NANDO adaptive canopy by Giorgia Pierleoni

NANDO adaptive canopy

0. INTRODUCTION Scientists have predicted that global temperatures will continue to rise for decades to come. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which includes more than 1,300 scientists from the United States and other countries, forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. With cities expected to register extreme temperatures more frequently, life and activities in open public spaces are at risk. Currently, the most typical response to tackle the so called “urban heat island” effect is to turn up the air conditioning. But this fuels a vicious circle of heating the outdoors to cool the indoors, making external spaces even more uncomfortable, and at a significant cost. The International Energy Agency estimates that the energy needed for cooling will triple by 2050 - a growth equivalent to the current electricity demand in the USA and Germany combined.

With deadly heatwaves increasing in frequency and intensity, we need to urgently tackle the excess heat with green-technology policies and planning. Public spaces adaptations are essential to guarantee the continuation of life in public open spaces. Measures to adapt and create new forms of public spaces (as cities get hotter) should be 12 am 45 °C

12 am 45 °C

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Too often the solutions to tackle the heat relay on significant energy use, thus favouring the generation of waste heat and the overconsumption of electric energy. Moreover, superimposing mechanically cooled closed spaces on open public areas, such as walkways, markets, outdoor malls etc. not only favours global warming, but it heavily restricts the free use of public spaces.

part of a global movement towards a new kind of social and technological green climate infrastructure. Virtuous models from cities all over the world demonstrate how public realm improvements, when intelligently combined with green technology, can be used to mitigate and tackle the dangers and the consequences of extreme heat.

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PLAZA (e.g. Al Aghareed St/Futoun St Plaza - Abu Dhabi) 12AM and 45°C - WITHOUTH NANDO

HIGH STREET (e.g. Al Hudhoudh St - Abu Dhabi) 12AM and 45°C - WITHOUT NANDO

Because of their wide extension in all directions, open public spaces like plazas are subject to continuous sun exposure throughout the day. Following the predicted global increase of temperature, the formal and informal activities that take place in plazas are therefore under threat.

High streets are the civic hearth of local communities. High temperatures and continous sun exposure will soon make it impossible for the locals to visit their favourite open air markets, to sit outside their usual bars and cafes, to window shop, to informally gather in the streets etc.

1.1. NANDO AS ADAPTABLE INFRASTRUCTURE Sun shading has been, and still is, the fundamental and less energy-waste way to improve the public space bio-climatic behaviour. Reducing the solar radiation, both reflected by the ground and directly reaching people, by introducing vegetation or shading artefacts such as canopies, is the most efficient and environment-friendly way to reduce temperature and it is widely used at all latitudes from temperate areas to arid ones. This project investigates the application of shape memory alloys (SMA) to traditional sun shading systems to enable smart canopies that provide, where appropriate, shade to public spaces and buildings. 1. UNFOLDED MODULE

A shape memory alloy is distinguished by its shape memory ability. If a SMA element is deformed in a martensitic condition (cold state) when heated over its activation temperature it transforms into austenitic state (hot state) and returns to its original shape. Through a more extensive thermomechanical treatment, it is possible to obtain a “double memory effect”, where two different shapes may be achieved: one above the critical point of transformation and one below it.

changes in the surrounding environment's temperature. The proposed canopy is formed by a group of modular elements. Each module consists of a fibreglass perforated fabric cover (with a small oculus on the top to allow the heated air to escape during the day) and a supporting frame with SMA smart actuators located accordingly.

Therefore, the insertion of a shape memory alloy to the canopy-supporting frame, enables a responsive behaviour following

Thanks to the presence of the SMA each modular element of the canopy is characterised by a specific responsive behaviour, autonomously sensing the environment climatic conditions and therefore changing its configuration accordingly.

2. SEMI-FOLDED MODULE

3. FOLDED MODULE

1. top oculus to allow the heated air to escape during the day 2. fibreglass perforated fabric envelope 3. supporting structure

1. supporting structure 2. 2 no. side shape memory alloy (SMA) spring with L/2

1. supporting structure 2. 2 no. side shape memory alloy (SMA) spring with L/2 3. 1 no. vertical shape memory alloy (SMA) spring with L/2

When the environment’s temperature increases, the actuator activates expanding the module's supporting frame and hence unfolding the canopy. When the environment’s temperature decreases (e.g. in the evening or in a day of bad weather), the actuator cools down and returns the canopy to its folded position. NANDO’s modular pattern has been designed to ensure the maximum flexibility and versatility. Since each module behaves and morphs independently from the other, each instantiation of NANDO is unique and the number of configurations that can be developed is unlimited.

FOLDING SYSTEM

A. three-modules folding system

Different modules configurations respond to different needs: the “three-modules” folding system allows for a more efficient and quicker transition from shading to non-shading, the “single-module” folding system enhances a playful atmosphere ...

B. single-module folding system

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

The regular composition of NANDO’s structural system emphasises its versatility and adaptability and make it easy for each NANDO to be reassembled every hot season. Adaptable infrastructures like NANDO, which can morph to respond to different seasons and weather events, will be crucial in the present and future battle to stay cool and comfortable in a warming climate and to preserve life in public spaces.

A. steel tie bars

B. self-supportive structure

1.2.NANDO AS CLIMATE REGULATOR Natural ventilation is the most effective passive cooling technique that can mitigate hot temperatures during both day and night. During the day, the natural ventilation under the canopy is ensured by the ascent of the heated air through the top oculus and through the fabric perforations. This creates a constant breeze at street level favouring the natural cooling. At night, the canopy folds allowing greater air circulation (efficient natural ventilation) and therefore ensures a healthy air quality.

Unlike traditional fixed canopies, NANDO’s adaptable configuration ensures a constant natural air circulation both during day and night, therefore providing continuous climatic comfort for the citizens. The result is constantly changing and adapting canopy, one that reflects daily and seasonal patterns of weather, climate and occupation and responds to changing needs of heat and light. Its unique and totally autonomous activation provides many advantages: silent actuation, maintenance free, eco-friendliness, and NO energy consumption.

References 1. IPCC, 2013: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom and New York, USA. 2. IEA, 2018: The Future of Cooling : Opportunities for energy-efficient air conditioning, Technology Report A. Ritter, “Smart Materials in Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design”, Birkhäuser Verlag, 2006 M. Addington, D. Schodek, “Smart Materials and Technologies for the architecture and design professions”, Elsevier & Architectural Press, 2005 M. A. Callejas, “Nitinol Based Actuator for Architectural Technology in Hot Climate Countries”, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2014 O. Descampes, “The Application of Shape-Memory Alloys to Sculpture” In: JOM - Journal of Metals, TMS, 1991 P. Teuffel , D. Schodek, “Adaptive systems in architecture and structural engineering” In: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 2001

Air exchange system - DAY

Air exchange system - NIGHT

W. Huang, “Shape Memory Alloys and their Application to Actuators for Deployable Structures”, 1998

Artistic Impression - unfolded NANDO / overall high temperatures and direct sunlight

Artistic Impression - semi-folded NANDO / temperatures dropping and direct sunlight only to the west-facing building (where NANDO stays unfolded)

1.3.NANDO AS URBAN CATALYSER & DEMOCRATIC ARCHITECTURE The design of each NANDO always starts with a detailed study and understanding of the context where the insertion takes place. This ensures that the SMA and the overall canopy is designed accordingly and responds to the specific climatic needs and characteristics of the intervention sites.

HIGH STREET e.g. Al Hudhoudh St

PARK e.g. Musaffah Park

shopping, gathering, commuting eating & drinking, working

gathering, doing sport eating & drinking, relaxing

30-45 °C & 22-29 °C

28-42 °C & 22-27 °C

10 h

12 h

8-10 am, 12-2 pm, 5-9 pm

12 am-6 pm

Rather than being intended as single-application object, NANDO has been designed to be a multi-application and versatile urban object that acts as a climatic and functional connective tissue of the urban fabric.

The autonomous behaviour of the shape memory alloys can lead to unexpected and unprecedented configurations of the canopy. This triggers a chain reaction of singular,

NANDO’s autonomous alterations playfully challenge people to interact with it, everybody in their own way, while providing a spontaneous and democratic production of urban life. Even when NANDO hosts planned activities (e.g. concerts, festivals, markets), its autonomous behaviour ensures indeterminacy and improvisation, making it impossible to experience it the same way twice.

But ultimately NANDO is not just an energy-free means to ensure climate comfort in public spaces. It is also a planned urban design intervention that encourages the unplanned use of the public realm. In contemporary public spaces that are increasingly planned, designed, regulated and policed, the possibilities of spontaneity and free enjoyment are in danger of being lost. They are more and more often replaced with banal and sterile urban spaces produced, shaped and regulated to stimulate passive consumption and apathy rather than true spontaneity and playfulness.

spontaneous, organic and discontinued events underneath the neutral fabric of the canopy.

PLAZA e.g. Al Aghareed St/Futoun St Plaza working, shopping, gathering eating & drinking, working 30-45 °C & 22-29 °C 14 h 8 am-11 pm

LEGEND activities temperature ranges hours of direct sunlight users’ attendance timeframe

PLANNED AND SPONTANEOUS ACTIVTIES TAKE PLACE UNDER NANDO’S NEUTRAL FABRIC

NANDO AS URBAN CATALYSER: PLAZA

1. PLAZA - 12:00AM and 45°C - INSERTION OF NANDO & UNDERNEATH NANDO

e.g. Al Aghareed St/Futoun St Plaza - Abu Dhabi

Because of their wide extent in all directions, open public spaces like plazas are subject to continuous sun exposure throughout the day. Following the predicted global increase of temperature, the formal and informal activities that take place in plazas are therefore under threat. The insertion of the adaptive canopy at strategic points prevents piazzas from depopulation and ensures that all sort of activities take place in the plazas throughout the day.

12 am 45 °C

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1. At 12am with 45°C, thanks to the presence of NANDO, people enjoy their lunchbreak 1. PIAZZA (e.g.) - 7PM and 30°C INSERTION OF THE CANOPY - EXSTENSIVE USE evening approaches and temperatures drop, the adaptive canopy starts folding itself and the view of the sky opens. sitting outside cafes and bars, looking atAsWorkers the and students enjoy the last lights of the day having aperitivo outside CAFES and BARS and feeling the cool evening breeze. A jazz CONCERT starts at 6pm under the canopy and ends under the stars. Such concerts, previously taking place at night time and cancelled due to neighbours’ complaints, shops- windows, visiting the local open air have been restored and start earlier under the canopy. On the west-facing side of the piazza, the sun is still shining on the shops. The canopy stays open to protect from the hot sunlight who wants to enjoy the last moments of window SHOPPING. 2. PLAZA - 7:00PM and 30°C - INSERTION OF NANDO & UNDERNEATH NANDO market and informally gathering in the plaza. Moreover, the canopy ensures shading to the buildings overlooking the plaza. 2. As evening approaches and temperatures drop, the adaptive canopy starts folding itself and the view of the sky opens. Workers and students enjoy the last lights of the day having aperitivo outside cafes and bars and feeling the cool evening breeze. A jazz concert starts at 6pm under the canopy and ends under the stars.

On the west-facing side of the plaza, the sun is still shining on the shops. The canopy stays open to protect from the hot sunlight who wants to enjoy the last moments of window-shopping.

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7 pm 30 °C

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7 pm 30 °C

NANDO AS URBAN CATALYSER: HIGH STREET e.g. Al Hudhoudh St - Abu Dhabi

1. HIGH STREET - 9:00AM and 30°C - INSERTION OF NANDO & UNDERNEATH NANDO

High streets are the civic hearth of local communities. The insertion of the adaptive canopy at strategic points prevents high streets from depopulation and ensures that informal and formal activities take place in the streets throughout the day. 1. At 9:00am the sun is shining on the east-facing side of the street and the adaptive canopy unfolds itself. Locals visit their favourite open air market and linger under the canopy talking with the neighbours. Local elders spend the morning reading the newspaper outside bars and cafes and chatting with old friends. On the west-facing side of the street, the sun isn’t shining yet and the canopy stays folded. Locals enjoy the first lights of the day sitting and walking under the morning sky and feeling the cool morning breeze. 2. At 6:00pm the sun is shining on the west-facing side of the street and the adaptive canopy opens. Locals enjoy coming home from work walking leisurely under the canopy and stopping to look at the shop windows. Families and local elders watch the bustle on the streets while sitting under the canopy. On the east-facing side of the street, the sun isn’t shining anymore and the canopy folds itself. Workers and young people enjoy the last lights of the day chatting while having aperitivo outside the bars and waiting for the stars to appear.

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9:00 am 30 °C

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2. HIGH STREET - 6:00PM and 35°C - INSERTION OF NANDO & UNDERNEATH NANDO

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6:00 am 35 °C