Sustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems...In these systems, computer systems will...

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Transportable Environments Sustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems Michael A. Fox Kinetic Design Group Massachustts Institute of Technolgy, Department of Architecture 77 Massachustts Avenue, Room 10-491M, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA Tel. +1 617 252 1866 Fax. +1 617 253 9407 [email protected] http://kdg.mit.edu

Transcript of Sustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems...In these systems, computer systems will...

Page 1: Sustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems...In these systems, computer systems will interpret functional circumstances and direct the motor-controlled movements to change

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

TransportableEnvironments

Sustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems

Michael A. FoxKinetic Design Group

Massachustts Institute of Technolgy, Department of Architecture77 Massachustts Avenue, Room 10-491M, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Tel. +1 617 252 1866 Fax. +1 617 253 9407 [email protected]://kdg.mit.edu

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

I N T R O D U C T I O N

This paper focuses on applications of intelligentresponsive kinetic systems for extending currenttechniques and technologies used to accomplishsustainable design in architecture. Sustainable solutionsusing kinetic and transportable systems in architectureare explored for their inherent advantages in respondingto changing environmental conditions. We demonstratethe means by which issues of energy efficiency andenvironmental quality of buildings could be technologi-cally enhanced to be more efficient, affordable, and reacha broader audience of users. We define kinetic architec-ture as buildings and building components with variablemobility, location and/or geometry. Intelligent kineticsystems arise to address such variations under theisomorphic convergence of three headings: structuralengineering, embedded computation and adaptablearchitecture. In these systems, computer systemsinterpret functional circumstances and direct the motor-controlled movements to change responsively andadaptively to better suit changing needs. This paperspecifically identifies sustainable strategies integratingadaptability both in terms of physical transformationsand in terms of computer control mechanisms used tooptimize user needs. Generally, such applications impactland-use, building design and construction, with a directinfluence upon reduced energy costs. More far-reachingconsequences extend to the protection of ecosystemsand the general health of building occupants. Numerousfull-scale kinetic solutions in architecture have beenimplemented with a specific focus on sustainability, butthey are typically passive, low-tech, and do not take ofadvantage of simple technology that could potentiallyoptimize their performance. Generally, such environmentsare aimed at enhancing everyday activities. The objec-tives of this research are aimed at merging such embed-ded computational subsystems with kinetic design inarchitecture. We expose unique and wholly unexploredapplications for such systems beyond what has previ-ously been developed with a special consideration toissues of sustainability in architectural built form.Further, with a focus on the environmental benefits ofsuch systems, as opposed to the user benefits, it ispossible to examine applications with an unbiased targetclientele.

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

The topic of sustainability is inclusive of many factorsand defines a holistic approach to responsible buildingconstruction and use. The intent of this paper is to buildupon existing strategies rather than to define a newdefinitive approach. Sustainable strategies that increasethe resource efficiency of the operation of buildings arean increasingly important way in which high-leveltechnologies may play a role in responsible architecture.Further, It is necessary that technology and designissues be treated equally within the evolution of thearchitectural design process. As form and materialconfiguration have traditionally been the focus of designinvestigations as a catalyst for architectural invention,the implementation and integration of computationaldevices within architectural components as an environ-mental moderating system poses a new level of develop-mental opportunities. With the current increase in thecomputational power of extremely small devices and theability to embed, deploy and interconnect these elements,the possibilities for a large range of architectural elementshas become a sensible and practical reality. The paperidentifies a critical need to focus such novel technologiestowards an important architectural responsibility; namelysustainable strategies in buildings. In addition, thesetechnologies, as applied to the definition of variablemicro-environments that suit the particular needs ofindividual users, are an important way in which acombination of computational devices and innovativematerials may provide for a wide range of environmentalconditions. The approach defines a need for thedevelopment of creative forms and technologicalinnovations to serve as moderating adaptive controlmechanisms for the improvement and satisfaction ofbasic human needs

Intelligent Kinetic Systems

Intelligent kinetic systems are architectural spaces andobjects that can physically re-configure themselves tomeet changing needs. In these systems, computersystems will interpret functional circumstances and directthe motor-controlled movements to change responsivelyand adaptively to optimize usage needs. Intelligentkinetic systems arise from the isomorphic convergence ofthree key elements: structural engineering, embeddedcomputation and adaptable architecture.

Structural EngineeringConcerns in structural enginering are focused uponextending the possibilities of kinetic design. Weaddress kinetic function as a technological designstrategy for building types that are efficient in form,lightweight, and inherently flexible with respect tovarious contexts and a diversity of purposes. Facilitat-ing adaptability, transportability, deployability,connectability and producability, they are ideallysuited to accommodate and respond to changingneeds. Kinetic systems are classified into three mainareas of research interest: Embedded, Deployable, andDynamic kinetic structures.

Embedded Computation

This area addresses sensor technology as a computa-tional control mechanism to accommodate and respondto changing needs. Systems will specifically be utilizedto interpret functional circumstances and direct motor-controlled movements to change adaptively to bettersuit changing human needs. Many research areas inthis field have achieved sufficient maturity to act asindependent subsystems that can be beneficiallyincorporated into kinetic design. Our motivation lies issensor technology as a means to actively controllingkinetic objects in the built environment in response tochange.

Adaptable Architecture

An adaptable space flexibly responds to the require-ments of any human activity from habitation, leisure,education, medicine, commerce and industry. Adapt-ability may range from multi-use interior re-organizationto complete structure transformability to difficult siteand programmatic response. Robert Kronenberg aptlystates how buildings that use fewer resources and thatadapt efficiently to complex site and programmaticrequirements are particularly relevant to an industryincreasingly aware of its environmental responsibili-ties.

Kinetic TypologiesKinetic systems are classified into three generalcategorical areas of research interest: Embedded,Deployable, and Dynamic kinetic structures.

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

Embedded Kinetic Structures

Embedded Kinetic structures are systems that existwithin a larger architectural whole in a fixed location. Theprimary function is to control the larger architecturalsystem or building, in response to changing factors. .

Deployable Kinetic StructuresDeployable Kinetic structures typically exist in atemporary location and are easily transportable. Suchsystems possess the inherent capability to be con-structed and deconstructed in reverse.

Dynamic Kinetic Structures

Dynamic kinetic structures also exist within a largerarchitectural whole but act independently with respect tocontrol of the larger context. Such can be subcategorizedas Mobile, Transformable and Incremental kineticsystems

Fig. 01: Diagram of Kinetic Typologies in Architecture

Living Pattern Trends

Developments in the fields of information and communi-cation technologies could potentially have profoundimpacts on urban form. As more and more workerstelecommute through the use of interactive communica-tion via a multimedia environment, regular urban buildinguse becomes sporadic, fostering new patterns with wideranging impacts on urban form and ways of living.Kinetic systems with embedded intelligence couldpotentially expose new programs and forms as thistechnology is incorporated into our everyday lives.Possible applications will arise relative to such rapidlychanging patterns of human interaction with the builtenvironment. New architectural typologies are emergingand evolving within today�s technologically developingsociety. These new programs may present practicalarchitectural situations where intelligently responsivekinetic solutions can be considered for their ability to

foster novel applications. An example may be that only25 workers use an office space on any particularworkday that was designed to accommodate 40employees. Could the physical space be optimized bykinetic means to utilize only what physical resourcesare necessary at any given time.

Physical Adaptability and Material Reduction

Sustainable strategies should integrate adaptabilityboth in terms of physical transformations and in termsof computer control mechanisms used to optimizeresources to dynamically suit user needs. When welook at the higher levels of computer controlledbehaviors an interesting phenomenon can be observedwith respect to actual physical built form with respectto kinetic structures. What we are describing is astructure as a mechanistic machine that is controlled bya separate non-mechanistic machine: the computer.Guy Nordenson describes the phenomenon as creatinga building like a body: A system of bones and musclesand tendons and a brain that knows how to respond.In a building such as a skyscraper where the majority ofthe structural material is there to control the buildingduring windstorms, a great deal of the structure wouldbe rendered unnecessary under an intelligent statickinetic system. In other systems as well, much of thestructure will be reduced through the ability of asingular system to facilitate multi-uses via transforma-tive adaptability. Buckminster fuller who coined it�Ephemeralization� first illustrated this concept ofmaterial reduction.

Adaptive Control

Adaptive control is computer-controlled automationwhereby the system actually programs itself throughobserving the user needs and changing environmentalconditions. Such systems have proven to learn in justthree or four actual user settings what are the lowestacceptable energy settings. Numerous precedentalready exists in the area of �Home Automation� whereadaptive control has demonstrated to yield economicbenefits under realistic operating conditions. Timedprograms can be scheduled to perform certain actions

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

at regular times on selected days of the week, such asswitch the heating or air conditioning on and off,control your thermostat or operate the garden sprin-klers. Integrating temperature detectors or thermostats,a system can respond to various environmentalconditions. On cold days the heating could switch onpreventing water pipes in the loft or garage fromfreezing and on hot days and motorized windows couldopen. Using motion detectors within rooms, it can befurther be ensured that the lights will switch off oncethe room has become unoccupied. This can be madedependent upon whether the system is set or not sothat the heating will only override when you are awayand the windows will only open when you are at home.The interest of this paper rests on how such systemscan be both extended and optimized with the integra-tion of kinetic function. Simple applications such asclosing dampers and doors in rooms that aren�toccupied, or opening windows for optimized thermalconditions can potentially extend the precedent areasof �home automation�. With a fully integrated system,the windows and thermostat understand each other�sactions and operate co-operatively to optimize condi-tions.

Control Mechanisms in Intelligent Environments

Central to issues of design and construction tech-niques, kinetic operability and maintenance, as well asissues of human and environmental interaction is themeans of controlling kinetic motion in architecture.Precedent will be classified into six general categoriesof controlled motion. We outline below six generaltypes:

Internal Control

Systems in this category contain an internal controlwith respect to inherent constructional rotational andsliding constraints inherent. In this category fallsarchitecture that is deployable and transportable. Suchsystems posses the potential for mechanical movementin a construction sense, yet they do not have anydirect control device or mechanism.

Direct Control

In this category, movement is actuated directly by anyone of numerous energy sources including electricalmotors, human energy or biomechanical change inresponse to environmental conditions.

In-Direct Control

In such systems, movement is actuated indirectly via asensor feedback system. The basic system for controlbegins with an outside input to a sensor. The sensormust then relay a message to a control device. Thecontrol device relays an on/off operating instruction toan energy source for the actuation of movement. Wedefine In-direct control here as a singular self-controlledresponse to a singular stimulus.

Responsive In-Direct Control

The basic system of operation is the same as in In-DirectControl systems, however the control device may makedecisions based on input form numerous sensors andmake an optimized decision to send to the energy sourcefor the actuation of movement for a singular object.

Ubiquitous Responsive In-Direct Control

Movement in this level is the result of many autonomoussensor/motor (actuator) pairs acting together as anetworked whole. The control system necessitates a�feedback� control algorithm that is predictive and auto-adaptive

Heuristic Responsive In-Direct Control

Movement in this Level builds upon either singularlyresponsive or ubiquitously responsive self-adjustingmovement. Such systems integrate a heuristic orlearning capacity into the control mechanism. Thesystems learn through successful experiential adaptationto optimize a system in an environment in response tochange.

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

Application Example: Responsive Skylights

A design project entitled Responsive Skylights is exploited for the simplified prototypical attributes it displays relative tokinetic function, human interaction, adaptive control and realistic operating conditions. The project is a specific applica-tion scenario that actually affects the nature of the architectural construct. The intent is to provide an example for bothfurther speculations in the area as well as real world applications. Specifically, the design project is a networked system ofindividually responsive skylights that function together to optimize thermal and day lighting conditions. Primary designconsiderations are to utilize natural daylight in the space, to take advantage of natural ventilation and ultimately to reduceenergy costs.

Deployable Teleconferencing Station. A project sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture for the Lion-Bienale.

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(4)

Photovolactic Cell Paneling

Shading Film & Moisture Barrier(Variable Opacity)

Plexi-Glass Paneling (Ribbed)

Alluminium Framing (4cm)encasing the layers

(1)(3)

(2)

(5) 3/16� Steel Tension Cables

(6) Cast Aluminium Supports

(7) Positional sensor device

(8) Sliding Actuator

(5)(6)

(4)

(7)(8)

(5)

(5)

(4)

(7)(8)

Mechanical Control System

The prototype system contains sixunits. Each unit contains eightindividual panels that slide along fourstraight lines towards the center of thepanel to create an open position. Thesystem maintains structural stabilitythroughout all stages of deploymentof the individual units. One of cornerjoints of a singular unit contains anindividual cable attached to aservomotor that deploys the unit asan individual whole through slidingthat joint towards the center of theunit. Integrated computer control isdone with a system of positionalsensor devices attached to each

Embodied Energy

An assessment of the embodiedenergy costs (rather than just energyconsumption) inclusive of the entireenergy costs for the structure shouldbe considered. Such an assessmentmust be taken into account for theentire life of the structure, includingraw material processing, manufactureassembly, structure life-span andenergy consumption. Where theinitial costs of fabrication andinstallation may be higher for anintelligent kinetic system, it is impor-tant to understand the long termbenefits of such a system in an

Construction System

Each panel consists of photovoltaiccell paneling under which lies a layerof shading film/moisture barrier ofvariable self-adjusting opacity. Thisskin is affixed to a ribbed Plexiglaspanel affixed to a structural aluminumframe.

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

Heuristic Responsive In-Direct Control

Sensor

EnvironmentalInput

AdaptiveControlProgram

Actuator KineticObjectActuator

Sensor

EnvironmentalInput

KineticObject

Embedded Computation

The systems learn through successfulexperiential adaptation to optimize asystem in an environment in responseto change. Optimum thermal andnatural day lighting conditions can beachieved through the algorithmicbalance between the individualdeployment of the panel units and theindividual opacity variances. As auser adjusts an individual Unit, forinstance to provide shading, thesystem learns through observation toautomate such needs. We believe thatadaptive control of the kinetic motionwill yield economic benefits undersuch realistic operating conditions.

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Michael A. Fox - �Intelligent Kinetic Structures�

MIT Kinetic Design Group: Michael A FoxSustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems: Responsive Skylights

Conclusion

The intent of this paper is to build upon existingstrategies rather than to define a new definitiveapproach. The concept defined demonstrates a waysof increasing the resource efficiency of the operationof buildings by integrating high-level technologiesinto the physical built form to control the kineticfunction. We hope that the ideas developed here willstimulate a further interest in the integration ofcomputational devices within architectural compo-nents as an environmental moderating system. Thepaper identifies a critical need to focus such noveltechnologies towards an important architecturalresponsibility; namely sustainable strategies inbuildings. We hope that the project outlined here willserve as an example for how the combination ofcomputational devices and innovative materials mayprovide for a wide range of automated and efficientenvironmental conditions. The approach defines aneeded means by which issues of energy efficiencyand the environmental quality of buildings could betechnologically enhanced to be more efficient,affordable, and reach a broader audience of users.

References

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adaptive. IEEE Intelligent Systems and their Applications,14(2), 11-13.Mozer, M. C. 1998, The neural network house: Anenvironment that adapts to its inhabitants. In M. Coen(Ed.), Proceedings of the American Association forArtificial Intelligence Spring Symposium on IntelligentEnvironments (pp. 110-114). Menlo, Park, CA: AAAIPress.Robinson J., Tinker J.: 1995, �Reconciling Ecological,Economic, and Social Imperatives: Towards an AnalyticalFramework�. Presented to IDRC Workshop on IntegratingEnvironmental, Social and Economic Policies. December4-5, Singapore.Yeh, B.: 1996, Kinetic Wall, Thesis M.S., MassachusettsInstitute of Technology, Cambridge, MAZuk, W. and Clark, Roger, H.: 1970, Kinetic Architecture.Van Nostrand Reinhold, New YorkZuk, W.: 1995, New Technologies: New Architec