A New Foldable Kinetic Architectural System: Through an Evaluative Approach of Built Examples, Case Studies: Resonant Chamber, Cheiljedang Research Center, Madina Shadi Project

Transformable elements of all different types have become increasingly utilized in architecture in order to respond to varying building conditions. Adaptive strategies and geometries found in nature have inspired a need for buildings to respond to the changing environments in their immediate context. In today’s realm of environmental awareness, transformable architecture has the ability to respond to environmental conditions, and in turn increase the efficiency, occupant comfort and energy consumption of building systems. This paper discusses different movements, mechanisms and applications of transformable architecture, specifically foldable systems using pantographic elements. Case studies have been examined and evaluated in order to develop a final façade system with the ability to control the penetration of sunlight to a building under variable conditions. Sunlight can enable the passive heating of space, but may be detrimental and increase cooling loads and occupant discomfort through the summer months. In order to reduce the consumption of energy throughout the year, an occupant or computer controlled transformable façade system, like the one proposed, can be utilized. The proposed design seeks to emulate the adaptive nature of plants and animals when it comes to being light sensitive or light responsive. This shading system, when applied to buildings, will attempt to provide a solution which can help buildings become more transformable, and ultimately, more efficient. Despite of many transformable proposals, this four-panel shading system is to transform itself responsively and is able to function not only in fully open configuration but also in various stages of deployment. The proposed design not only provides occupants with natural lighting conditions or protection from solar glare, it optimizes solar heat gain through the heating season or mitigates it throughout the cooling season, satisfying both the energy efficiency and occupant comfort.