Hybrid design method for wind-adaptive architecture

Abstract

The linkage of individual design skills and computer-based capabilities in the design process offers yet unexplored environment-adaptive architectural solutions. The conventional perception of architecture is changing, creating a space for reconfigurable, “living” buildings responding, for instance, to climatic influences. Integrating the element of wind to the architectural morphogenesis process can lead toward wind-adaptive designs that in turn can enhance the wind microclimate in their vicinity. Geometric relations coupled with material properties enable to create a tensegrity-membrane structural element, bending in the wind. First, the properties of such elements are investigated by a hybrid method, that is, computer simulations are coupled with physical prototyping. Second, the system is applied to basic-geometry building envelopes and investigated using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Third, the findings are transmitted to a case study design of a streamlined building envelope. The results suggest that a wind-adaptive building envelope plays a great role in reducing the surface wind suction and enhancing the wind microclimate.

Characterizing Smart Environments as Interactive and Collective Platforms: A Review of the Key Behaviors of Responsive Architecture

“…As it was for kinetic architecture, the dominant IB of adaptive architecture is a structural adaptive behavior [ 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 ]. The structural adaptive behavior relies on a controllable dynamic system consisting of sensor-actuators, structural elements and skins.…”

“…In this way, structural adaptive behaviors not only enable real-time measurement and optimization of the environment, but also improve their adaptation processes over time through self-learning behaviors [ 90 ]. In addition, an irregular self-bearing structural system, such as a tensegrity-membrane structure, can be used for wind-adaptive architecture, changing the aerodynamics of a building [ 93 ]. CFD simulations can be used to model its potential CB.…”

Shape-changing tensegrity-membrane building skin

“…The basic geometric, as well as material relations, were tested on a small physical prototype in the previous work [9]. A hybrid design approach was used, combing the digital simulations with physical prototyping.…”

“…The dimpled building skin, created as a consequence of the acting wind pressure, can lead to the reduction of drag force, as well as reduction of wind suction on the leeward side of the building. The particular results are dependent on the global shape of the building [9]. Fig.…”

Research of building structures in extreme climate conditions

“…arch. Lenka Kabošová was most active doctoral student at this point [1], [2]. She deals with extreme wind influence on the creation of architectural and structural shapes of buildings in dissertation thesis.…”