Shape Change in Responsive Architectural Structures: Current Reasons & Challenge

Abstract

Shape control within architectural structures is a natural extension to the practice of engineering and architectural design. The knowledge needed for it’s development builds upon two well understood foundations: 1) the long existing knowledge that building performance and function are intimately connected to the shape of built spaces; and 2) the relatively new idea that embedded computational systems may be employed to control devices in useful and beautiful ways. When combined, each type of knowledge can be used to further architecture and engineering at both theoretical and methodological levels. Structural shape control is of major interest within architecture because it is the primary ingredient needed to produce building envelopes that change shape. Structural shape control also currently represents a major technological and methodological stumbling block for architects, posing many challenges that have theoretical and practical origins. Theoretically, responsive architectural structures demand a re-evaluation of existing notions of space making. Practically, these systems demand a re-evaluation of construction and design methodologies across both engineering and architectural practice.