Architectural muscle: The application of kinetic tensegrity elements on architectural flesh

Abstract

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.