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.
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