Unity University

College of Engineering and Computational Sciences

Department of Architecture and Urban Planning

The contribution of adaptive building envelope for multi-story buildings

In the case of Addis Ababa buildings

BSc Thesis
This thesis is submitted to College of Engineering and Computational Sciences, Department of
Architecture and Urban Planning of Unity University for partial fulfillment of all requirements of
Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Urban Planning.

BY
Name BEREKET MENBERU / ID. No. UU63300R/
Mobile /0922744086/ E-Mail bekamenberu@gmail.com

Advisor:
IDRIS YASSIN

November /2020
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Declaration

I declare that, this thesis prepared for the partial fulfillment of all the requirements for the degree
of Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Urban Planning entitled ―The contribution of
adaptive building envelope for multi-story buildings In the case of Addis Ababa buildings‖ is My
original research work prepared in an effort with the close advice and guidance of my adviser. I
also declare that this thesis has not been presented in any university and all sources that I have
used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references.

Name of candidates Signature Date

Name Bereket Menberu ___________________ _________________

Certification

Here with I state that Bereket Menberu has carried out this research work on the topic entitled
―The contribution of adaptive building envelope for multi-story buildings In the case of Addis
Ababa buildings‖ under my supervision and it is sufficient for the partial fulfillment for the
award of BSc degree in Architecture and Urban Planning.

Name: _____________________
Signature: _____________________
Date: _________________________

Approved by board of examiners

Name _________________ _______________

Advisor/ Internal Examiner Signature Date

Name _________________ _______________

Advisor/ Internal Examiner Signature Date

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Abstract

Adaptive façades can improve the building‘s energy efficiency and economics, through their
capability to change their behavior in real time according to indoor-outdoor parameters, by
means of materials, components, and systems. The aim of the paper is to build descriptive,
behavioral, and methodological words, to assist researchers and designers in navigating the field
of high-performance façades that incorporate materially innovative and feedback-based systems.
And strategies used in constructing adaptive building envelopes of multistory buildings,
integrating improved energy performance and architectural innovation, in order to Control the
physical environmental factors, as well as improving occupants‘ comfort.

Scope and objective: The objective of this paper is to illustrate and discuss new conceptual
ways of designing adaptive building envelopes of multistory structures that respond to
environmental changes in the surrounding climate of in tropical climates, like Addis Ababa and
how the usage of such adaptive envelopes can help reduce the energy consumption of the
building.

Methodology: The literature survey will first discuss the characteristics and properties of
adaptive building envelopes facades. After that, the paper present and analyze existing examples
and ideas of adaptive envelopes, gaining an overall understanding of the concept of different
types adaptive building envelopes. And then, two case studies are presented to analyze the
implementation of the two adaptive envelopes strategies and analyze subjective evaluation,
experiment and computer simulation observes their effects on the building energy savings.
Finally possible remedial solutions were given based on the finding adaptive principle and
envelope design.

Keywords
Adaptive façade, energy efficiency, comfort, passive design, intelligent buildings, sustainable
architecture, Thermal comfort, Visual comfort and building (adaptive) envelope

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Acknowledgment

Thanks to God almighty for the completion of this BSc thesis.

I would like to express the deepest appreciation to my advisor
Mr. IDRIS YASSIN, who gave me the advice to deal with the
thesis. I thank all others who have been constantly supported
and gave me feedbacks about my work. I also would like to
thank my family who has been a constant source of
encouragement during the course of study.

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List of figures Page
Figure 1. Name of Figure and Source …………………………………………………................ 10
Figure 2.1 Some pictures of active façades: a) articulated cloud, Pittsburgh (USA), 2004; b)
Nordic Embassies in Berlin, Berlin (DE), 1999; c) MEDIA-TIC, Barcelona
(SP),2007………………………………………………………………………………………................ 10
Figure 2.1 Some pictures of bio-inspired façades: a) Hygroscope, Centre Pompidou, Paris (FR),
2012; b) BIPV Adaptive Flakes, Milan (IT), 2017; c) BIQ – The Algaehouse – The Clever
Treefrog, Hamburg (DE), 2013……………………………………………………………….............. 10
Figure 2.3 Some pictures of kinetic façades: a) Campus Kolding, Kolding (Denmark), 2014; b)
Kiefer Technic Showroom, Bad Gleichenberg (A), 2007; c) ThyssenKrupp Quarter, Essen (DE),
2010 ……………………………………………………………………………………………................ 10
Figure 2.4 Some pictures of interactive façades: a) GreenPix – Zero Energy Media Wall, Beijing
(cn), 2018; b) SolPix, New York (US), 2010; c) Cyclebowl, Hannover Expo (DE), 2000.......... 10
Figure 2.5 Some pictures of responsive façades: a) Arab World Institute, Paris (FR), 1987; b)
Yale Sculpture Building, New Haven Connecticut (USA), 2007; c) Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi
(AE), 2012 ……………………………………………………………………………………................. 10
Figure 2.6 Some pictures of smart façades: a) InDeWaG, Bayreuth (De), 2015; b) SELFIE
Façade, Florence (I), 2017; c) Solar XXI – BIPV/T Systems, LISBON (P), 2006 …................ 10
Figure 2.7 Diagrammatic concept of open loop system…………………………………................ 10
Figure 2.8 Diagrammatic concept of closed loop system loop system…………………................ 10
Figure 2.9 Example of a macro- level adaptive system at Al Bahar towers, where the panels fold
or unfold to act as solar shading. ………………………………………………………….................. 10
Figure 2.10 Molecule configuration of water as fluid and ice. …………………………............... 10
Figure 3.1 Sketch for the envelope idea. ……….……………………………………….................. 10
Figure 3.2 Al Bahar Towers. ……………………………………………………………................... 10
Figure 3.3 Parametric Mashrabiya Model. …………………………………………….................. 10
Figure 3.4 Thye Mashrabia system of operation. …………………………………….................... 10
Figure 3.5 Council House 2 (CH2), main façade. …………………………………….................. 10
Figure 3.6 Sketch shows the mechanism of façade. ………………………………….................... 10
Figure 3.7 The kinetic system applied to the Western façade. ……………………………........... 10
Figure 3.8 Overall solar exposure map of selected CBD area (west and south facade) .......... 10
Figure3.9 Awash Insurance Annual cumulative solar access analysis in Wh/m2 primarily of
open plan office spaces such as the 10th, 11th and 12th floor……………………………............. 10
Figure 3.10 Interior and Exterior feature of awash bank ……………………………........... 10
Figure 3.11 Debrework Tower- Annual cumulative solar access analysis in Wh/m2 ............... 10
Figure 3.12 Interior and Exterior feature of Debrework Tower ………………………................ 10

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List of tables
Table 1. Name of Table and Source......................................................................................... 24
Table 3.1 Case studies 1. ............................................................................................................. 24
Table 3.2 Case studies 2. ............................................................................................................. 24
Table 3.3 Common research methods comparison ..................................................................... 24
Table 3.3 Sunshine and daylight hours in Addis Ababa [source: www.addis
ababa.climatemps.com.................................................................................................................. 24

List of graph
Graph 1. Name of Graph and Source.................................................................................... 28
Graph 3.1: sky cover range [source: climate consultant at SWERA 634500 WMO station
number, elevation 2355m] .......................................................................................................... 28
Graph 3.2: Average Temperature in Addis (source: www.addis-
ababa.climatemps.com/sunlight.php ............................................................................................ 28
Graph 3.3: Monthly discomfort period comparison of three offices .......................................... 28
Graph 3.4: Occupants’ reaction curve to thermal discomfort .................................................... 28

Acronyms
The following sections are highly desirable, because they greatly improve the readability of the
thesis.

1. Glossary of terms.
2. List of abbreviations

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Table of content
Keywords ..........................................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgment .............................................................................................................................. iii
List of figures .................................................................................................................................... iv
List of tables ...................................................................................................................................... v
List of graph ....................................................................................................................................... v
Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................... v
Table of content................................................................................................................................ vi
CHAPTER 1: ........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ........................................................................................................... 4
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................................. 5
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................. 6
1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................. 6
1.7 RESEARCH OUTLINE ............................................................................................................................ 7
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEWS: .............................................................................................................. 8
2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 ‘ADAPTIVE’ DEFINITIONS..................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 REVIEWS OF EXISTING DEFINITIONS OF ADAPTIVE FAÇADES ........................................................... 10
2.3.1 ACTIVE FAÇADES......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.2 ADVANCED FAÇADES .................................................................................................................. 12
2.3.3 BIOMIMETIC OR BIO-INSPIRED FAÇADES ................................................................................... 12
2.3.4 KINETIC FAÇADES ....................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.5 INTELLIGENT FAÇADES ............................................................................................................... 14
2.3.6 INTERACTIVE FAÇADES ............................................................................................................... 15
2.3.7 MOVABLE FAÇADES .................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.8 RESPONSIVE FAÇADES ................................................................................................................ 16
2.3.9 SMART FAÇADES......................................................................................................................... 17
2.3.10 SWITCHABLE FAÇADES ............................................................................................................. 18
2.3.11 TRANSFORMABLE FAÇADES ..................................................................................................... 18

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 2.4 CHARACTERISATION PARAMETERS OF ADAPTIVE FAÇADES (AFS) ................................................... 18
2.4.1 DETERMINANTS ROLE IN BUILDING ENVELOPE ......................................................................... 20
2.4.1.1 SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ................................................................................................. 20
2.4.1.2 IDENTITY AND MODERNITY ................................................................................................. 21
2.5 THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING ENVELOPE ..................................................................................... 22
2.5.1 Thermal comfort and human performance ............................................................................... 22
2.5.1.1 Human comfort.................................................................................................................... 22
2.5.1.2 Thermal comfort .................................................................................................................. 23
2.5.2 Main parameters of thermal comfort ........................................................................................ 23
2.5.3 Illumination ................................................................................................................................ 24
2.5.4 SOLAR GAIN AND HEAT FLOW THROUGH BUILDING ELEMENTS ............................................... 24
2.6 Control systems................................................................................................................................. 25
2.6.1 Mechanisms ............................................................................................................................... 26
2.6.1.1 Macro-level .......................................................................................................................... 26
2.6.1.2 Micro-level ........................................................................................................................... 27
2.7 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 3 CASE STUDY AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSES ............................................................................ 29
3.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 29
3.1.1 International Case Study ............................................................................................................ 29
3.1.1.1 Case Study 1 ......................................................................................................................... 29
3.1.1.2 Case Study 2 ......................................................................................................................... 32
3.1.2 SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 35
3.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 36
3.2.1 CONSTANT PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................... 36
3.2.2 VARIABLE PARAMETERS ............................................................................................................. 37
3.3 IDENTIFICATION, SELECTION AND JUSTIFICATION OF RESEARCH METHOD .................................... 37
3.4 SELECTION AND JUSTIFICATION OF SIMULATION TOOLS ................................................................. 38
3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................ 38
3.6 COMPUTER SIMULATION .................................................................................................................. 39
3.6.1 OVERALL SOLAR EXPOSURE STUDY OF SELECTED CBD ZONE IN ADDIS ABABA......................... 39
3.6.2 SOLAR ACCESS ANALYSIS OF SELECTED VULNERABLE OFFICE BUILDINGS................................. 40
3.7 QUESTIONNAIRE AND OBSERVATION /QUALITATIVE DATA ......................................................... 43

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 3.7.1 STUDYING THE EFFECT OF FACADE CHOICES ON INDOOR VISUAL AND THERMAL COMFORT . 43
3.7.2 STUDYING THE EFFECT OF FACADE CHOICES ON NEARBY BUILDINGS, STREETS AND DRIVERS 43
3.8 WEATHER DATA FOR ADDIS ABABA.................................................................................................. 44
3.9 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION ...................................................................................................... 45
3.9.1 RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................... 45
3.9.2 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................ 47
Chapter 4:- POSSIBLE REMEDIAL AND FINDING ........................................................................................ 49
4.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 49
4.2 Design task ........................................................................................................................................ 49
4.3 BENEFITS OF THIS DYNAMIC FACADE SYSTEM ................................................................................. 50
4.4 SOLAR ANALYSIS AND FACADE INTERPRETATION ............................................................................ 50
4.5 Concept ............................................................................................................................................. 51
4.6 Design process .................................................................................................................................. 52
4.7 Summary: .......................................................................................................................................... 53
4.8 Finding .............................................................................................................................................. 54
Chapter 5:- CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ............................................................................ 57
5.1 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 57
5.2 Recommendation.............................................................................................................................. 58
5.3 Further studies .................................................................................................................................. 58
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................... 59
Bibliography................................................................................................................................................ 62

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CHAPTER 1:

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The construction industry in Addis Ababa is one of the prime investment sectors which is
booming with office blocks, housing, hotels and others. This phenomenon has created a platform
for architects and engineers to explore emerging glass materials and facade construction
technologies. However, current trend of glass facade and construction trends in Addis Ababa
need to critically question its performance and users thermal and visual satisfaction. In order to
achieve a more sustainable society the energy demand of buildings need to be reduced.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) the energy consumptions
in building are larger than the consumption for both the transport and the industrial sector, but
they have also pointed it out to be the sector in which the largest energy savings can be done to
the lowest cost. Improvements in insulation materials and mechanical system have contributed to
increased energy efficiency but there are still opportunities to further enhancements when
considering the entire building. The building envelope is one of the building elements where
there is room for improvements.

As a matter of fact, over the same period, envelope systems have been transformed from passive
technological solutions to active systems that are able to produce energy from renewable sources
and, above all, are able to change a building in a dynamic and adaptive system, in terms of
spatial configurations and behavior of its external skin, to improve indoor comfort conditions.
Thanks to the presence of smart materials and automated systems with different degrees of
complexity, the building thereby becomes a dynamic system that can be compared to a living
organism, in which each part reacts to external and internal stimuli, adapting to the surrounding
context in order to regulate and optimize the overall energy balance necessary for its functioning.

To the traditional three typologies of building envelopes – conservative, selective, and

regenerative – identified by Banham in 1969, a fourth typology has been added: the smart or
adaptive envelope. Adaptive envelopes can actively control energy fluxes between indoor and
outdoor. Moreover, they can adapt their properties to maximize indoor comfort and reduce
energy consumption. Furthermore, several different types of adaptive envelope concepts have
already been developed, and an increase in emerging, innovative solutions is expected in the near

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future. Adaptive façades, in fact, can ensure improvements in building energy efficiency and
economics, through their ability to change their performance and behavior in real time, according
to indoor-outdoor parameters, by means of materials, components, and systems. Therefore, they
can make a significant and viable contribution to meeting the sustainability targets.

Today‘s envelopes are predominantly passive systems and are largely exhausted from an
energetic point of view. They can neither adapt to changing environmental conditions related to
daily and annual cycles nor to changing user requirements. Multifunctional, adaptive, and
dynamic façades can be considered the next big milestone in façade technology. Adaptive
building envelopes are able to interact with the environment and the user by reacting to external
output and adapting their behavior and functionality accordingly: the building envelope insulates
only when necessary, it produces energy when possible, and it shades or ventilates when the
indoor comfort so demands (Aelenei, Brzezicki, Knaack, Luible, Perino, & Wellershoff, 2015).

Moreover, there is no consistent definition of façade adaptability, although studies related to

characterization issues, design parameters, and classifications already exist. Even within the
discipline of architecture and engineering, terms such as ‗smart‘, ‗intelligent‘, ‗interactive‘,
‗adaptive‘, or ‗responsive‘ have been used loosely and interchangeably, creating confusion as to
their specific meaning and their conceptual relationship to building performance and design. In
response to this, the goal of this paper is to build a provisional lexicon, or descriptive, behavioral,
and methodological words, to assist designers in navigating the field of high-performance
façades that incorporate materially innovative and feedback-based systems. The paper offers a
brief overview of current advances in this rapidly evolving field and articulates a broader
conceptual territory for the word ‗adaptive‘, used in many cases to describe the technological
systems that are able to interact with the environment and the user by reacting to external
influences and, in turn, adapting their behavior and functionality. Finally, the objective of this
paper is to contribute to these developments by presenting the findings. It evaluated emerging
office buildings‘ facade performance and effect through different tools and methods. A list of
radiation vulnerable buildings, in the evolving central business district (CBD) area, were mapped
and evaluated. And, two case studies are analyzed to unveil the implementation of these
strategies on constructing structures and study their effects on the building energy savings.

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Finally the result was discussed and lesson was learnt for further interpretation of the results into
guideline and design outputs.

1.2 Background
Our buildings main purpose and especially the purpose of the building envelopes are to protect
us from the surrounding climate, but they also need to be able to provide good comfort.
Throughout history this has been done with passive solutions such as solar insolation, thermal
mass, shading and natural ventilation, thus the building itself was designed to deal with the fickle
weather conditions. The building envelope did not only shelter but was also an active component
in the system of the building. The building envelope can be defined as an environmental filter.
Elaborating that definition the envelope can be seen as a skin around the framed structure of the
building manipulating the influence of the outdoor on the indoor environment, but that not
necessarily is a part of the load-bearing structure itself. (Glass, 2002) It has several different
functions to fulfill; it is not only a separating barrier between interior and exterior but also
provides protection from cold, heat, light, It also plays a critical role in solar gain management,
thermal load control, air infiltration and exfiltration, ventilation moisture management, noise
control, air quality management and design.
A building envelope has according to Hutcheon (1963) eleven different functional requirements,
 Control: -
 Heat flow
 Airflow
 Water vapor flow
 Rain penetration
 Light, solar and other radiation
 Noise
 Fire
 Provide strength and rigidity
 Be durable
 Be aesthetically pleasing
 Be economical

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This list of aspects of the building envelope is widely used and accepted but that does not make it
simple to design. All of the aspects need to be considered and they are often affecting one
another in both symbiotic and conflicting ways. Therefore the designer needs to trade of each
category in order to reach the overall optimal result.
Nowadays the comfort is maintained mainly by the use mechanical heat, ventilation and air
conditioning systems that require not only energy input but requires advanced control systems in
order to follow the changing conditions, while the envelope is left static acting mostly as a
thermal and wind barrier. Conventional buildings have fixed thermo physical and optical
properties thus the envelope cannot change along with the changes in weather, leaving an actual
optimal performance only a few times a year.
All materials change with changing temperature and moisture content, some more and some less,
the envelopes themselves can respond to the environment that they are in, reducing the need for
additional control systems as the materials themself adapt to the present conditions. Looking
into the possibilities of adaptive materials and adaptive building envelopes could be one way to
find a solution to problems with over-heating and to cool spaces without increasing the use of
energy consuming HVAC systems. In order to fully understand adaptive building envelopes
some introducing sections will first explain some important factors; the historical background,
the definition of adaptive envelopes, the climatic loads and the interior comfort.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Global Climate change in combination with rapid urban development in Addis Ababa, which has
radically reduced the green footprint, are expected to change surface temperature of the city This
phenomena of temperature rise probably questions the sustainability and performance of existing
and upcoming glass facades. The trend of using non environmental responding facade is
promoted because of technological advancement which has made possible the use of liberated
envelopes on modern buildings. In addition to this, Office buildings in Addis majorly use glass
facade to promote daylight entry and visual contact. However, glazed curtain walls and large
windows on building facade increases the risks of overheating and visual discomfort. (C.Gallo,et.
al.1998) Overheating is happening due to the glass property of high thermal conductivity while
glare, negative aspect of light, happens due to high contrast either directly or by reflection and it
creates both discomfort and disability. (Derek Phillips, 2004). According to the random
observation, most of the offices in Addis Ababa use either manually adjustable indoor shading
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devices (mostly plastic louvers) or fixed external shading devices. Unfortunately, the internal
shadings cannot protect the heat gain because of heat transmission through the glass facade into
the indoor environment before it reaches the shading device. The static nature of external
shading devices has also reduced the buildings ability to respond to the dynamic nature of
radiation angle. In addition to this, negative impact of glass facade on outdoor public spaces,
nearby buildings and drivers is also expected. And including the lack of good architectural
esthetics in the exterior image and they have different characteristics in terms of architectural
styles, color, material and other ….in this situation when look our urban context we see the
problems of unmanaged and uncontrolled variety of architectural exterior face.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

General objectives
The purpose of this BSc thesis is to illustrate and discuss new conceptual ways of designing
adaptive building envelopes of multistory structures that respond to environmental changes in the
surrounding climate of different places in the world, and how the usage of such adaptive
envelopes can help reduce the energy consumption of the building in our context.
Specific objectives
1. brief overview of current advances in this rapidly evolving field and articulates a broader
conceptual territory for the word ‗adaptive‘, used in many cases to describe the
technological systems that are able to interact with the environment and the user by
reacting to external influences and, in turn, adapting their behavior and functionality.
2. Evaluated emerging office buildings‘ facade performance and effect through different
tools and methods. A list of radiation vulnerable buildings, in the evolving central
business district (CBD) area, were mapped and evaluated.
3. And, two case studies are analyzed to unveil the implementation of these strategies on
constructing structures and study their effects on the building energy savings.
4. Assessing and measuring occupants‘ visual and thermal satisfaction in different multiy
story buildings.
5. Finally the result was discussed and lesson was learnt for further interpretation of the
results into guideline and design outputs.

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Hypothesis

‗If the current glazed facade material selection and use in Addis Ababa has increased the risk of
overheating and visual discomfort, then, controlling radiation through the use of appropriate
façade materials and effective shading systems may increase users‘ thermal and visual comfort.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This BSc thesis will be executed mainly as a literature review but knowledge about the field will
also be obtained through discussions with professionals and through experiments.
The current practice of architecture in Addis Ababa in terms of glass facade usage and
performance was studied in order to understand its effect on indoor and outdoor environment and
ideas of adaptive envelopes, gaining an overall understanding of the concept of adaptive building
envelopes. And at the same time develop knowledge of the term commonly used and how they
perform. The adaptive envelope design is the part of the thesis that discusses existing examples
of adaptive and how one can approach the design problem. This problem will be targeted from
two sides. Looking into both existing materials and how they can be incorporated in an adaptive
design, as well as considering the problem from the other end; starting with the desired
properties and mechanisms, and from that find suitable materials and configurations of materials.
Afterwards, a general design guideline was set for appropriate glass material selection and usage
as well as effective shading system design. This was showed through innovative facade
prototype which develops radiation responsive geometrical configuration according to critical
discomfort hours of the day and months of the year.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The main scope of this thesis is to covered illustrate and discuss new conceptual ways of
designing adaptive building envelopes of multistory structures that respond to environmental
changes in the surrounding climate of different places in the world, and how the usage of such
adaptive envelopes can help reduce the energy consumption of the building.
This thesis will not cover the heat losses caused by eventual thermal bridges in the wall nor will
in consider any acoustical advantages or disadvantages of the different concept designs. And the
other hand, Lack of prior research and studies on related topics in the local conditions was also a
challenge for the researcher to put point of reference. Concerning the limitations of this research

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is the time frame into the current situation worldwide problem of COVID 19 virus and the
environmental situation to analyze different time frame.

1.7 RESEARCH OUTLINE

This thesis is composed of four chapters according to the hierarchy of the study. Chapter one
contains background of the study, statement of the problem, research objectives and questions,
scope and limitation of the study, and research outline. Chapter two deals about comprehensive
back ground and literature review. Chapter three discusses research methodology and case study
analysis which is the foundation of the entire paper. Chapter four focuses on the possible
remedial solutions and findings Chapter five finally Present the paper study conclusions,
recommendations and future research ideas.

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CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEWS:

2.1 INTRODUCTION
‗‗Adaptivity‖ means to explicate any alteration in the surrounding environment and to respond to
it. This change is characterized by dynamism. Architecture designed for a static set of factors
does not certainly facilitate this adaptability to alter. People observe huge changes on the
sustainability front nowadays, but the paradigm for designing performance based systems has not
altered. To attain the high level of climatic response, this paradigm has to change. Conventional
buildings are constructed as static structures while they promote dynamic components like solar
patterns and wind variation. This generates dissociation between the structure and its
environment. To consider this disjunction, the necessity of entities that can cope with change,
assimilating the information and learning from it. The systems are required to respond
dynamically to the changes occur in climatic conditions, therefore offering better efficiency than
static systems [1]. In the multistory buildings, large energy consumption is taking place due to
lack of thermal comfort and low efficiencies of HVAC systems [2]. A good review was reported
by Vakiloroaya et al. [3] analyzing the effect of incorporated management of shading blinds and
natural ventilation on the performance of the buildings in means of energy savings and occupant
comfort [4]. A whole design approach of high performance buildings, that embrace passive
strategies for building skin design, has important effect on enhancing the whole building energy
performance, including large scale buildings [5]. A high-performance envelope that integrates
day lighting, shading, and natural ventilation systems, has the possibility to notably decrease the
energy used by building operations [6]. Furthermore, building skin creates a significant
component of a building visual effect and aesthetic. The design flexibility of building envelope
achieves various operational and visual features, and can be vital factor that which motivate
architects, clients and other stakeholders to settle for this type of high performance envelopes. To
achieve these goals, addressing performance standards should take place at the same time
considering the variant architectural standards at the beginning of design stages [7] (see Table 1).

2.2 ‘ADAPTIVE’ DEFINITIONS

Most of definitions of a building envelope establish it as an enclosure, a separation between the
indoor and outdoor environment that provides the following functions: support, control, finish
(aesthetics), and distribution of service. However, we are more interested in the building

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envelope, without distinction between wall and roof, as an interface and not a separation,
between exterior environmental factors and interior demands of the occupants. The building
envelope can be considered, in fact, as an environmental moderator (López, Rubio, Martín, &
Croxford, 2017).

For years, architects and building scientists have imagined the possibility that future buildings
would possess envelopes that replicate our skin‘s adaptive response to changing environmental
conditions. In his 1969 essay, ‗A Home is not a House‘, Banham (1969) introduced minimal
environmental solutions such as the tent and the campfire as representations of a building
capable of dynamically modifying its boundaries and thermal properties in response to the
environment. In 1976, Negroponte explained the concept of a responsive environment, capable
of playing an active role, initiating to a greater or lesser degree changes as a result and function
of complex or simple computations (Negroponte, 1976). In 1981, Mike Davies proposed the idea
of ‗The polyvalent wall‘: an envelope system in which several functions are integrated into one
layer (Davies, 1981). Another means of categorizing responsive architecture is, in terms of rates
of change, the approach promoted by Stuart Brand (1995) in his book ‗How Buildings Learn‘.
Brand‘s ‗Shearing layers of change‘ diagram, with its concentric rings of building components
organized according the irrelative rates of change, promoted the idea that building components
should be separated according to their rate of change.

However, it is only in recent years that technological research has investigated new
experimentation frontiers capable of reaffirming the osmotic quality of a process of exchange
concerning energy flows that have been passed and exchanged right through the envelope
(Altomonte, 2008). In this regard, there is new research to demonstrate whether the vertical
closure surface can be equipped with systems designed to ensure a dynamism that allows them to
control the energy flows in the same way as a biological organism does. From the shading device
system of the Arab World Institute in Paris by Jean Nouvel to the dynamic screenings of Al
Bahar Towers in Abu Dabi by Aedas Architects, the new frontiers of experimentation in
architecture are oriented towards proposing new models of living in which the building organism
is also able to autonomously ensure the comfort of its users. In this way, the evolution and
dissemination of IT (Information Technology) control systems (from home automation to
Building Management Systems) to transfer the potential of systems equipped with artificial

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intelligence to the building scale, have also ensured the regulation of space in the absence of
human users and in relation to a whole series of requirements that guarantee an optimization
from the functional and physical perspective of the built space.

However, what does ‗adaptive façade‘ really mean? Is it possible to find a single definition for
the complex panorama of smart envelope systems that have characterized the last decade‘s
contemporary architecture?

From the point of view of the biological scientists: ‗adaptation‘ can be defined as the
evolutionary process whereby an organism becomes better able to live in its habitat
(Dobzhansky, Hecht, & Steere, 1968). According to recent research in the field of architecture,
the term ‗adaptive‘ in the context of building façades is often associated in the literature with a
long list of similar terms: active (Ochoa & Capeluto, 2008); accommodating; adaptable (Frei,
2015; Möller & Nungesser 2015; De Marco Werner, 2013); adjustable; advanced (Ad,
Heiselberg & Perino, 2011); biomimetic (Vermillion, 2002); bioinspired (Loonen, 2015);
controllable (Konstantoglou, Kontadakis, & Tsangrassoulis, 2013); kinetic (Fortmeyer & Linn,
2014; Loonen, 2010; Ramzy & Fayed, 2011; Fox & Yeh, 1999; Wang, Beltrán, & Kim, 2012);
intelligent (Knaack & Klein, 2008; Velikov & Thün, 2013; Kroner, 1997; Clements & Croome,
2004; Hayes-Roth, 1995; Wigginton & Harris, 2002; Compagno, 2002; Masri, 2015); interactive
(Velikov & Thün, 2013); living; modifying; movable (Schumacher, Schaeffer, & Voght, 2010);
polyvalent (Davies, 1981); reactive; reconfigurable; reflexive; resilient; responsive (Velikov &
Thün, 2013; Negroponte, 1975; Heiselberg, Inger, & Perino, 2012; Kolodziej & Rak, 2013;
Meagher, 2015; Ferguson, Siddiqi, Lewis, & De Weck, 2007); selective; sensitive; sentient;
smart (Velikov & Thün, 2013; Fox & Yeh, 1999; Brugnaro, Caini, & Paparella, 2014);
switchable (Beevor, 2010); transformable; transient; and passive.

2.3 REVIEWS OF EXISTING DEFINITIONS OF ADAPTIVE FAÇADES

Adaptable architecture is described for the first time by Frei Otto as a system that is able to
change of shape, location, utilization, or spaciousness. By change of location, he wants to
indicate that the technological system is mobile, easily transportable, and able to be constructed
and deconstructed quickly. The basic principle that is used for the construction of adaptable
architecture is the ‗Lightweight Principle‘ that relies on the optimal use of material and built
mass (Möller & Nungesser, 2015).

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Adaptive façades, in particular, consist of multifunctional, highly adaptive systems, in which the
physical separator between the interior and exterior space is able to change its functions,
features, or behavior over time in response to transient performance requirements and boundary
conditions, with the aim of improving the overall building performances (Loonen et al. 2015).
Furthermore, these types of façade allow energy to be saved by adapting to prevailing weather
conditions, and support comfort levels by immediately responding to occupants‘ needs and
preferences (Loonen, Trčka, Cóstola, & Hensen, 2013). Consequently, adaptability can be
understood as the ability of a system to deliver intended functionality, considering multiple
criteria under variable conditions, through the design variables changing their physical values
over time (Ferguson et al., 2007).

In accordance with the above semantic frame, adaptive façades should provide an adequate
response to changes in the internal and external environments to ensure or improve the functional
requirements of the envelopes in terms of heat, air and water vapor flow, rain penetration, solar
radiation, noise, fire, strength and stability, and aesthetics. Therefore, multi-functional adaptive
façades should be able to respond repeatedly and reversibly over time to changes in performance
requirements and changing boundary conditions. In other words, adaptive façades should be able
to provide controllable insulation and thermal mass, radiant heat exchange, ventilation, energy
harvesting, day lighting, solar shading, or humidity control (Aelenei, Aelenei, & Pacheco Vieira,
2016).

Moreover, in the context of the smart cities, where the buildings must be interactive in the zero
energy frames to provide the operational flexibility needed to avoid or reduce the mismatching,
these innovative envelope systems can play a key role (Aelenei et al., 2016). The concept of the
smart building is, in fact, closely linked to that of the adaptive façade, as the façade itself is the
main element capable of changing its structure to ensure the required performances, emphasizing
its resemblance to human skin. The envelope thereby becomes a real organic system connected
to the building‘s central control system and to the air conditioning system, which can be
compared with the human artery system (Romano, 2011).

For this reason, the adaptive façades built in recent years in many geographical areas are
characterized by the complementary nature of the system and building technologies, and by the

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presence of regulation and control systems that make them a key element in the complex
building-plant system.

a b c
FIG. 2.1 Some pictures of active façades: a) ARTICULATED CLOUD, Pittsburgh (USA), 2004;
b) Nordic Embassies in Berlin, Berlin (DE), 1999; c) MEDIA-TIC, Barcelona (SP), 2007

2.3.1 ACTIVE FAÇADES

Active façades (Figs. 1a), b) and c)) can be definite technological systems which have integrated
elements through which envelopes self-adjust to changes initiated by the internal or external
building environments, achieving comfort conditions while minimizing energy consumptions.
These active features should be both automatic and manual and should not need to include
sophisticated electronics (Ochoa & Capeluto, 2008).

2.3.2 ADVANCED FAÇADES

An advanced façade is the outer, weather-protecting layer of a building that can contribute to
heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting requirements and can promote interior comfort through
efficient, energy saving measures. The main difference between advanced envelope concepts and
other energy efficient envelope concepts is the application of responsive building elements and
their integration with building services systems and energy systems in combination with
advanced control (Ad et al., 2011).

2.3.3 BIOMIMETIC OR BIO-INSPIRED FAÇADES

The skins of plants and humans tend to be seen as the most straightforward emulation model and
inspiration source for multifunctional and truly sustainable enclosure systems. Functional bio
inspiration can either be direct or indirect. The first approach directly copies the observed
functional principle into a building envelope technology that performs the same role. This is an
example of phototropism (i.e. changing in response to light) and heliotropism (i.e. changing in
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response to the sun), applied, for example, in the climate adaptive building shells concepts that
enable the active collection or rejection of solar energy (Vermillion, 2002). The indirect
approach is loosely based on a selected biological principle but requires an intermediate
abstraction step in its translation from biological principle to building envelope technology
(Loonen et al., 2015) (Figs. 2a), b) and c)).

a b c
FIG. 2.2 Some pictures of bio-inspired façades: a) Hygroscope, Centre Pompidou, Paris (FR),
2012; b) BIPV Adaptive Flakes, Milan (IT), 2017; c) BIQ – The Algaehouse – The Clever
Treefrog, Hamburg (DE), 2013

a b c
FIG. 2.3 Some pictures of kinetic façades: a) Campus Kolding, Kolding (Denmark), 2014; b)
Kiefer Technic Showroom, Bad Gleichenberg (A), 2007; c) ThyssenKrupp Quarter, Essen (DE),
2010

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2.3.4 KINETIC FAÇADES
In 1970, Zuk and Clark defined kinetic architecture as an architectural form that can be
inherently displaceable, deformable, expandable, or capable of movement (De Marco Werner,
2013). To elaborate, a kinetic façade is a technological system in which there is a certain kind of
motion (Loonen, 2010) and that is able to guarantee variable locations or mobility and/or
variable geometry to all or one of its parts. (Fox & Yeh, 1999). The term ‗kinetic‘ also indicates
an organism‘s response to a particular kind of stimulus in biology (Wang et al., 2012) and an
ability to modulate energy in its primary forms: visible light and heat. A kinetic façade (Figs.
3a), b) and c)) can respond to the flow energy, both natural and man-made, that primarily affects
building performance and the comfort of the people in them (Fort Meyer & Linn, 2014). These
types of envelope, in general, need to be efficiently tuned to boundary conditions such as
climatic conditions, different locations, varying functional requirements, or emergency
situations. In order to guarantee the kinematic, an actuation force is needed that generates the
movement.

2.3.5 INTELLIGENT FAÇADES

Intelligent buildings are those which combine both active and passive intelligence - active
features and passive design strategies - to provide maximum occupant comfort using minimum
energy (Kroner, 1997). In this context, the definition of ‗intelligent‘ façade introduces the idea of
dynamic movement and the ‗component‘ façade in which all building services components are
integrated (Knaack & Klein, 2008). Furthermore, the term ‗intelligent‘, when applied to a façade,
must indicate the responsive ability of the façade to change according to environmental
conditions (Compagno, 2002). The intelligent skin is therefore a composition of elements, which
acts as a barrier to the outside environment, yet can respond to climatic changes through the
automatic reconfiguration of its systems (Masri, 2015) to produce a pleasant indoor environment
(ClementsCroome, 2004). The primary functions that must be performed by intelligent systems
were considered: perception, reasoning, and action. This corresponds in robotics to sensors,
control processors, and actuators (Hayes-Roth, 1995). For these reasons, an intelligent façade
should be able to change itself through ‗instinctive autonomic adjustment‘ (Wigginton & Harris,
2002), optimising the building‘s systems relative to climate, energy balance, and human comfort,
typically based on predictive models. This is often accomplished through building automation

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and physically adaptive elements such as louvres, sunshades, operable vents, or smart material
assemblies (Velikov & Thün, 2013).

2.3.6 INTERACTIVE FAÇADES

a b c

FIG. 2.4 Some pictures of interactive façades: a) GreenPix – Zero Energy Media Wall, Beijing
(cn), 2018; b) SolPix, New York (US), 2010; c) Cyclebowl, Hannover Expo (DE), 2000

The term ‗interactive‘ is used less frequently with regard to building envelopes than in reference
to computer-enabled artworks, installations, and other such environments that encourage active
public participation. However, an interactive façade (Figs. 4a), b) and c)) requires human input to
initiate a response, and it may also be equipped with sensors and an automated building
management system and programmed to optimize energy conservation while simultaneously
ensuring the comfort of its inhabitants (Velikov & Thün, 2013).

2.3.7 MOVABLE FAÇADES

Movable façades can be defined as technological systems that are able to rapidly adapt to the
environmental conditions and location, as well as being defined by the opening elements
themselves. Furthermore, where individual parts of flexible enclosures are equipped with
photovoltaic elements that track and follow the position of the sun, these type of envelope
systems can produce renewable energy, thereby reducing the energy consumption of new or
existing buildings (Schumacher, Schaeffer, & Voght, 2010).

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2.3.8 RESPONSIVE FAÇADES
Functional responsiveness in contemporary architecture can be defined as a system‘s ability to
adapt itself to deliver intended functionality under varying conditions through the design
variables that change their physical values (Ferguson et al., 2007). A responsive façade takes an
active role, initiating changes, to a greater or lesser degree, as a result and function of complex or
simple computations (Negroponte, 1975).

Meagher (2015) defines responsive components as all those elements of the building that adapt
to the needs of people as well as to changes in the environment. These components may be high
tech systems that employ sensor networks and actuators to monitor the environment and
automate control of operable building elements. He also uses this term to refer to the moveable,
operable, often manually controlled elements of buildings which allow the adjustment of the
building envelope and interior in order to adapt the building‘s performance to meet every day
needs. Furthermore, these technological systems can be actively used for transfer and storage of
heat, light, water, and air. They assist in maintaining an appropriate balance between optimum
interior conditions and energy performance by reacting in a controlled and holistic manner to
outdoor and indoor environment changes and to occupants‘ requirements. Responsive building
elements can be essential technologies for the exploitation of environmental and renewable
energy resources, and in the development of integrated building concepts (Heiselberg et al.,
2012).

In other words, responsive building envelopes (Figs. 5a), b) and c)) can be defined as
technological systems in which external environmental conditions (e.g. ventilation, humidity,
light volume, radiation, and temperature) influence the interior parameters of the building (i.e.
thermal and light comfort). The most common solutions are based on several specialized
subsystems (such as structural elements, sensors, mechanical actuators, membranes, control
devices, etc.) that are responsible for changing the envelope‘s geometry according to stimulus
and programmed performance (Kolodziej & Rak, 2013).

A responsive building skin includes, in fact, functionalities and performance characteristics

similar to those of an ‗intelligent‘ building skin, including real-time sensing, kinetic climate-
adaptive elements, smart materials, automation, and the ability for user override. However, it
also includes interactive characteristics such as computational algorithms that allow the building

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system to selfadjust and learn over time, as well as the ability for inhabitants to physically
manipulate elements of the building envelope to control environmental conditions (Velikov &
Thün, 2013).

a b c

FIG. 2.5 Some pictures of responsive façades: a) Arab World Institute, Paris (FR), 1987; b) Yale
Sculpture Building, New Haven Connecticut (USA), 2007; c) Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi
(AE), 2012

2.3.9 SMART FAÇADES

Within the design disciplines, the term ‗smart‘ has most frequently been used in reference to
materials and surfaces? Smart surfaces and materials show properties that are changeable and
thus responsive to transient needs (Fox & Yeh, 1999); furthermore, they can play a significant
role in intelligent, adaptive, and responsive envelopes because of these intrinsic properties.
Examples of smart materials used in high-performance building skins include: aerogel – the
synthetic lowdensity translucent material used in window glazing, phase-changing materials such
as microencapsulated wax, salt hydrates, thermochromic polymer films, and building integrated
photovoltaics (Velikov & Thün, 2013). Smart skin systems (Figs. 6a), b) and c)) are able to
modify their physicalgeometric characteristics to conform to changes in their environment by use
of, for example, dynamic solar screenings, placed as a second skin on new and existing
multilevel buildings. They also assume a fundamental role in the formal and characteristic
aspects of the façade (Brugnaro, Caini, & Paparella, 2014).

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2.3.10 SWITCHABLE FAÇADES
Switchable façades are built as transparent façades in which ‗smart glasses‘ or, more generally,
smart adaptive materials, are integrated to regulate light and energy flows through glass façades
(Beevor, 2010).

2.3.11 TRANSFORMABLE FAÇADES

The response of transformable façades needs to be efficiently tuned to boundary conditions such
as climatic conditions, different locations, varying functional requirements, or emergency
situations. For this response, an actuation force is needed that generates movement. The
transformation process goes from a compact to an expanded configuration or vice versa. The
transformation phase must consist of controlled, stable movements and results in a rigid and
secure structure, once it is locked in place (Chloë, 2016).

a b c

FIG. 2.6 Some pictures of smart façades: a) InDeWaG, Bayreuth (De), 2015; b) SELFIE Façade,
Florence (I), 2017; c) Solar XXI – BIPV/T Systems, LISBON (P), 2006

2.4 CHARACTERISATION PARAMETERS OF ADAPTIVE FAÇADES (AFS)

As is demonstrated in the previous definitions, adaptive façade systems are notable for the
presence of one or more of the following technological features:

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– High-performance innovative materials and systems for absorbing and storing solar energy
(e.g. smart, biomimetic, or bio-inspired façades, etc.);

– Devices for managing natural ventilation in combination with mechanical ventilation systems
(e.g. adaptable, advanced, responsive façades, etc.);

– Mobile screens for controlling solar radiation (e.g., smart, adaptable, responsive, and
switchable façades, etc.);

– Technological solutions designed to increase and/or control comfort inside the building (e.g.
adaptable, active, kinetic, intelligent, interactive, and switchable façades, etc.);

– Building automation systems for the management of plants and elements of the building skin
(e.g. intelligent, responsive façades, etc.).

These adaptive façade systems efficiently contribute to the energy balance of the building,
limiting the need to use air conditioning devices, with a consequent reduction in energy
consumption. In many cases, intrinsic dynamic façade systems are used, which delegate the
adaptive capacity to the smart materials (e.g. PCM, TIM, ETFE, BIPV, etc.) of which they are
composed. This is the case for the façade systems in which the adaptivity does not necessarily
involve a change in the spatial configuration but rather concerns the regulation of the thermo-
physical properties based on the external climatic conditions (e.g. switchable, smart, and
biomimetic façades, etc.). In other cases, adaptivity (e.g. movable, responsive, and active
façades, etc.) can be interpreted as the capacity to produce energy in a dynamic way, according
to the energy requirement of the building.

In addition, the adaptivity is instead explicit in the façade system‘s capacity to move all or some
of its parts. These are known as kinetic façade systems (Fox & Yeh, 1995; Wang et al. 2012)
capable of changing by moving in space and taking on different structures and configurations
over time. The long-term changes are achieved through reversible and unique conversions in the
context of a flexible structure, while short-term reversible adaptations can be brought about
through mechanical solutions.

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2.4.1 DETERMINANTS ROLE IN BUILDING ENVELOPE

2.4.1.1 SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS

Building envelope‘s component design must take the consideration of both the external and
internal heat loads, as well as daylight benefits. Building envelope components are always design
with an objective to achieve environmental, technological, socio cultural, functional and
aesthetic design determinants to achieve its highest workability, efficiency and sustainability.

Historically, the traditional façade design relies on a passive design process in reducing both
harmful emissions in the atmosphere and energy consumption. A cultural heritage represented by
a building architecture transmitted from one generation to the next one makes societies spends
great efforts to conserve their building heritage. They added the imported building styles in most
of the Arab World is because people saw the traditional methods as a symbol of poverty and
retardation, while the implementation of Western methods are the perfect evidence of
civilization. On the contrary, an overuse of new technologies without considering the
architectural heritage and local environment of a country increase the use of artificial devices in
the interior of buildings to create occupants comfort. Therefore, architecture requires blending
modernity in terms of technological advancements and tradition in term of recognizing
environmental and historical aesthetic elements of the region.

FIG. 2.6.1 Some pictures of ETHIOPIA envelope trends through time: a) Tana Zege Church b)
Paisa area old apartment building c) new commercial building Ledeta Merkato

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2.4.1.2 IDENTITY AND MODERNITY

Building facades have some details introduced to represent by construction techniques, material,
and some ornamental elements which influence the architectural identity. Hence, architectural
identity may be modernized according to the circumstance of cultural changes. In addition,
architectural identity implied a place with a special characteristic that has a power of expression
through a specific time, which differentiates between multiple societies; therefore, forgetting
traditional architecture and using only modern technology would lead to forgetting the lessons
that can be learnt from the history. As a result, traditional architecture is a type of architecture
that has historical and cultural continuity that has grown over time and adapting to the different
social and economic conditions of each period, while, modernity is seen as a technological and
scientific revolution that change the culture and social life and rejects the heritage of the past. In
addition, modernity is historical transformation aims to use new technology in order to provide
sustainable buildings that respond to local environment and provide occupant satisfaction.
Hence, modern design is not a style it is a solution to modern problems, as new construction
techniques allow for climate and environmental control. Moreover, the change in architectural
identity follows these categories.

Nowadays, various technologies have exposed many changes in architectural design especially
façade design. These technologies should express the traditional approach in dealing with
environmental and aesthetic aspects that satisfy the local conditions to create an appropriate
architectural identity. They added these technologies should be revised and modified to take
what is applicable in terms of its appropriateness for the social, cultural context, and
environmental aspects. The Turkish architectural historian Doğan Kuban looked at the use of the
western technology without giving appropriate attention to the local conditions at the positive
side and acknowledges, ‗‗the mass of knowledge which comes from the west cannot be ignored,
nor its impact be neglected. But this does not mean that we have to be subservient to the bigotry
and cliché of modern jargon‘‘

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2.5 THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING ENVELOPE
Building envelope is the interface between the interior of the building and the outdoor
environment. By acting as a thermal barrier, the envelope plays an important role in regulating
interior temperature and helps to minimize the amount of energy required to maintain thermal
comfort. Improvement to the building envelope have the potential to reduce GHG (greenhouse
gas) emissions from new and existing buildings in the residential, commercial and industrial
sectors. However, careful study of the local climatic conditions is very important to identify the
appropriateness and cost effectiveness of many decisions in terms of envelope design and
material selection. As noticed by (David,2011), the implementation of shading devices is mostly
effective in case of tropical climates, which tends to have the highest building operation energy.

2.5.1 Thermal comfort and human performance

Thermal discomfort distracts occupants‘ performance in the workflow rate in the office. There is
dramatic performance deprivation that has direct effect on production, since thermal discomfort
is directly interpreted into money loss. As stated by (Wargochi, et. al., 2006), a reduction of
performance by 5% to 15% could occur if occupants feel discomfort in their workplaces.

2.5.1.1 Human comfort

We construct buildings to provide ourselves with a comfortable and healthy environment in
which we can dwell, work or relax. With buildings we create an indoor environment that is less
severe than the outdoor environment. Buildings keep out precipitation, strong winds and
excessive solar radiation and keep a comfortable indoor temperature and provide us with fresh
air, they essentially provide for a comfortable space that answers to the occupants‘ desires. As
we spend more and more of our time inside the demands and standards on the interior comfort
have become tougher and tougher. Human comfort is depending of the resulting effect of a
number of factors:

 Thermal comfort
 Illumination
 Air quality
 Sound quality
 Sanitation

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And can be defined as the absence of long-term extreme values of the different comfort
parameters. The perception of comfort is also closely connected to the users possibility to alter
and adapt the different aspects of comfort. Thus the overall comfort will be related both to the
buildings response to the altering weather conditions, the buildings heating and cooling systems
together with the freedom to change and the adaptive behavior of the user. (Baker & Steemers,
2000)

2.5.1.2 Thermal comfort

The thermal comfort is depending on the air temperature, the operative temperature that is also
dependent on the surface temperatures in the room, the humidity and the movement of the air.
The thermal conditions that is perceived or considered comfortable is very individual, what one
person might find to be a perfect temperature could be experienced as too cold or too warm for
someone else. Obviously there is a difference in desired thermal properties depending on the
type of activity that will take place in the space. Therefore a predicted correlation between the
perceived thermal comfort and the actual thermal conditions is used. This correlation is based on
laboratory studies performed by prof. Povl Ole Fanger in the 1960s. This relation can be used to
predict the number of dis satisfied people; this percentage (PPD, Predicted Percentage
Dissatisfied) is the standard index to use when setting demands on thermal comfort. In order to
maintain the desired level of thermal comfort no matter the fluctuations in weather outside of the
building envelope most buildings rely on heating-, cooling- and ventilation systems demanding
energy input is used.

2.5.2 Main parameters of thermal comfort

According to ASHRAE standard 55, thermal comfort is affected by two factors, personal factor
and environmental factor. The former are metabolic rate and clothing level, the latter are air
temperature, mean radiant temperature, air speed and humidity. Metabolic rate - ASHRAE 55-
2010 Standard defines metabolic rate as the level of transformation of chemical energy into heat
and mechanical work by metabolic activities within an organism. It varies based on activity
level, body shape and environmental conditions. Clothing insulation - Thermal comfort is
affected by the amount of clothing insulation because it influences the heat loss and consequently
the thermal balance.

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Air temperature - The air temperature is the average temperature of the air surrounding the
occupant. It is measured with a dry-bulb thermometer and it is also known as dry-bulb
temperature. Mean radiant temperature - The radiant temperature is related to the amount of
radiant heat transferred from a surface, and it depends on the material‘s ability to absorb or emit
heat, or its emissivity. So the mean radiant temperature experienced by a person in a room with
the sunlight streaming in varies based on how much of his/her body is in the sun. Operative
temperature - It is the average of the air dry-bulb temperature and of the mean radiant
temperature at the given place in a room. Air speed - According to ASHRAE Standard 55, it is
the average speed of the air to which the body is exposed, with respect to location and time.
Relative humidity – it is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the amount of water
vapor that the air could hold at the specific temperature and pressure.

2.5.3 Illumination
Illumination or daylight is crucial to the life within the building. But the strive to accomplish
bright interior spaces can lead to problems with the thermal comfort as large glazed areas not
only allows daylight but also solar radiation, which can result in problem with overheating.
Large glazed areas are also problematic in the sense that they have a much higher U-value
compared to a solid wall and therefore the need for heating increases and it can also lead to other
comfort problems; draft and cold-draw. As the building envelope is the sole building element
that can provide natural light, the design and materiality of it highly influences the comfort level
both in terms of lighting and thermal comfort within the building.

2.5.4 SOLAR GAIN AND HEAT FLOW THROUGH BUILDING ELEMENTS

Solar gain refers to the increase in temperature in a space, object or structure that results from
solar radiation. The amount of solar gain increases with the strength of the sunlight, and with the
ability of any intervening material to transmit or resist the radiation. Heat flow through any
building element (e.g. wall, floor ceiling, and window) is directly proportional to the temperature
difference on either side of that element. This is called the temperature differential (also referred
to as delta T or ΔT). The greater the temperature differential, the greater the heat flow through
the element due to the rule of thermodynamics (heat flows from higher temperature to lower
temperature till it reaches equilibrium).

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2.6 Control systems
The control mechanisms of adaptive envelopes could be divided into two different system types,
the open loop system (Figure 2.1) and the closed loop system (Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.7 Diagrammatic concept of open loop system

A sensor, a processor and an actuator build up an open loop system. (Addington & Schodek,
2005) The reaction of the sensor is read and interpreted by the processor, which in turn sends a
signal to the actuator to preform according to a predefined logic. The sensors register the ambient
conditions in their surrounding medium. They can be sensitive to changes in heat, moisture,
pressure etc., and are classified following which one of these stimuli that they react upon. The
actuator is the part of the system that converts the processed data into a mechanical, physical or
chemical action. The difference between the closed loop system and an open loop system is that
the closed loop system also constitutes of a control unit that can measure the output action. The
collected information could then be used as feedback to the processor (Addington & Schodek,
2005).

Figure 2.8 Diagrammatic concept of closed loop system loop system

The control unit is suitable if you wish to connect the adaptive envelope to a central building
control system and if you want to allow users to interact with and influence its actions. As
mentioned earlier, allowing the users to have some direct influence over a system that control for
example thermal parameters could increase the experienced level of comfort. But it could also be
used in a less complex feedback system in which control rules are incorporated in the processor
allowing it to adjust the algorithm to change the output action following these rules, by
comparing the action with the desired effect (Loonen, 2010). Some materials exhibit properties

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so that they can act both as sensors, processor and actuator. Then the processor is the material
properties, which defines the rules for the reaction.
These different control systems can be implemented in different ways giving rise to different
typologies of responsive architecture, which are stated below.
1. Material systems
- The development of physical kinetic systems or the like are often developed within structural
and mechanical engineering and material sciences.
2. Informational systems
- The development of physical sensor systems, which to an increasing level can observe and
send continuous information further to a processing system, which then actuate into behaviours
passing information back to the environment.
3. Processing systems
- The development of physical processing systems, which filter and decide from large amounts
of sensor information and stored information. These are often associated and developed within
computational science.
4. Behavioral systems
- The development of logic and behavioral gestures, patterns and systems, often associated with
artificial intelligence sciences based upon computational and neurological sciences.
(Kirkegaard, 2011)

2.6.1 Mechanisms
There are two levels of mechanisms that drive the adaptive behavior; micro level and macro
level but combinations are also seen.

2.6.1.1 Macro-level
In short this mechanism can be seen with the naked eye and it is often associated with motion of
various kinds like folding, sliding, rolling, hinging, etc. The driving principal behind a macro
level adaptive mechanism is usually an electromotor, which is triggered by an input from a
sensor and driven with external energy input, which could be a disadvantage when it comes to
maintenance, as the use of a large number of parts, can be problematic when something breaks.

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Figure 2.9 Example of a macro- level adaptive system at Al Bahar towers, where the panels fold
or unfold to act as solar shading.

2.6.1.2 Micro-level
As the name implies, micro-level changes occur in a smaller scale. The change occurs within the
material itself, for example the thermal properties or it can be used as a motor to drive a larger
system, for example wax pistons or photovoltaic cells. In wax pistons wax expands when the
temperature is increased, these in turn induce a pressure in the piston, which can be used to
create movement of for example blinds.

Figure 2.10 Molecule configuration of water as fluid and ice.

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2.7 CONCLUSIONS
The review of the definitions of adaptive façades shows that the architectural research on
dynamic envelopes is moving towards innovative solutions. By exploiting the possibility of
integrating IT systems, mechanical actuators, and innovative materials, these technological
solutions are able to transform the envelope from a static element into a dynamic element
capable of rapidly and efficiently changing shape in relation to specific functional, static, and
physical requirements. The advanced screen, eco-efficient, and sustainable envelope interacts
and regulates energy flows and, in some cases, becomes a plant system, by itself, capable of
producing energy, heat, or electricity, and of distributing it at a building or even at an urban
scale.

Adaptive architectures can therefore be considered as the last goal of contemporary architectural
and technological research and they are always increasingly connected to the wish to propose
new dynamic envelope models which – thanks to the presence of sensors, and system
components for energy production as well as smart materials – help to reduce the building‘s
energy requirement. These technological solutions, as previously mentioned, can control energy
flows by regulating fixed devices that can be characterized by the presence of smart materials,
variable structures (e.g. sunshades, opening/closing of windows, ventilation outlets, among
others), manual or automatic control, or regulation in relation to the type of user and complexity
of the building. This envelope typology is marked by dynamic anisotropy that is the capacity to
offer different solutions for the different exposures of the building, where a change in the
structure modulates the various environmental flows according to the climatic conditions of the
place, including external climatic environmental conditions. Therefore, it shows all those
components that increase its capacity to change the structure in relation to the need to regulate
the thermal, light, and sound energy flows passing through it (Banham, 1969).

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CHAPTER 3 CASE STUDY AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSES

3.1 INTRODUCTION
which is briefly elaborated in this chapter, consists of Identification of constant and variable
parameters to be studied, followed by determining the most common methods used for
conducting similar researches, comparing them, selecting and justifying the most appropriate
method depending on the availability and suitability to the international case study and local
context. Afterwards, simulation tools are selected and justified. Finally, research plan, required
resources, method of data analysis and limitation of the study are discussed.

3.1.1 International Case Study

The case study was undertaken to support the basic idea of the research. It was mainly concerned
with adaptive solar facade (ASF) performance. Both of the projects explore the geometry and
dynamic pattern of building surfaces and components in relation to solar radiation.

3.1.1.1 Case Study 1

Location Abu Dhabi Building Used Office
Status Complete Structural Style -
Construction Start 2012 Architectural Style Responsive Architecture
Construction End - Material Steel/Concrete
Floors 25 Height 150 meter
Floors Area 56,000m2 Elevator Count 9
Table 3.1: Case study 1.

Project description:

The main challenge faced by architects in cities like Abu Dhabi (hot climate) is how to counter
high solar exposure, how to treat this amount of solar radiation [14], which is responsible for
increasing energy consumption. The novel design of the Al Bahar Towers addresses the solar
exposure issue, making it a unique project for the area. In comparison, traditional towers in the
area (Arabic Gulf Countries) are rarely designed with any consideration of the environment and
focus mainly on aesthetic and transparency issues (Figure 3.1).

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Figure 3.1: Sketch for the envelope idea.

The Al Bahar Towers are more responsive to the environment and have an innovative and
unusual solution for the typology of the buildings. In addition the buildings engage with the
identity of the place; the shading system is inspired by the Mashrabiya, a traditional latticework
shading-system in the Arab countries. The towers were designed by the London-based firm
Aedas, known for their creativity and innovative design approach.

Al Bahr Towers is an award-winning development in the emirate of Abu Dhabi consisting of two
29-storey, 145m–high towers. It is located at the intersection of Al Saada and Al Salam Street in
Abu Dhabi City, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, at the eastern entrance. One tower
houses the new headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), an investment arm
of the Government of Abu Dhabi. The other serves as the head office of Al Hilal Bank.

Performance features

The towers are well known for their high performance design, with about 50% reduction in
energy consumption [8]; this is a large amount of energy savings, particularly for tall buildings.
The World Trade Center in Bahrain, which is classified as the same region type, achieved a 14%
reduction in energy by introducing wind turbines [15]. How this goal was achievable? Moreover
what the main role for kinetic façade to create a great environmental performance for this project
.The main aspect of the Al Bahar Towers is the reinvention of the traditional Mashrabiya. With
advanced technology, the mechanism of the triangular shading panels is based on a linear
actuator‘s response to the sun‘s movement to provide solar and glare protection, and maintain
privacy. Antony Wood states, ―Many believe that the façade is the real battleground in the fight
for better building sustainability [16]. Al Bahar could thus be considered the advanced guard in

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that fights [17].‖ To summarize, this kinetic façade system reduces solar gain, improves indoor
lighting, increases occupant comfort, and reduces energy consumption by 50% and CO2
emissions by 1,750 tons per year (Figures 8-10).

Figure 3.2: Al Bahar Towers. Figure 3.3: Parametric Mashrabiya Model.

Figure 3.4: Thye Mashrabia system of operation.

Architect: Aedas +Arup (façade Consultant) Date: 2012 Program: Commercial Office Building
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Type of Movement: Movement as a skin A set of
twin towers dressed with a crystalline honeycomb shell protects the building from the sun,
serving to reduce heat gain and glare. The pattern of the skin was a mathematically pre-
rationalized form (a dynamic Mashrabiya) that opens and closes in accordance with the sun‘s
path. This advanced mashrabiya is made of translucent PTFE coated fiberglass mesh. The
building uses linear actuators and input from the building‘s control system to individually shift

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the skin panels to five positions, between fully open or closed as the sun moves across the
building. It is estimated that the screen reduces cooling loads by 25% and between 20-50%
reductions in solar heat gain compared with other traditional curtain wall buildings. (33)
Looking up through the façade cavity, there is a 2 meter gap between tripod arms that are
staggered on each floor. The three Y- shaped structure arms extend to support brackets that tie
back to the curtain wall, although overall it is structurally independent of the curtain wall. Wiring
to the actuators, which are concealed in the tripod, runs along the support brackets and the Y-
shaped structures. The tripod actuator pushes a pinhead connection out to collapse the six fabric
panels inward Illustration 18: Interior view of the structure of the Investment Council
Headquarters Tower to pin the mashrabiya.

The response of the envelope generates a wave of movement as the sun hits the structure;
however the façade remains static until the skin is programmed to move. The façade also appears
quite light on the exterior but its bombarded with the Y- shaped structural arms that block and
disconnect the occupants on the interior to the exterior environment.

3.1.1.2 Case Study 2

Location Melbourne Building Uses Office
Status complete Structural Style
Construction Architectural Green
Start 2004 Style Architecture
Construction End 2006 Materials Concrete
Floors 10 Heights 388 meter
Floors Area 12,536 m² Elevator Count -
Table 3.2: Case study 2

Project description Council House 2 (CH2) is an office building in Melbourne, Australia that
features a kinetic façade with a great sustainability approach. The building comprises numerous
sustainable strategies, including wind turbines on the roof, chilled ceiling, double skin façade,
and timber shutters that work as a kinetic device to protect occupants from direct sun by tracking
the sun‘s path in summer and providing full shading for the indoor environment. The building is

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the first office building to get six Green Star rating (GBC of Australia) [17]. The kinetic façade
(operable timber shutters) improves the building‘s performance, and based on a post-occupancy
report [18] the staff productivity increased by 10.9%. In addition, 80% of the occupants
appreciate the building‘s indoor environment. Improvement of occupant well-being was an
important goal in the achievement of sustainability, in addition to energy saving and reducing the
environmental impact [19] (Figure 11).

Council House 2 (also known as CH2), is an office building located at 240 Little Collins Street in
the CBD, in Melbourne, Australia. It is occupied by the City of Melbourne council, and in April
2005, became the first purpose-built office building in Australia to achieve a maximum Six
Green Star rating, certified by the Green Building Council of Australia. CH2 officially opened in
August 2006.

Figure 3.5: Council House 2 (CH2), main façade.

Performance features

The building achieved remarkable results in environmental performance, with an 85% reduction
in electricity consumption, lower emissions at just 13%. The façade was creatively designed with
a unique solution for each direction of the building envelope; all of which combine to provide
80% of the occupants with a view. The kinetic system applied to the western façade exceeds

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95% of shading during the day and provides natural ventilation at night by automatically opening
the windows and allowing the night air to cool the building. The mechanism of the western
façade works on an automatic actuation system to track the sun‘s position and provide shading in
the afternoon (Figures 3.5-3.6).

Passive Cooling and Ventilation Cooling - Concrete ceilings behave like soil in termite mound -
Warmth is purged at night through automatic process Ventilation – Building circulates new air ,
rather than reusing the same air like an AC - Hot air exhaust is used to power turbines to
generate more passive energy

Figure 3.6: Sketch shows the mechanism of façade. Figure 3.7: The kinetic system applied to
the Western façade.

This experiment in trying incorporating biomimetic strategies allowed me to understand Bio

mimicry and Sustainability. I developed abilities in research and analysis, as well as better
critical understanding of the topic. I succeeded in finding a case study that addressed
climatological issues and resolved them through design and would like to further refine my
ability to design using sustainable and biological techniques. From looking at architectural and
engineering examples, and analyzing the design process and goals I learned that these aspects of
the approach were useful.

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3.1.2 SUMMARY
In summary, this could be state that the building envelope and its components always play an
important role in providing a comfortable enclosure for users. Designing building envelope with
consideration of environmental, technological, socio-cultural, functional and aesthetic
determinants helps in achieving energy efficient and sustainable built forms. Further study of
building envelope and its components‘ evolution from past technology to contemporary could
make the environment of built space user friendly in reference of social culture determinants.
Study and examine the properties of transparent and opaque parameters would guide in the
selection of facades typology for understanding building envelope behavior as per site condition
and requirements.

One challenge for technological and socio-culture determinants in designing façade and selecting
transparent components design is balancing design and human issues with numerous technical
and functional criteria of built form and space. Design and selection of the building envelope
typology and its fenestrations style for openings have been strongly based on the local area‘s
climate factors and orientation in order to fulfill the requirements of environmental determinant.
This could help in to achieve the sustainable design for building façade components. Further
dynamic building façade of typologies needs to incorporate more opacity, more solidity and
insulation, with windows strategically located where natural light penetration is actually
required. Innovation in the design of façade as per design determinant‘s need with commitment
to adopt energy conservation strategies would definitely help in reduction of the environmental
load.

It could be recommended to use an innovative combination of different façade types with

application of basic design principle and strategies as well as using of renewable energy
technology like integration of PV cell into façade components. This would increase overall
energy efficiency and environmental quality or determinant of built space like in Mont Cenis
Training Center. For moving towards advancement in technology, further research is needed to
be done on different components of building envelope with integration of renewable energy
considering local site context to achieve sustainable built form. This would be done by
determining the peculiarities of design determinants in accordance with the physical environment
need of space, technology, materials selection for comfort and aesthetic, climate study and user‘s

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inputs. These strategies would minimize the environmental load as well as fulfill all the
requirements of design determinants for overall comfort, and filled with graceful techniques for
making maximum use of natural energy.

3.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Identification of parameters

Identifying the constant and the variable parameters is very important to get exposed to all
possible parameters that could influence the performance of facade systems. The variable
parameters are tested, while others are kept fixed in order to achieve the required outputs which
are the constant parameters.

3.2.1 CONSTANT PARAMETERS

 Weather data and location: The emerging central business district (CBD) area of Addis
Ababa, from Mexico up to Stadium has been chosen. Weather data of the city has been
collected which defines the sun position (solar altitude and azimuth angles) and the sky
conditions. The climatic details would be imported which includes all relevant
information about the dry bulb temperature, the wet bulb temperature, the relative
humidity, and prevailing winds with their frequency and strength.
 Sample office model: Open plan offices were chosen as their design is very critical in
terms of the large space, how the daylight is distributed in the space, the solar radiation
heat effect due to perimeter and interior workstation location distance from the facade.
 Room height: the height of the room were kept constant, hence change in room height
would affect the volume of the space which in turn directly related to thermal comfort.
 Internal heat gain: During thermal simulation of individual office spaces, information
regarding elements responsible for the internal heat gains such as: number of occupants
per square meter, number of equipment found in the office, and the floor area and volume
of the office space were kept constant.
 Facade material: Properties and layers of glass materials (single leaf or double leaf)
were identified and kept constant throughout the simulation process.
 Office furniture: All furniture located in the sample office model where set to be similar
with the real office material properties and color, to avoid significant difference in
reflection/ luminance.

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3.2.2 VARIABLE PARAMETERS
 Building orientation: The building will be tested in all orientations in order to
investigate the effect of the sun position to the building facade and how it would
influence the indoor and outdoor environment.
 Time of simulation: the simulation would be conducted in different times of the day,
days of the month and months of the year in order to get an overview about the influence
of changing time.
 Location of office floor: the location of the office floor would be variable in order to
explore the effect of nearby buildings‘ influence in terms of shading (blocking of view
and sunlight).

3.3 IDENTIFICATION, SELECTION AND JUSTIFICATION OF RESEARCH METHOD

Investigating the effect of facade systems has been performed by various methods throughout the
research history in this field. However, there were five commonly used methods by the
researchers, which are the real simulation, numerical & experimental methods, questionnaires,
case studies and computer simulation. These were the different methods used by the studied
papers during the literature review.

Real Simulation, which is often considered as accurate methodology, consists of a real sun and
sky simulators that could be adjusted in existing building. The main advantage of this method is
that a physical real model is very close in feeling to real conditions with a high precession
accompanied by output photos to document the results. A numerical and experimental method
consists of mathematical formulas and equations to calculate and obtain the relationship between
attributes, following it with an experiment to verify the results. The experiment could be done
with different measuring equipment, in this case, light meter and temperature meter could be
used. However, a researchers‘ percentage of error should be taken into account. Questionnaires
are often used to collect raw data about the topic which could be further analyzed into useful
information. Case studies are the conventional methods to measure and analyze existing
buildings performance. Computer simulation is the most advanced method to obtain the required
output values and give quantitative results.

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 Research cost Time needed Accuracy Experience
needed
Real simulation very expensive time consuming Accurate result High experience
Expensive time Expensive time consuming Most accurate Adequate
experience
Questionnaire Affordable Minimum time Less accurate Less experience
Case study Affordable Time consuming Least accurate Adequate
experience
Computer Affordable Minimum time Nearly accurate Software
simulation experience
Table 3.3: Common research methods comparison

After comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the five commonly used methods in terms
of cost, time, accuracy and experience needed, four of them are selected to deal with. These are
computer simulation, experimental, case study and questionnaires.

3.4 SELECTION AND JUSTIFICATION OF SIMULATION TOOLS

According to study made during the literature review, a number of building simulation software
has been developing rapidly to enhance options that are more flexible and accurate. Referring to
a study done by (Attia, S., et al, 2012), which mainly discusses about Selection criteria for
building performance simulation tools: contrasting architects' and engineers' needs, the most
important parameters that architects and engineers focus on are found to be, usability and
graphical visualization of the interface, accuracy of the tool and interoperability of building
model. Familiar Simulation tools namely, ECOTECT and RELUX Autodesk software are used
in this study because of their interoperability, ease of operation and better accuracy in terms of
data analysis and interpretation.

3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

The analysis stage is basically transforming the input data into output quantitative and qualitative
results. It has been concluded from the type of quantitative data collected and the variety of
parameters that the best analysis comparisons would be performed through ECOTECT
software.it produces graphical output data and gives minimum, maximum and average values of
several parameters of different cases. In addition, RELUX software is used in order to evaluate
daylight penetration through facade systems. Excel sheets is also used for further analysis of the
data from questionnaires and numerical results of actual measurement tools. Finally, the output
data from the above different tools is compared and discussed in chapter four.

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3.6 COMPUTER SIMULATION
Volumetric model of the city from Mexico up to Stadium is prepared on sketch up and exported
to Ecotect to proceed on solar analysis. Weather data of Addis Ababa is downloaded from a site
called ‗energyplus.com‘ to set daily and annual sun path. Then, annual cumulative solar access
analysis is done for vulnerable surfaces of the buildings. Finally, special emphasis is given to
tow offices building to study their overall facade concept, shading systems and its visual and
thermal effect on the indoor environment.

3.6.1 OVERALL SOLAR EXPOSURE STUDY OF SELECTED CBD ZONE IN ADDIS ABABA

High exposure Low exposure

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 Figure 3.8: Overall solar exposure map of selected CBD area (west and south facade)

3.6.2 SOLAR ACCESS ANALYSIS OF SELECTED VULNERABLE OFFICE BUILDINGS

The study focuses on concerns related to incident radiation, overheating periods and thermal
discomfort conditions in the building. The computer simulations were undertaken with the use of
various lighting simulation software such as Relux and Ecotect to determine the likely daylight
IL luminance distributions and daylight factors across open plan office spaces. Finally, the
computer simulation output is compared with some of the findings of observations and
questionnaire inputs.

AWASH INSURANCE COMPANY

Evaluation of Day-lighting: Awash insurance company is a 16th story building which was
designed for the insurance‘s administrative office. It consists of two transparent semicircular
wings which are connected with pedestrian bridge at different stories. The investigation was
carried out in levels consisting primarily of open plan office spaces such as the 10th, 11th and
12th floor.

During sunny days the large glazed facade causes glare effect to the outside environment. High
differences in internal luminance on working positions during the time of intensive sunshine
cause discomfort. Additionally, computer simulations are carried out to examine some of the
findings of observations throughout the walk around survey conducted.

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Figure3.9: Awash Insurance Annual cumulative solar access analysis in Wh/m2 primarily of
open plan office spaces such as the 10th, 11th and 12th floor

Figure 3.10: Interior and Exterior feature of awash bank

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DEBREWORK TOWER

Evaluation of Day-lighting: -

Figure 3.11: Debrework Tower- Annual cumulative solar access analysis in Wh/m2

Figure 3.12: Interior and Exterior feature of Debrework Tower

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The building has 15 floors and designed for office use. The investigation was carried out in 3rd
level, which consists of open plan office spaces for commercial bank of Ethiopia. The simulation
was made on North West and west facade of the building.

The color of the glass window is highly reflective and also has exclusive golden color. The
computer simulations were undertaken with the use of various lighting simulation software to
determine the likely daylight illuminance distributions and daylight factors across open plan
office spaces. Finally, the computer simulation output is compared with some of the findings of
observations and questionnaire inputs and became input for the final result.

3.7 QUESTIONNAIRE AND OBSERVATION /QUALITATIVE DATA

Questionnaires were structured based on the objectives of the research in order to measure the
satisfaction of office occupants and street users. The draft is Pre-tested to find out how
respondents understand the questions. The questionnaire basically contains closed questions
which allow respondents a number of defined response choices as well as open-ended questions
that allow respondents freedom to respond in their own way. The content was classified into two
parts, namely, the effect of facade choices on indoor visual and thermal comfort, and the effect
of facade choices on outdoor environment and drivers.

3.7.1 STUDYING THE EFFECT OF FACADE CHOICES ON INDOOR VISUAL AND

THERMAL COMFORT
The questionnaire was formulated to investigate the relationship of visual and thermal comfort in
relation to occupant performance. Around 4 radiation vulnerable offices in Addis Ababa were
investigated during the survey. The questions were structured based on:

 Section 1: Basic Information

 Section 2: General Comments
 Section 3: Thermal Comfort assessment
 Section 4: Visual comfort/natural light assessment

3.7.2 STUDYING THE EFFECT OF FACADE CHOICES ON NEARBY BUILDINGS, STREETS

AND DRIVERS
The questionnaire was formulated to investigate the impact of glare and high contrast over
nearby buildings and street activities. The questions were structured based on:

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  The effect of nearby building facade over the neighborhood facade
 The effect of facade choices on drivers and streets

3.8 WEATHER DATA FOR ADDIS ABABA

Sunshine and daylight hours: - There is an average of 2439 hours of sunlight per year (of a
possible 4383) with an average of 6:40 of sunlight per day. It is sunny 55.6% of daylight hours,
the remaining 44.4% of daylight hours are likely cloudy or with shade, haze or low sun intensity.

Table 3.4: sunshine and daylight hours in Addis Ababa [source: www.addis ababa.climatemps.com

Graph 3.1: sky cover range [source: climate consultant at SWERA 634500 WMO station number,
elevation 2355m]

Average Temperature: The mean annual temperature in Addis Ababa is 15.9 degrees Celsius.
The variation of average monthly temperatures is 3 °C which is an extremely low range. The

Hottest month (May) is somehow warm with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. The
coolest month (January) is slightly cold with a mean temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.

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Graph 3.2: Average Temperature in Addis (source: www.addis-ababa.climatemps.com/sunlight.php

3.9 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

3.9.1 RESULTS
Daily and monthly discomfort period of the indoor environment is identified. The discomfort
time interval of the day and duration of the month is generated out of the occupants‘ feedback
and careful study of the simulation output.

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Graph 3.3: Monthly discomfort period comparison of three offices
The thermal simulation is done considering two conditions. The first thing is internal design
conditions such as clothing, lighting level, humidity, and air speed .These values are used to
define indoor conditions in thermal comfort and lighting calculation. The second thing is
occupancy and operation such as, number of people and activity (values for number of people
and their average biological heat output), sensible and latent heat gain (values for both lighting
and small power loads per unit floor area), and infiltration rate (values for the exchange of air
between indoor and outdoor environment).

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Graph 3.4: Occupants’ reaction curve to thermal discomfort

3.9.2 DISCUSSION

According to monthly indoor thermal environment analysis, May, June and July were found to
be the hottest months of the year in all of the sampled office buildings. Of all the three, May was
found to be the hottest month of the year with average discomfort period of 46hrs of total
180hours of occupancy. When this hour is divided by 8 (which is average daily occupancy),it
becomes about 6 days of discomfort period out of 22 days of monthly occupancy.

Of the two sampled offices, Awash Insurance was found to be in the risk of long discomfort
period. In one year of occupancy, (which is about 180hours x 10 months = 1800hours), there is
390hrs (48 days) of discomfort period. Debrework Tower has 300hrs (37 days) of discomfort
period.

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The questionnaire is also analyzed to evaluate occupants‘ feedback about the hot and cold
months of the year and average discomfort time interval of the day. For each sample offices, 3
floors are selected with 10 participants each. 30 people are participated in each sample buildings.
Total number of participants is around 90 persons of which 65 are male and 25 are female. The
analysis graph above shows that the time interval between 2:30 pm up to 4:30 pm is susceptible
to overheating.

According to the simulation result and questionnaire feedback, the afternoon session from 2:30
pm up to 4:00 pm is taken as discomfort period of the day. During this time interval, the sun
moves from east to west which as a result makes the west and south facade of the buildings
vulnerable to direct solar radiation. The facade of the buildings, namely, Awash is more than
90% glazed on their west and south facade. Whereas, Debrework tower is 60% glazed which
somehow reduced the amount of direct radiation. All of the buildings use internal shading which
is made of plastic fibers. The risk of glare is also observed during windy days because of the
flimsy nature of shading devices. Subjective evaluation was used as a methodology to collect
data from individual occupants. The ranking of indoor thermal environmental conditions slightly
differed between female and male, and between perimeter and interior zones. Women valued
natural lighting higher than overheating. 78.33% of the participants dissatisfied with the thermal
environment, 13.33% are comfortable, and 8.33% did not notice the thermal environment.

The luminance level, which strongly relate to the illumination level inside the space, became
more intensive towards the perimeter. 44% of the participants complained about the visual
environment. Too much light contrast is observed towards the perimeter whereas the interior
zone showed up too dark. Due to this, artificial light is used in the interior zone of the open floor
office space in order to balance the light distribution.

During outdoor environment analysis, out of 30 drivers, 80% valued the risk of glare because of
reflective glass facades and the rest 20% did not noticed the issue of glare. Finally, computer
simulation and questionnaire results were compared with Quantitative measurements of indoor
air temperature and light intensity. However, the measurement varied with change of different
parameters that contribute to internal heat generation, such as number of occupants, and time of
the day. However assuming full occupancy, and equipment operation, the result showed
relatively similar values with the computer simulation outputs.

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Chapter 4:- POSSIBLE REMEDIAL AND FINDING

4.1 INTRODUCTION
The possible remedial solutions investigation for the kinetic response for kinetic facades are
based upon a process of combining physical prototyping, and parametric design tools to evaluate
the performance of the kinetics of the facades system presents the possibility of components to
respond to environmental conditions and changing a state of facades. The kinetic facades create a
folding and unfolding movement, which adapts to the sun and changing environmental
conditions. In terms of the kinetic pattern for the whole composition, it creates an expanding and
contracting effect to produce random surface movement in response to local climate conditions.
Four times the design iteration was re-modeled in order to achieve perfect the operation of the
kinetic system. The movement of each panel of the module depends on its degree of opening
(declination angle) and the kinetic control and mechanism. The modules are able to control the
visibility and the transparency of the façade. In addition, the system provides shading for the
inner spaces and it can generate solar energy. By responding to the desires of the occupants, the
system is able to increase the comfort. Moreover, the panels of the façade are lightweight and
can be mounted almost everywhere on existing buildings.

The design solution is in the emerging central business district (CBD) Beherawi Square, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia Headquarters Building of Awash bank .This location is primarily selected due to
its vulnerability to harsh sun radiation even though it is visible and accessible from different
points of the city. The longer face of the site is oriented to the west and east while the shorter
side is to the south and north. The site is tilted some degree from north which makes it more
susceptible to harsh sun. Streets with different orientation potentially affect the way the facade
behaves in relation to drivers and pedestrian movement.

4.2 Design task

The design solution is intended to introduce an alternative local design strategy for envelope
fabrication based on solar analysis. This parametric design process, unlike common design trends
of fully glazed facade systems, wisely study the behavior and pattern of solar angles and paths.
The facade, as interface between the interior and exterior environment, creates multitude patterns
and geometry in response to different angles of solar exposures to facilitate visual and thermal

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comfort of occupants. In addition to radiation, the facade also responds to different street
orientations and indoor seating arrangements. A design program is developed and a schematic
office layout is produced in order to study solar path diagram and develop solar access analysis
based on climatic data of Addis Ababa. Then, the solar analysis leads to facade design concepts
which could be further developed through design program and special interest.

4.3 BENEFITS OF THIS DYNAMIC FACADE SYSTEM

Quantitative benefits:-The following are measurable benefits of the innovative facade system.
 50% energy savings for office spaces alone, and up to 20% for the building overall
 20% reduction in carbon emission with up to 50% for office spaces use alone
 15% reduction in overall plant size and capital cost
 20% reduction in materials and overall weight due to the highly fluid, rational and
optimized design
Qualitative benefits:- The following are non-measurable benefits of the innovative facade
system:
 Improvement of user-comfort and improved physical and psychological well-being of
occupants
 The overall iconic identity of the building
 Better naturally lit spaces through better admission of natural diffused light
 Better visibility of external natural views, less use of obstructive and psychologically
trapping blinds
 Improved comfort by reducing heavy air conditioning loads and air draft
 Provide the building with a unique identity, rooted to local heritage and environment
 Provide a unique and entertaining feature both to occupants and passing-by public.

4.4 SOLAR ANALYSIS AND FACADE INTERPRETATION

The solar path diagram is well studied to investigate critical hours and days as well as to
understand the position of sun in relation to the building orientation. Every other month is
analyzed to find out critical vertical and horizontal component of solar ray.

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 `

4.5 Concept

The design is driven from its context, taking into account environment, tradition, and technology.
This initial sketch illustrates the integration of these elements. While each design feature of the
building is infused with this balance.

The Snapping Façade prototype explores a sustainable open-and-close mechanism based on local
craft and computational mechanics. Without using additional actuation energy and complicated
maintenance, users can participate in the dynamic movement of the building envelope for play,
fun, and energy saving. The user participation promoted by this low-tech system represents the
collaboration, coordination and connection engaged in our building environment. This
integration between art value and use value presents a potential for the further development into
urban shading, shelter, and low-tech dynamic façade for sustainable environment.

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4.6 Design process

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.
The prototype explores using weakening-induced bands tied within the elastic threshold which,
produce ―snap‖ deformation with minimal stimulus. 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. Without complicated maintenance,
users can participate in the dynamic movement of the building envelope for play, fun, and energy
saving.

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This elastic instability is already utilized in kids‘ products such as Rubber ball poppers and Snap
Bracelets. Foldable car window shades also use the property of snapping. As for building, the
snapping bands will be explored with patterned metals, plastics, and/or wood veneers. The
engineering of intentionally applied weakening building components will be also tested. The
membrane between the bands need be tested through metal origami, fabric, and other hybrid
methods to find optimal folding mechanism.

4.7 Summary: ―The Snapping Facade touches a widespread contemporary problem of heat
gain/loss, adequate sunlight provision as well as an insufficiency of aesthetically pleasing
solutions to it. As the designers summarize it, ‗Snapping Facade explores a sustainable building
envelope design strategy that utilizes elastic instability to create dynamic motion at the building
envelope.‘ The artifact is not only very clever in its simplicity, reactive to the current need, but
also visually appealing and being a small scale design it is able to influence the large scale in a
low-cost manner. The Judges were unanimously impressed with the project.

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 4.8 Finding
 Although the Ethiopia refit valley environment is well known for its sunny and hot weather
and can greatly benefit for adaptive envelope architecture, most of the buildings understudy
are located in Addis Ababa, while only one building is planned to be located in the Middle-
East.
 As adaptive envelope systems are installed in/on different structural systems, it is important
to mention that frame structures present more flexible solutions for interiors. Also, frame
structures allow a wide range of kinetic systems to be applied.
 While a wide range of adaptive envelope materials varying from fabricated/industrialized to
natural materials, almost all used kinetic materials are light weight.
 Adaptive envelope is applied to different environments, but it is most commonly used in
living environments whether they are part of multifamily housing, private houses or even
residential high rise and office buildings.
 There are different ways for adaptive envelope systems to be installed in/on a building. These
systems can allow the whole building to be in motion or just a part of it, whether indoor or
outdoor. The most common adaptive envelope systems used in buildings examined are
kinetic roof elements
 Adaptive envelope is applied to buildings in order to adapt to weather changing patterns,
save energy as well as allow for environment friendly energy sources, allow for natural
ventilation and control light. There are many other reasons to adopt adaptive envelope
systems in buildings, but as previously mentioned environmental reasons are the most
common.
 There are different factors that affect how adaptive envelope is applied to analyzed
architectural projects which include used structure systems, used materials, reason behind
applying these types of systems as well as other factors. Each of these factors is affected by
the rest. When frame structures are used that reflected on used materials which varied from
steel, to wood and paper. Also, using other structure systems affected the materials used.
 The used structure system affected the installed type of adaptive envelope. The most
common structure system used in the analyzed projects is frame structure. This type of
structure system allows for many types of kinetic systems to be installed, such as elevation
adaptive envelope elements, adaptive envelope walls and other systems.

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 Structure systems are not the only factor that affected the used type of adaptive envelope, the
environment within the building equally affects the type of adaptive envelope. Using
adaptive envelope facades, or walls as well as interior elements is suitable to living
environments.
 The reason behind applying adaptive envelope systems is affected by the nature of the
environment that the building creates. When adaptive envelope system is installed to a living
environment that is to allow for more privacy, create more flexible living spaces, to add
luxury as well as other environmental reasons.

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Page | 56
Chapter 5:- CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

The high performance buildings nowadays have been optimized by various strategies and
techniques in many aspects to reach the expected level of convenient performance. According to
the building skin, it is inadequate to have perfectly insulated and airtight walls which handle with
almost the climatic situations. Therefore, the necessity for a performance-based architecture is
therefore increasing as:

 The adaptive building facade responds intellectually and accurately to the fluctuating
climatic conditions and indoor conditions requirements, where it will utilize the existing
natural energies to light, heat and ventilates the spaces and has the ability to achieve
energy savings in comparison to conventional technologies, and meantime obtain
maximum thermal comfort conditions.
 The photovoltaic costs could be decreased in the coming days, as the onsite power
systems will be incorporated with the glass facade and those skins will develop into local,
non-polluting energy suppliers to the building.
 To take into consideration, the future planning and designing of high-performance
buildings is supposed to require active façade technologies, operating in intelligent
coordination with HVAC and lighting systems to provide comfortable indoor
environments with decreased energy use.
The huge difference, consequently, between terms ‗‗smart‖ and ‗‗intelligent‖ is that in the
situation of the functionality results from essential material characteristics, meanwhile, in the
latter performance is essentially managed by computation and automation. The performance
aspect of intelligent skins is usually more changeable than that of smart envelopes; the
performance of smart envelopes is commonly binary and more restricted in control, whereas
intelligent skins usually need outer power to attain the targets. Accordingly, when execute to a
whole building energy reductions, intelligent skins would perfectly be elaborated with smart
substances, which are self-powering and self-actuating

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5.2 Recommendation

The sustainable buildings of today have been optimized element by element, the wall
stratification and insulation level, the windows are as good as they may possibly get and the
ventilation system, fans and heat exchanger are getting better and more energy efficient all the
time. But in order to reach even further, the buildings have to be seen more as one optimized
system rather than a collection of small pieces. It is not enough to have well-insulated and
airtight walls that cope with most of the climatic situations when you during hot periods need to
cool the building, and then something is substantially wrong. The need for a performance-based
architecture is therefore rising. Shape, placement and building systems need to work together to
improve the energy performance. The building needs to be in closer relation to the climatic
context, and as the building envelope is the border between the surrounding climate and the
interior the envelope design is becoming a crucial parameter in sustainable and energy efficient
building design. As Mark Weston (2010) puts it ‗building sustainable is simply good design and
it always have been‘. And from this thesis it is clear that there are great possibilities with
adaptive envelopes of different kinds but that there still lack commercially available solutions
and development. The envelope design is dependent on so many parameters and has so many
possible solutions that it soon turn into a very complex problem. Based on my studies I believe
that despite the complex design problem the use of adaptive envelope solutions can improve both
energy efficiency and comfort. And be the future for building performance design.

5.3 Further studies

Work Considering the amount of current research in adaptive building components I believe that
more and more solutions will pop up. Solar responsive structures have been highly
overrepresented and even though there still are more to be done there, I believe that we will see
an increased number of examples of concepts that are more integrated within the walls. As
continuation of this thesis I would suggest looking closer into how to properly simulate adaptive
behaviors. And also look into how different priority order, between different parameters affect
the interior comfort and energy efficiency

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Appendix
EFECTS OF FASADE AND VISUAL COMFORT SURVEY

PART ONE: studying the effect of facade choices on indoor environment Conducted in selected
Office buildings in Addis Ababa

Section 1: Basic Information: - is needed since the amount of heat and moisture generated by people is a
Function of sex, age, activity and other factors.

1. What is your Gender?

Male Female

2. What is your age?

20-30 31-40 41-50 Over 50

3. How many years have you worked in this building?

Less than a year 1-2 years 3-5 years More than 5 years

4. How long have you been working at your present workspace?

Less than 3 months 4-6 months 7-12 months More than 1 year

5. In a typical week, how many hours do you spend in your workspace?

15 or less 16-32 More than 32

6. How would you describe the work you do?

 Administrative support
 Technical
 Professional
 Managerial/supervisory
 other
Section 2: General Comments

1. How satisfied are you with the building overall service?

Very Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

2. How satisfied are you with your personal workspace?

Very Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

3. Any additional comments or recommendations about your personal workspace or building overall
condition?
_________________________________________________________________________________

Section 3: Thermal Comfort

1. Which of the following do you personally adjust or control in your workspace? (Check all that apply)
 Open and Close window
 Window blinds or shades
 Room air-conditioning unit

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  Portable fan
 Ceiling fan
 Adjustable air vent in wall or ceiling....if any
 Adjustable floor air vents (diffuser).....if any
 Others: ______________________
2. How satisfied are you with the thermal comfort in your workspace?
Very Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

3. Overall, does your thermal comfort in your workspace enhance or interfere with your ability to get
your job done?
Enhances Interferes

4. To what extent your room thermal comfort affects your normal level of productivity
 No effect
 Positive effect
 Normal effect
 Quite good effect
 Bad effect
5. Which time of the day do you often feel thermal discomfort?
 9:00am – 11:00am - Morning
 11:00am – 1:00pm - Morning
 1:00pm – 3:00pm - Afternoon
 3:00pm – 5:00pm – Afternoon
6. Which month of the year do you feel thermal discomfort?
January February March April May June

July August September October November December

7. Please describe any other issues related to thermal comfort that are important to you.
______________________________________________________________________________

Section 4: Visual Comfort/Natural Lighting/ Sunlight

1. How satisfied are you with the amount of sun light in your workspace?
Very Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

2. How satisfied are you with the visual comfort of the lighting (e.g., glare, reflections, contrast)?
Very Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

3. Does the lighting quality enhance or interfere with your ability to get your job done?
Enhances Interferes

4. Manual Control over the level of natural lighting in your office

Possible Impossible

5. Which of the following devices do you use to control direct sun light penetration/glare?
 Internal movable shading device

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  Internal fixed shading device
 External fixed shading device
 External movable shading device
6. Are you satisfied with the shading technology in your office building?
Yes No

7. Please describe any other issues related to thermal comfort that are important to you.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

PART TWO - studying the effect of facade choices on streets and drivers

The questionnaire is formulated to investigate the effect of facade systems on adjacent buildings
and street users/drivers.

Section 1: The effect of nearby building facade over your office space

1. Does nearby building facade interfere your normal work (e.g., glare, reflections, and contrast)?
Yes No

2. Does nearby building facade interfere your view to the outside?

Yes No

3. Does nearby building block natural light entry into your office space?
Yes No

Section 2: The impact of windows on drivers

1. How often do you spend driving in the city?

Frequently Occasionally

2. To what extent window glare affects your driving?

 No effect
 Positive effect
 Normal effect
 Bad effect
3. Which time of the day is the glare mostly occurs?
 1-4 o'clock (local time)
 5-8 o'clock
 9-11 o'clock
4. Have you ever made any trouble or accident because of glare?
Yes No

5. Any additional comments or recommendations about the building facade/windows

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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