transformable architecture

can technology change the way of thinking and doing architecture?
in my opinion, using technology buildings should be organisms capable to transform and move as a result of the interaction with people and their practices that are constantly changing.
This study is a research to design and develop a modular, structural and active piece that can generate an interactive surface, something like a “kinetic brick”.

Brief Description.

transformable architecture is a series of experiments exploring math, geometry, mechanisms and ways to generate an interactive surface. Using digital tools and material properties to create a light, modular, and self-structured prototype.

Why do this idea?

I started working in this project using digital tools to create a self-structured, modular and light surface to cover big spaces. According to material properties that I studied previously I tried to solve the question: how to make strong a “weak” (light) material?
Observing steel sheets in a wall container, I started exploring folds and then Origami Tessellations that could be useful in architecture. Studying the behavior of these patterns i realized that I could generate different shapes with the same prototype, so I wondered why still thinking of this as something static? and then, why still thinking architecture as something static?
Then I realized that I had never before studied how the things can move, because in architecture we start from the base that everything must be static, but why should buildings remain statics 100 or 200 years if nowadays people is constantly and quickly changing?

Research Plan.

shape:
The first weeks i want to explore different models, geometries and patterns useful in architecture and the potentials of folds. Study the way that they move and try to be an expert knowing the actions and reactions of every one of its components. To do this i will use digital 3D software and real prototypes using digital fabrication machines.

mechanism:
After I have chosen or designed a shape i want to develop a mechanism that can move and stop the movement of this kinetic module, because if i want to structure the surface i have to make it rigid but flexible to adopt different states. The study of this mechanism it will be supported also using digital tools to design, simulate and fabricate.

interaction:
In the last weeks i want to explore the way that this mechanism can interact with people. Studying a sensor or a mechanical way to move the module, and if this movement is triggered by human body, activities or environment.

By Thesis Week I intend to have a kinetic prototype that can be replicated and assembled to generate an interactive surface that can be used to cover different urban activities.
Also the digital documentation of this study and other potential shapes that can be developed to continue the exploration of transformable architecture.

Filed under thesis.