ARC 6760 - Advanced CAAD

Adaptive Skins Using Generative Systems

Chinmay Phule
MAAD 2012-13

Aim To explore and design adaptive skin prototype definition using generative systems.

Parameters Solar Irradiation

Shadow Mapping
Construction Material

Advantages Controlled natural daylight

Controlled solar heat gain and glare
Reduced Energy requirement

Experiment Structure Phase -1

1. Conceptual Design (in Rhino)
2. Development of Parametric definition (in Grasshopper with Diva)
Phase - 2
1. Flexing the system and analyzing performance (using Diva with Rhino)
2. Generating Simulations (Diva with Rhino)
3. Exploring fabrication options (materials and kinetic skin examples)

Conceptual Geometries

Constructed Using logic based modelling techniques in Rhino & Grasshopper

Three Combinations of a module used to generate the adaptive skin

Maximum

Medium

Minimum

Creating digital morphogenesis using grasshopper algorithms based on set of rules

that respond to the spatial quality & sustainable aspects of a given geometry.
- Morphing done using generative systems in grasshopper.

Manipulating results by testing a range of inputs or "flexing" the system we've

created and gathering data for further analysis from tools such as Autodesk Ecotect.
Input parameters Sun Positions
Daylight
Location
Materials used

Difference in need of the openings

can be observed depending on the
type of material used.

80% Reflecting Panels

Single Pane Glazing Summer

Single Pane Glazing Winter

The process of flexing the model allows us to determine the range of inputs and outputs that
are possible for a given system.

In the final step systems are rationalized, output files for manufacturing to
create physical models and simulations.
This leaves the skin with the visual and performance characteristics
intended but simplifies the system.
- Extract Geometry & Planarize Curved surfaces

Adding thickness to the skin for fabrication in Z350 Printer.

Offsetting the surface in rhino before export to .STL

Fabricated Final Model

Fabricated Final Model

Rendered Output
Generated with Vray

Rendered Output
Generated with Vray

Rendered Output
Generated with Vray

Examples of adaptive skins Al Bahar Towers, Abu Dhabi Aedas Architects

http://www.archdaily.com/270592/al-bahar-towers-responsive-facade-aedas/adic-responsive-facade-abu-dhabiuae-research/

Examples of adaptive skins Future Home Skin Tongji University Students

http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/para-eco-house-tongji-university-students.html

Identified construction materials and vendors who develop kinetic facades

Colt & Solarmotion offers a series of custom automated glass and metal products as
well as integrated PV / shading components.

Brisbane airport - Ned Kahn + UAP

Possible materials
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRFC)
Aluminum Panels
Solarmotion Dynamic Glass

Q1 Headquarters, Essen Germany