Adaptive bending-active modules for a tensile solar shading system

Adaptive façades can be a solution to many urban aspects such as sustainability and energy efficiency. Along these lines, a parametric analysis has been conducted to investigate the geometrical reconfigurations of the proposed adaptive solar shading system, the daylight performance with Rhinoceros and the plugins Grasshopper and ClimateStudio as well as the structural behaviour with Karamba3D. A skeleton structure synthesized by GFRP bending-active elements and stabilized by a secondary system of cables with variable length and a PTFE tensile skin leads to a lightweight modular structure with embedded actuation. The control system is capable of flexible patterns and multi-stages of open, semi and close configurations for different sun shading effects, depending on the changeable weather conditions and the relative response required in every part of the façade. The mechanism recalls a Class-2 Tensegrity system with springed hinges, where the rigid members and the hinges are substituted by lamellas, which can be bend by controlling the length of the cables. Furthermore, the ever-changing modular structure, especially to the plethora of different configurations, results in an aesthetically pleasing and organic dynamic filter for a tall building. Further research can be carried out about the wind load, how the structure can be naturally wind-resistant, and convective factors triggered by air movements between the façade and the building itself.