ex03 - Building Skin System

Shutter Skin System

Inspired by the mechanics and aerodynamics of flight, the shutter skin system reacts to pedestrian traffic and adjusts the position of individual panels to create a motion-driven building façade. The system is primarily composed of a track system of vertical panels with integrated wind belt energy generators, each of which responds to passersby and moves through the operation of pneumatic arms. Each panel is positioned as part of a larger cove system designed to focus natural wind along the side of the building and through the field of wind energy generators. As the panels slide up or down in response to traffic, the overall appearance of the skin changes from all vantage points (interior, exterior below, and exterior distance), symbolically demonstrating the wave-like motion of wings during natural flight. From the interior, panels slide in and out of position resulting in changing views and lighting conditions. While this system would result in a constantly changing building façade, the interior conditions created may not be ideal as a living or working environment. 

Digital Model - system

physical model - video

physical model photos

physical model - phase 1

physical model - phase 2

physical model - phase 3

Forces of Flight (birds)

Lift, Gliding, Flapping, and Drag comprise the basics of flight for birds (or similar) and demonstrate the aspects that result in differences between natural and man-made aviation. The principle of lift is the same as in aircraft design; air travels across the airfoil (above and below), and the difference in air pressure results in upward force and eventual lift of the aircraft. Gliding is based on the same properties of lift, but allows gliders to obtain both a vertical and forward force from the wings since the lift is generated at 90deg to the air flow (gliders are descending so forces are directed at the underside of the airfoil). Flapping is characterized as the motion of wings similar to lift, but rotated to propel the body forward, creating thrust (which counteracts both the drag and weight of the body). Flapping has two stages: the down-stroke which provides the thrust, and the up-stroke which requires adjustment of the wing position to minimize resistance. During the shift between up- and down-stroke, both wing position and angle of attack change to maximize control over the path and speed of flight. Drag affects the flight through multiple methods (frictional, form, lift-induced), each of which is addressed by wing position, angle of attack, and wing shape.

Flight Analysis (Sustained Idle)

Rufous Hummingbird flight analysis in a testing facility. Water and olive oil droplets act as the visible particles to observe changes in particle position/movement (yellow particles represent airspeed) and locations of highest turbulence. Differences in flight types demonstrates possible alternate mechanics for idle sustained flight than propulsion/ascension flight.

Fluid Mechanics (Bat Flight)

Windspeed and friction analysis of the flight of a bat and the wake of typical flight pattern. Notice the form created by the turbulence of the change in air pressure due to the force and motion of the wings.

http://brown.edu/Research/Breuer-Lab/research/batflight.html