Application of the dynamic characteristics of shape-memory polymers to climate adaptive building facades

Clifford, Dale T.; Zupan, Robert J.; Brigham, John C.; Beblow, Richard V.; Whittock, Mark; Davis, Nick

Application of the dynamic characteristics of shape-memory polymers to climate adaptive building facades

Clifford, Dale T.; Zupan, Robert J.; Brigham, John C.; Beblow, Richard V.; Whittock, Mark; Davis, Nick

Authors

Dale T. Clifford

Robert J. Zupan

John C. Brigham

Richard V. Beblow

Mark Whittock

Nick Davis

Abstract

This project addresses the challenges of designing adaptive façade systems with ‘dynamic’ or ‘smart’ materials. Presented are a series of self-shading building tiles that apply the attributes of a class of polymers with shape memory characteristics. The smart material, adaptive, and reconfigurable tiles (SMART Tiles) are designed to wrinkle and reposition themselves in response to incoming solar radiation to shade building surfaces and lower thermal transmission. The workflow and design process of constructing physical models are discussed, including casting, shape programming, and tile prototyping. Stepping into the emergent field of building self-regulation with programmable matter, this project is part of the shift towards a built environment that adapts to subtle environmental fluctuations of temperature, light, humidity, and pressure via material properties. Equally important to the team is that the dynamic aspects of the SMART Tiles appeal to the imagination and viscerally (re)connect a building occupant to the environment.

Citation

Clifford, D. T., Zupan, R. J., Brigham, J. C., Beblow, R. V., Whittock, M., & Davis, N. (2017). Application of the dynamic characteristics of shape-memory polymers to climate adaptive building facades. In 12th Conference of Advanced Building Skins : 2-3 October 2017, Bern, Switzerland ; proceedings (171-178)

Conference Name	12th Conference on Advanced Building Skins.
Conference Location	Bern, Switzerland
Start Date	Oct 2, 2017
End Date	Oct 3, 2017
Acceptance Date	Oct 2, 2017
Publication Date	Oct 2, 2017
Deposit Date	Oct 5, 2017
Publicly Available Date	Oct 11, 2017
Pages	171-178
Book Title	12th Conference of Advanced Building Skins : 2-3 October 2017, Bern, Switzerland ; proceedings.
Publisher URL	https://abs.green/program-2017/