Responsive, dynamic architectural surfaces: From conceptualization to implementation

In this paper, we present a case for the design and implementation of responsive, dynamic architectural surfaces as potential instruments to provide a structural function together with an aesthetic purpose and informative one. Responsive architectural surfaces are those than provide a dynamic structure-that is, it can morph or change in terms of its shape and content displayed on it according to different environment factors. These factors include how many people are around a structure and how they behave with and around it. In addition, environment information such air quality, temperature, noise level, sunlight quantity, and humility can all be captured, transformed, and returned in way the is perceivable by people, with the aim of highlighting different aspects of the information. An end goal, for example, may be to use these systems to raise awareness about a sensitive public issue (e.g., air and sound pollution level in an environment) in a subtle, implicit manner. In this paper, we describe 3 working systems, their purpose and technological features. In addition, we present a system we are currently developing. With these four example systems, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of what responsive, dynamic architectural surfaces can be useful for and their implementation challenges.