In the last century, architectural design technologies have witnessed rapid developments, with each development redefining design thinking and innovation in the field. One such technology has been the evolution of kinetic facades, which has led to enhanced control over building envelopes. Keep reading to understand what kinetic facades are, the emergence of kinetic architecture, types of kinetic facades and explore popular examples of kinetic buildings.
What is a Kinetic Facade?
A building facade or external surface which can move in response to environmental or mechanical stimuli is called a kinetic facade. Any building envelope functions to provide protection and maintain indoor comfort. A kinetic facade enhances these functions by literally moving or changing its form to adapt to changing needs. It can behave as a feature of climate responsive architecture—where the wall or facade changes itself to suit different climatic conditions—or also be modified to adjust to different building functions.
Development of Kinetic Architecture
Across thousands of years and the development of numerous architectural styles throughout history, buildings have always been stationary elements. However, in the early 20th century, architects like Iakov Chernikhov and Buckminster Fuller began exploring forms that could move, just as theoretical concepts. In 1970, the term ‘Kinetic architecture’ was first used by architect and engineer William Zuk in his published book, which encouraged architects to explore practical ways of implementing this technology with the help of the theoretical concepts developed earlier. The earliest examples of kinetic facades can be traced back to stadiums with retractable roofs and a rotating house- Villa Girasole designed by Agelo Invernizzi. Over the last few decades, this technology has witnessed a significant boom due to the evolution of technologies like parametric design, robotics and 3D printing in construction.
Features and Benefits of Kinetic Facades
- Thermal Comfort: Components of a kinetic facade can change their shape, size and/or presence to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Thus, aspects like the amount of sunlight and natural ventilation in a building can be controlled by them, ensuring maximum thermal comfort for the building’s users.
- Multifunctionality: These facades can be used to enable different building functions across a day or specific time period. For example, a glass facade building can be used as an office during the day and as an auditorium at night if its facade is used to block out all external light.
- Energy Efficiency: Kinetic facade details are typically designed to reduce a building’s dependence on mechanical ventilation systems. This naturally ensures the building’s energy efficiency and substantially reduces utility bills.
- Aesthetics: Unlike a normal building, a kinetic building can look completely different at different times. This dynamic quality helps form memorable and striking buildings, adding aesthetic value to monotonous urban landscapes.
Types of Kinetic Facades
Based on Control
- Direct Control: Facades change their shape or size by manual controls like remotes or buttons. For instance, a person can manually change the building’s facade to be opaque if he/she is experiencing excess sunlight or glare.
- Indirect Control: Here the facade is controlled by building automation systems, meaning that it automatically transforms itself to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The controls can also be fixed to operate in a certain way during particular times of the day.
Based on Location
Based on the location of the transformable components of the building envelope, the kinetic facade types can be classified as:
- Embedded: Such kinetic facade designs include transformable components that are always fixed to the building. The components stay fixed in their location, but change their shape or size to fulfill changing requirements.
- Deployable: These components are easily transportable and not fixed to the building’s surface. For example, shading elements like tensile fabrics can be attached to the building’s roof when it is raining or too sunny.
Based on Movement
The components of kinetic facades can transform themselves in several ways to regulate the amount of light, air and/or rain entering a space. Some of the common types of movements designed in these facades are:
- Folding: Horizontal and/or vertical folding is possible with both direct and indirect controls.
- Sliding: Such a kinetic facade component can slide along a single or multiple axes to suit varying climatic or building needs.
- Rotating: Components can rotate along a vertical or horizontal axis to enhance air flow or maximise natural light.
- Material Deformation: Materials can deform themselves in kinetic facade buildings to become larger or smaller. A simple example is inflatable fabrics.
Examples of Kinetic Facade Buildings
Kiefer Technic Showroom
Designed by architects Ernst Giselbrecht + Partners, the Kiefer Technic showroom is an office building located in Austria. Although made of conventional materials like RCC frames and brick walls, the building’s facade boasts kinetic movement. Foldable and perforated Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) allow individual users to control the amount of sunlight entering their workspace, redefining office design and comfort.
Kiefer Technic Showroom, Austria
Image source: Link
Al Bahar Towers
The Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, designed by Aedas Architects, are an illustration of how skyscrapers can also be climate responsive and energy efficient. The building’s mashrabiya (lattice) screen is a parametric facade that is placed 2m away from the building like an additional skin. Opening and closing movements in this screen control the amount and intensity of sunlight entering a space, ensuring effective architectural design in the hot and dry climate of the region. Indoor heat gain reduced by 50% with the aid of this tinted glass curtain wall, significantly lowering the need for ACs and coolers.
Al Bahar Towers, UAE
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Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark
Designed by Ned Kahn, this building features a massive 5000 sqm kinetic facade design. 2,50,000 ACP wall cladding panels are suspended on horizontal metal bars on this facade, each of which rotate with wind movements. Rippling patterns that mimic wind lines are formed on this surface with every breeze, forming a dynamic art and architectural masterpiece.
Brisbane domestic terminal carpark, Australia
Image source: Link
Kinetic Facade Design for Sustainable Building
Kinetic architecture has not been very commonly adopted in India until now due to the high costs and state-of-the-art construction technology associated with it. However, with advancements in technology, kinetic facades are becoming much more cost-effective and simpler to execute. Growing awareness of the concept and also an increased adoption of new innovations have further given a boost to kinetic architecture in India.
This can be an effective solution to battle the issue of depleting energy resources by adopting intelligent passive design features, paving the way for a greener future.
Apoorva H P Achar