Architectural muscle: The application of kinetic tensegrity elements on architectural flesh
Publicerad
Författare
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Contemporary projects within kinetic architecture are primarily focused on
the facades of the buildings and less so on the buildings’ innards. Similarly
this theme of outward focus penetrates the architectural profession as a
whole leading to theories such as Architectural Flesh (Cruz, 2013) to emerge
as a reaction to this trend.
Therefore, this thesis undertook the task of imbuing the flesh of the structure
with kinetic elements to create a haptic relation between building and body
and promoting a healthier mindset for both. In doing so the continuation of
Architectural Flesh could be developed, Architectural Muscle.
To accomplish this the elements harness the movement of the inhabitants
to aid the building’s ventilation and create movement in the form of a pulse
for the building. This lessens the energy expenditure of the building while
evoking the sense of the building being alive, both which increases the
sustainability of the building. One directly through lowering emissions, the
other through an increased sense of empathy towards the building.
Physical modelling was integral to design a project which relies on several
moving mechanisms to function. The main element, the muscle, was
prototyped in accordance with human anatomy then placed into a platform
mechanism which was repeated along a static spine with supporting
functions. Enveloping this open air structure is a semi-transparent tensile
fabric displaying the inner workings of the structure. Each step of this
process has a prototype assigned to them to ensure their feasibility.
The result is a large structure spanning 140 meters with a width of 45 meters
inhabiting a Body Movement Centre housing 14 exercise halls and with the
capability to hold larger sporting events. The sense of motion is imbued
throughout the building from the outer facade to the inner functions.
Movement that creates an exchange between inhabitants and building
invoking a symbiotic relationship that ensures both’s longevity.
The resulting structure should be thought of as a prototype to be improved
upon and inspired by. It is merely a stepping stone towards the unreal living,
breathing and pulsating architecture that now is a little more real.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Kinetic architecture, architectural flesh, tensile architecture, architectural muscle, body