Capturing Key Knowledge Exchanges within the Design Process of Transformable Shading Systems

In the field of sustainable architecture, transformability is an important way of actively responding to ambient conditions while also meeting the needs of occupants and addressing issues of building performance. This research contributes knowledge for architects about the potential of kinetics for the shading system to respond effectively to changes in its environment. Within contemporary architecture, there is a growing interest in motion; buildings and their parts are gradually shifting from static to dynamic. However, contemporary activities in architecture are evidence of a lack of a holistic approach to the design of motion in architecture and the design of motion as an alternative mode of design thinking is still in its infancy. Consequently, the existing tradition of static forms being the sole forms taught in architectural studies should be reevaluated as a design strategy.

This research is a step in the direction of better understanding the key knowledge exchanges within the design process of transformable shading systems. It will seek to investigate, explore, and propose how the concept of transformability in designing shading systems can be suggested, depicted, or physically incorporated in building envelopes.

In order to get the full potential of the design process of transformable shading systems, this study presents a design workflow of a specific case, called AURA, that helps to create openings for establishing a proper design methodology of transformable shading systems. While the workflow will be concerned with identifying the key decision nodes, it is anticipated that in-depth development will determine critical parameters addressing transformation itself as a design parameter of transformable shading systems.

Two studio-based courses offered at Virginia Tech and Texas AandM by the author will become a testing ground for evaluating the key decision nodes found in the design process of AURA within the context of architectural programs, bringing forth the opportunity to expand the current domain of transformable shading systems to a broader perspective of architecture pedagogy. In this case, this research is a step towards adding values directly into the content of the curricula, and thus into the field of design education as a whole.'