Development of ReShadS, a climate-responsive shading system: Conception, design, fabrication, and small-scale testing

Abstract

Integrating computational technologies to produce dynamic and intelligent architecture that can enhance building thermal performance and meet users' requirements and routines is broadly classified as responsive architecture. This seems to be a viable solution for façades, reducing energy demand during the building operational phase. However, scientific content regarding responsive components' fabrication, operation, and performance evaluation is not yet consolidated. This paper comprehensively presents the design and fabrication processes of a low-cost responsive shading system prototype, accounting for materials' characterization, software, responsive functionality, and its performance evaluation regarding thermal and illuminance management. The analysis is based on the Adaptive Comfort Model and Useful Daylight Illuminance parameters. Preliminary results indicate the system's feasibility in managing temperature and illuminance within the comfort zone by 58 % and 82 % of data points, respectively. The resulting prototype and the responsive management strategy contribute to the emerging responsive architecture field toward reducing building energy consumption.