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.