KineticSKIN is an adaptive kinetic facade with foldable modules that dynamically respond to environmental and occupant needs, optimizing solar energy use, daylighting, and indoor comfort through adjustable upper and lower wings equipped with interchangeable elements like PV panels or reflective textiles.
Organization
University of Stuttgart, ILEK
Project information
KineticSKIN is a dual-functional Adaptive Kinetic Façade (AKF) designed to adapt to both external environmental conditions and building occupants indoor requirements. The core components of the proposed AKF are foldable bifurcated modules, featuring upper and lower wings. While these wings share common mechanical characteristics, their roles are specialized for intervention in outdoor and indoor environments respectively. Designed as a framework capable of accommodating interchangeable inserts, e.g., PV panels, or high-reflective textiles, the AKF facilitates a wide range of applications. The upper wing primarily contributes to the global energy cycle, particularly in relation to the urban heat island effect and solar energy generation. During the summer, it tracks the sun to reduce solar heat gain and harvest solar energy. In contrast, during the winter, when solar altitudes are lower, the upper wings reorient solar radiation towards indoor ceilings, optimizing interior natural lighting while minimizing glare. Complementing the upper wings, the lower wings are user controlled, allowing occupants to customize indoor lighting levels to meet specific requirements. The overarching target is the generation of a sustainable and user-friendly built environment, especially within high-rise urban contexts.
A first prototype has been integrated in the adaptive highrise D1244 in Stuttgart (Fig. 1-3) and the second one will be exposed until mid of March at the MAXXI in Rome (Fig .4-5) and can be later transferred to Utrecht.