The Anatomy and Patterns of Kinetic Facade: an Architecture Appraisal

First principle of kinetic in architecture term is derived as a dynamic, movement and motion of an object affecting on building by physically and functionality without reducing overall structural integrity. My initial finding on the theory of kinetic facade has shown two different on terminology of kinetic in architecture. Referring to a research done by Razaz, Kinetic Architecture lies in creating spaces and objects that can physically re-configure themselves to meet changing needs, whereby an adaptable architecture is formed. (Razaz, Z. J Build Apprais. 2010).

In another perspective on describing kinetic in architecture, according to Kamil Sharaidin, kinetic facades could be easily explain as the ability of building component to response and adapt to the changes of the environmental conditions. (Sharaidin, K., & Salim, F. 2012). Both of the interpretation on describing theory of kinetic in architecture brings a different analogy.

For example, kinetic architecture involving space that have the ability to manipulate (moving or transforming in physical changes) surrounding environment to achieve higher energy efficiency. Mean while, when it comes to kinetic facade, it has only involve on certain portion of building component (wall, louvers, window, door and cladding) located at intermediated interaction between building and environment towards responsive on climatic changes(comfort and aesthetic) impact.

Theoretically, the challenges of designing the physical state of a building’s elements such as the facade lie with the complex interaction of a very large set of physical components (Biloria, 2011). Understanding from the above statement, kinetic facade is something that architecture need to have a major consideration towards the cause and effect on many aspect such as environmental factor, the technicality on structural effecting building envelop, economical interest and also the synergism from all the consideration to achieve an aesthetical value and its function.

Ever since in early 1970s, William Zuk and Roger H.Clark have started to talk on spatial problems that could be possible to be solved by incorporating mechanical system (Zuk & Clark, 1970). As we are now living in the movement era of futuristic architecture design, a strong relationship related to anti-static design have triggered us to be exposed towards a radical building design. The terms of radical design is nothing new as it could be related to a "Postmodernism" or "Neomodernism" in architecture realm. Nowadays, many well know architect especially Foster & Partners(Masdar city), Henning Larsen(University of Southern Denmark, Campus Kolding), Keith Griffiths (Al-Bahr Towers) are using kinetic facade design to be implement and apply on their project.

Based on the statement above by William Zuk and Roger H.Clark, kinetic concept for facade could be interpreted by having an integrated system involving architecture design intention and the capacity of engineers(mechanical) and also the availability from manufacturer to produce and develop a responsive kinetic system(facade) that could solve the spatial problem efficiently.

The discussion on the concept of kinetic facade has shown that most of the facade concept needs to have several capabilities for matters of consideration in early stages of the design. Therefore, kinetic facade could be divided into two systems which consist of either a singular system or integrated system. A mechanical system for motion and movement become a major key element. As example for a static parametric form facade is considered as a kinetic facade as it is affecting the visual effect.

Even though it is not involving a mechanical system that allow it to have a movement and motion effect, as the design calculation and consideration in early stage have been able to give an imposed effect towards human visual experience to make us believe the "building skin" is actually are moving or in a state of motion. The reason is because the buildings are manipulated the visual through the concept of kinesthetic experience that involve human sense. Therefore, as we can understand that, a kinetic could be in two state of action, the first is about the movement and motion, and the other is evolving an unconscious sense from human visual reaction.