USE OF INTELLIGENT SKINS

ABSTRACT

Technology influences the fields of Communication, Manufacturing and Production, Automobiles

and the Building Industry. Architectural technology widens its influence from the earlier design
stage, execution and post occupancy maintenance .The technological development leads to the
application of Kinetic technology in Architecture which results in Interactive architecture which
plays an increasingly key role in current scenario. The Interaction /Response can happen at any
level either with the environmental/climatic factors such as light, temperature, wind, sound, touch
or with occupant/user needs.

The research focuses on the need of Intelligent Envelopes to meet the demands of the rapid change
in climatic conditions. Also, how these skins are adaptive in nature, makes them stand through.
This dissertation overviews the Nature of Adaptive responses of Intelligent Skins Versus the Static
Existence of Facades in Traditional Designing.

Conventional Buildings with Static envelopes are responsible for maximum Energy consumption
and Greenhouse Gas emissions. A building envelope must be adaptive to external stimuli &
function without human interference and should become energy efficient and as energy Generators.

INTRODUCTION

Cities and towns around the world have static dwellings, which are the dominant model for the
societies and based on the principle that dwellings should be stationary. But kinetic architecture
refers to the idea of change over time. Throughout the architecture history, we have been
concerning the facade treatment for a much pleasant visual impact to the public. But what pushes
its own boundary now, is how we make the facade more than just a static vertical architectural
element.

What if a facade functions more than just an envelope of a building? What if a facade responds to
climate, technology, sunlight, or even natural element such as wind? What if a facade can
constantly react to the surrounding and forms a pattern of movement by itself? What if, a “dynamic
facade” proposal that could respond to the environment and minimize the energy consumption?

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AIM

 The Intention of the topic is to focus on the study and understanding the need of Intelligent
KINETIC skins in nearby future.
 Understanding the importance in Sculptural Aspect as well as their Functional Importance
which they can be optimised to enhance the building’s performance.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Are Intelligent Facades really the need of Future?

Will Intelligent Kinetic Facades be in consideration of building design for Indian Context?

OBJECTIVE

 To study the difference between Static, Automated and Self Responsive Facades.
 Conduct an in-depth study of factors affecting use of Intelligent facades.
 To examine and understand the aspect of Intelligent Facade Designing.
 To analyse various typologies of Intelligent Skins.
 Focusing on role of Climate Adaptive Building Shells responding to the exterior condition
to meet the interior comfort level in Indian Context.
 Devising guidelines and recommendations for use of Intelligent Facades for increased
performance of a building.

METHODOLOGY

 The Dissertation has been carried forward through various Articles, Journals, Research
Papers and pre-existing Dissertations on Intelligent Skins and Adaptive Responses of
Facades.
 Analysing secondary sources for evolution of facades from ancient to current context.
 Analysis of Literature Studies: Study a number of relevant Examples.
 Use collected data and literature Studies to model and simulate the feasabilitty.

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SCOPE

The Study will undertake a critical visual and physical analysis of various Intelligent facades, To
evaluate various aspects governing their Design, Function and Location.

There is a need to explore such Adaptive Shells to respond to the rapid change in Environment. In
the near future, Intelligent Skins are the principles to Intelligent Building Envelopes because it sets
a new approach where the Fabric of the building adapts to external changes and internal needs.

LIMITATIONS

The technology is not much known in Indian context, thus no proper case studies are available for
referencing to the cause and limited in response to climate.

Limited Literature studies are available with no prototypes with consideration to Indian Context.

The research does not cover the structural and mechanical aspects of Intelligent Skins.

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