Analytical and Comparative Study on the Design of Kinetic Facades and their Daylight Performance in Buildings

الملخص

Due to the issue of climate change and global warming in addition to the constantly increasing demand for energy, the building skin is considered to be a rigid system with fixed characteristics which is unable to adapt to the ever-changing climate conditions. Here rises the need to design building skins that are more intelligent, climate aware and able to react properly to the constant outdoor environment changes. One of the main advantages of the rapid technology evolution, that we are witnessing nowadays, is the development of systems that can react to change by collecting data, evaluating it and then efficiently responding to it accordingly. Kinetic façade systems can not only decrease the need for mechanical systems such as HVAC and artificial lighting but also add to the occupants’ comfort.

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the main elements that are involved in the design of a kinetic façade.  Also, a comparative analysis is performed, in which precedents of recent kinetic façade applications are compared, in terms of their design and daylight performance.