Kinetic Shades

Exploring the spatial experience that emerges from user interaction with building facade design, through an adaptively sensing curtain wall system enabled by digital fabrication and physical computing.

Team

Junke Zhao
Angie Wang
Ankita Sinha

Duration

Apr 2024 - May 2024

Contribution

Concept Design, Coding, Fabrication, Assembly, Rendering and Animation

Background

In contemporary architecture, kinetic systems such as facades are predominantly designed to operate autonomously, responding to predetermined schedules or environmental sensors. However, this often overlooks the potential for direct engagement with building occupants. Our project aims to redefine this paradigm by integrating occupant interaction into architectural kinetic assemblies, thus fostering dynamic user experiences within built environments.

Research Question

How can we augment the human experience when interacting with kinetic environments?

Workflow

Input Methods

Iteration 1: Weight Sensing with Load Cell Module

The load cell bar operates on the principle of strain gauge technology, where deformation of the gauge due to applied weight changes its electrical resistance. An amplifier module then reads these changes and converts them into a digital signal that the Arduino uses to trigger motor movement when human presence is detected.

Limitations:

Low capacity: holds only up to 5 kg
Detects human presence only, with no sense of distance or range
Limited accuracy

Iteration 2: Motion Detection with IR Beam + Ultrasonic Ranger

IR Break Beam Sensor

An IR break beam sensor consists of an emitter that sends out infrared light and a receiver that detects the presence of that light. When something breaks the beam, the receiver registers the interruption.

Ultrasonic Sensor

When activated, the ultrasonic ranger emits sound waves. The time it takes for the echo to return is used to calculate the object's distance. This distance measurement then informs the Arduino how to control the motor's rotation to a corresponding angle based on the detected presence.