Design Description

Originally the group had trouble deciding on a design which would be simple to operate while still being aesthetically pleasing. At first the design was for a large fan-like circle which could be unfolded and refolded. However, it would not be very adaptable unless the fan was made of many sections, so this idea was abandoned.


The next idea explored was a hexagonal shape, which would fit well together as a whole. The upper leaves could then fold down in groups of three and form either a horizontal shelf or shelves angled to the left or the right, depending on the angle of the light. This design would be adept at reflecting light into the building. However, the group had trouble settling how the jointing would work for the design.


Finally the current design was formed, which is similar to a paper fortune-teller, with the interior sections removed to allow light to enter. Inspired by the Al Bahar Towers in Dubai, these exterior light shelves will open and close in response to the temperature inside the double skin cavity. This design's main goal is to keep light out of the building, though it does allow light to enter and has sections which serve as light shelves.


As described in the Information Page, the shelves are designed to allow maximum control over the temperature inside the double skin cavity by allowing the shelves to deflect light from the cavity if the air inside becomes too hot. This allows building owners to to increase convection efficiency based on location and climate. The transformability of the outer shelf facade will allow the double skin to be shaded or heated as necessary.


The light shelves will also allow for greater daylight penetration when the air cavity is not overheated. The transformation of the facade will be computer controlled using a set of temperature sensors placed within the cavity of the double skin, with changes between these two settings depending on temperature.


Meanwhile, the double skin which is integrated into the facade will provide thermal insulation and act as a sound barrier. This solution improves upon the former solutions by combining various aspects of the existing designs mentioned with a responsive facade.


The double skin will draw air through a channel dug at least 4 feet below ground level, at which height the ground temperature remains at a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round. This will provide a steady intake of cool air for the facade during the summer and warm air during the winter.

The design which was explored consisted of four sections of flexible mesh or fabric which will pivot around a central square frame, opening and closing in tandem. These sections can thus be arranged and anchored at only four points at the corners of the square frame, maintaining a great range of motion and many possible angles of reflection.


The four sections of the design system will be moved by a set of electric motors responding to which will push the leaves of the facade out into position. The design is meant to cover the span of one window per unit therefore will vary in size based on application, though it could also be made to cover squares of four or nine windows.