rely on these newly developed technologies for kinetic architecture is too costly for traditional architects to explore and adopt. The architecture industry is hesitant to implement kinetics into designs due to health and safety of the clients and budget thus leaving a small amount of ‘experimental’ architects and architecture students to explore. I believe kinetic architecture is the way forward, it can provide flexible spacing, adapt to its surrounding and reach a level of sustainability. However, with kinetics being ignored widely by the industry, this dissertation explored and showcased the different types of kinetic architecture, their positives and negatives thus I believe there are so much more opportunities and possibilities to design kinetic architecture waiting to be discovered.
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Andrew Chiu [96248015]
Ravensbourne
Bibliography: Books: •
El-Khoury, R., Marcopoulos, C. and Moukheiber, C. (2012). The Living, Breathing, Thinking, Responsive Buildings of the Future. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd.
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Fortmeyer, R. and Linn, C. (2014). Kinetic architecture: Design for Active Envelopes.
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Lehman, M. (2017). Adaptive sensory environments. 1st ed. Routledge.
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Maziar A. (2010). Transformable and Kinetic Architectural Structures: Design, Evaluation and Application to Intelligent Architecture. Berln:VDM Verlag Dr. Müller.
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Zuk, W. and Clark, R. (1970). Kinetic architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
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•
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South China Morning Post. (2016). When Hong Kong flats are the size of a parking space, something is deeply wrong. [online] Available at: http://www.scmp.com/comment/insightopinion/article/2018561/when-hong-kong-flats-are-size-parking-space-something-deeply [Accessed 11 Jan. 2018]. Space Needle. (no date). Fun Facts - Space Needle. [online] Available at: https://www.spaceneedle.com/fun-facts/ [Accessed 14 Nov. 2017].
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Willett, M. (2016). This 344-square-foot apartment in China can transform into 24 different rooms. [online] Business Insider. Available at: http://uk.businessinsider.com/gary-changtransforming-apartment-hong-kong2016-5?r=US&IR=T [Accessed 11 Jan. 2018].
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Videos •
Creators (2013). Buildings That Breathe | Doris Sung's Living Architecture. [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V17Lp1X0_ao [Accessed 16 Nov. 2017].
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Ted Talks (2012). Metal that breathes | Doris Kim Sung. [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=534&v=wvIyVZf3qZU [Accessed 16 Nov. 2017].
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USC University Communications (2012). Thermo-bimetal. Prof. Doris Kim Sung, USC School of Architecture. [video] Available at: https://vimeo.com/35968896 [Accessed 16 Nov. 2017].
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