Solar shading optimization through self-assembling structures

• Grant number: 14/07417-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 23, 2014
• End date: August 07, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Gabriela Caffarena Celani
• Grantee: Filipe Medéia de Campos
• Supervisor: Skylar J.E. Tibbits
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/22221-9 - Study of the optimization of sunlight responsive shelters through parameterization, BP.IC

Abstract

It's known that the use of CAD/CAM changed the way of thinking and producing architecture. As the shape of the buildings evolved, so did the tools for design, simulate, produce and optimize them. This research will explore the use of self-assembly, coded folding and programmable matter technologies in architecture, aiming its usage on solar shading surfaces and structures. Those passive mechanisms allow optimizing the building to reduce the use of air-conditioning and improve the user well-being, by adjusting itself to environmental changes. (AU)