3.5 RESPONSIVE FACADE

3.5 RESPONSIVE FACADE

A responsive facade takes a lively role, initiating changes, to a greater or lesser degree, as a result, and performance of complex or simple computations. Responsive components are those elements of the building that adapt to the requirements of individuals also on changes within the environment. These components could also be high tech systems that employ sensor networks and actuators to watch the environment and automate control of operable building elements. Furthermore, these technological systems are often actively used for the transfer and storage of warmth, light, water, and air. They maintain an appropriate balance between optimum interior conditions and energy performance by responding in a controlled manner to outdoor and indoor environment changes and to occupants' requirements. In other words, responsive building envelopes are often defined as technological systems during which external environmental conditions like ventilation, humidity, light volume, radiation, and temperature influence the inside parameters of the building, i.e., thermal and lightweight comfort. The foremost common solutions are supported by several specialized subsystems (such as structural elements, sensors, membranes, control devices, etc.) that are liable for changing the envelope‟s geometry consistent with programmed performance.

Figure 15 : Arab World Institute, Paris Figure 16 : Kiefer Technic Showroom, Austria