Dynamic Bending of Thin Glass to Control Surface Roughness of Building Facades

Dynamic Bending of Thin Glass to Control Surface Roughness of Building Facades

Mulder, Hugo; Chinh Nguyen, Dominic; Moroz, Aidan; Mcadams, Ryan

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This paper describes the development of a research prototype for a kinetic transparent facade panel. Previous research has indicated the potential for kinetic facades to modulate airflow around buildings. With the ascent of thin glass and its application as kinetic building component, this project sought to further explore that potential with a transparent design. The project was undertaken as a design and making process, where knowledge is created through the collaborative engagement with the prototype. In its final state, the prototype, which used polycarbonate as a placeholder for thin glass, was used to visually assess the qualities of the transparent panel in motion. The project has led to a working mechanical scheme that creates a visually dramatic effect through distorting reflections. Analysis has shown that airflow can be modulated using this scheme, with possible applications for natural ventilation of buildings.

This paper describes the development of a research prototype for a kinetic transparent facade panel. Previous research has indicated the potential for kinetic facades to modulate airflow around buildings. With the ascent of thin glass and its application as kinetic building component, this project sought to further explore that potential with a transparent design. The project was undertaken as a design and making process, where knowledge is created through the collaborative engagement with the prototype. In its final state, the prototype, which used polycarbonate as a placeholder for thin glass, was used to visually assess the qualities of the transparent panel in motion. The project has led to a working mechanical scheme that creates a visually dramatic effect through distorting reflections. Analysis has shown that airflow can be modulated using this scheme, with possible applications for natural ventilation of buildings.

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DOI: 10.5151/sigradi2023-169

Referências bibliográficas

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Como citar:

Mulder, Hugo; Chinh Nguyen, Dominic; Moroz, Aidan; Mcadams, Ryan; "Dynamic Bending of Thin Glass to Control Surface Roughness of Building Facades", p-1704-1715. In: . São Paulo: Blucher, 2024.
ISSN 23186968, DOI 10.5151/sigradi2023-169