Dialectic Form Finding of Passive and Adaptive Shading Enclosures

Abstract

Form finding describes the process of finding a stable equilibrium shape for a system under a specific set of loads, for a set of boundary conditions and starting from an arbitrary initial geometry. However, form finding does not traditionally involve performance constraints such as energy-related criteria. Dialectic form finding is an extension of the process integrating energy-related design aspects. In this paper, dialectic form finding is employed as an approach for designing high performance architectural systems, driven by solar radiation control and structural efficiency. Two applications of dialectic form found shading enclosure structures, a passive and an active one, are presented. The first application example is a site-specific outdoor shading structure. The structure is based on a louver system designed to provide protection from ultraviolet radiation over a pre-defined target only when required, promoting natural lighting and ventilation. The second application example is a shape-shifting modular faç ade system that adapts its opacity in response to environmental fluctuations. The system can thus improve the environmental performance of a building. Moreover, the system explores elastic deformations for shape changes, reducing actuation requirements. These examples OPEN ACCESSEnergies 2014, 7 5202 highlight the potential of the dialectic form-finding strategy for the design of high performance architectural integrated structures.

Design and Energy Performance of a Buoyancy Driven Exterior Shading Device for Building Application in Taiwan

“…Kim et al [3] proposed an experimental configuration of an external shading device that would result in the most efficient cooling outcomes through adjustments to the slat angle. Passive and adaptive shading device designs can be found in [4]. Yener [5] developed a mathematical model to determine the optimal solution for fixed shading devices.…”

Dialectic Form Finding of Structurally Integrated Adaptive Structures

“…In this study, numerical form-finding methods are combined with shape and structural behavioral constraints to develop adaptive structures that integrate active elements within their structural system. This approach is referred to as dialectic form finding (Adriaenssens et al, 2014b) and is illustrated in Fig. 1.…”

“…Numerical form-finding methods include methods such as the force density (Schek, 1974), thrust network analysis (Block, 2009), dynamic relaxation (Barnes, 1999) and non-linear Finite Element (FE) approaches (Pagitz and Mirats Tur, 2009). Extensive reviews of form-finding methods can be found in (Tibert and Pellegrino, 2003;Veenendaal and Block, 2012;Adriaenssens et al, 2014b). In this study, numerical form-finding methods are combined with shape and structural behavioral constraints to develop adaptive structures that integrate active elements within their structural system.…”

Synergetic Effect between Lighting Efficiency Enhancement and Building Energy Reduction Using Alternative Thermal Operating System of Indoor LED Lighting

“…Because the total energy consumption in buildings accounts for nearly 40% of the primary energy use in many countries, a number of studies on energy-saving technologies for buildings have been conducted with a focus on the thermal performance of envelopes, efficiency enhancement of lighting and air-conditioning facilities, and renewable energy applications [4][5][6][7]. In order to reduce the lighting energy in buildings, high-efficiency light-emitting diode (LED) lamps and light-dimming control using daylight harvesting have been developed [8][9][10][11].…”