Kinetic Architecture, Kinetic Architecture in Civil Engineering

Introduction

Kinetic architecture is a design concept that involves creating buildings with components capable of movement while maintaining overall structural integrity. This defines how different elements relate to each other in motion disregarding the forces involved in the process.

The foundational principles of kinematics trace back to ancient times, where early civilizations crafted basic machines and mechanisms. Among the earliest examples were devices such as levers, pulleys, and gears. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries there was an increasing prevalence of kinematic diagrams in representing mechanical systems. This graphical tool became more widely utilized during this period. Innovations in materials, sensors, and control systems continue to shape the future of kinematics.

Components of Kinematic structures:

The buildings capable of moving uses the following components according to need of movements or actions

• Actuators: Devices responsible for initiating movement or changes in the structure.
• Control Systems: Mechanisms that manage and regulate the motion and behaviour of elements.
• Sensors: Instruments that detect changes in the environment or user input to trigger responsive actions.
• Mechanical Systems: The physical mechanisms responsible for the movement and reconfiguration of elements.
• Power Systems: Sources of energy that drive the kinetic features, which can include motors, hydraulics, pneumatics or other energy-efficient technologies.
• Responsive Surfaces: Elements of the structure that react to external stimuli such as temperature, light or sound resulting in dynamic alterations.
• Flexible Materials: Construction materials that allow for flexibility and movement enabling the kinetic features of the architecture.
• Programming and Software: Algorithms and software that govern the behaviour and synchronization of kinetic components.
• Feedback Systems: Mechanisms that receive information from sensors and adjust the elements accordingly maintaining a dynamic equilibrium.

Classification of kinetic structures:

The categorization of control systems for kinetic structures as proposed by Michael Fox encompasses six types:

1. Internal controls
2. Direct control
3. Indirect control
4. Responsive indirect control
5. Ubiquitous responsive indirect control
6. Heuristic, responsive indirect control

Flexibility and adaptability in design

Flexibility and adaptability are critical considerations in the design of kinematic architecture. Flexibility is a key consideration in seismic design and enhances a structure’s ability to dissipate and absorb seismic energy reducing the risk of damage during an earthquake. A design that embraces kinematic flexibility empowers a structure to dynamically respond to changes like wind loads seismic activity and temperature variations without compromising its structural integrity which significantly boosts the resilience of the structure. The incorporation of adjustable components responds to different loading conditions by adapting their positions or orientations and this is crucial in scenarios where load distributions may change over time.

Advantages:

Functional benefits:

• Adaptable responses to elements such as sunlight, temperature or sound contribute to comfort levels for occupants.
• Kinetic buildings can adapt to changing environmental conditions optimizing energy efficiency and creating comfortable indoor spaces.
• The flexibility of moving walls, partitions or floors allows for the dynamic modification of spatial layouts facilitating the creation of multifunctional spaces within a single space.

Aesthetic benefits:

• Kinetic elements create visually striking building that captures attention and stands out to be unique in the area.
• These components can offer architects and designers for innovative and creative design solutions.
• When dynamic lights are integrated into kinetic structures can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal especially during nighttime.

Case study: The Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi

Figure 1: The Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi (Source: https://www.novatr.com/)

This tower is a 150-meter-high twin tower that stands with a honey comb inspired structure from traditional Islamic object the “Mashrabiya” and automated dynamic solar screen that responds to the sun’s movement. Each mashrabiya was designed as an integrated system projecting 2.8 meters from the main structure. The shading device system comprises supporting frames made of stainless-steel dynamic frames constructed from aluminium and infill consisting of fiberglass mesh. These solar screens respond dynamically and automatically to the angle of the sun which improves the control over energy consumption, solar radiation and glare with the ability to allow natural light into the building.

Figure 2: Adaptive facades of The Al Bahr Towers (Source: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/aedas-al-bahar-towers/)

Case study: The Gateshead Millennium Bridge in the UK

Figure 3: The Gateshead Millennium Bridge in the UK (Source: https://www.lusas.com/)

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a special bridge in England that people can walk and bike across. It goes over the River Tyne connecting Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne. The bridge has two steel arches: one holds the pathway for people and the other supports the structure over the river. The walking and biking path is like a flat curve hanging above the river with the help of cables. These cables connect to the arch and the pathway making the bridge stable for people to cross. At each end of the bridge there are glass canopies that operate a system to tilt the bridge. When the bridge tilts it does so as a single solid piece one side goes down the other side goes up making a balance.

Figure 4: Pathway in The Gateshead Millennium Bridge (Source: https://www.fairfields.co.uk/)

Case study: The Hive-Inn Hotel in Hong Kong

Figure 5: The Hive-Inn Hotel (Source: https://allthatsinteresting.com/)

The Hive-Inn Hotel is using repurposed shipping containers which offers the flexibility to insert or remove containers based on the hotel’s requirements. The grid structure of the building permits the seamless insertion and extraction of individual containers without affecting those positioned above or below. Providing unparalleled flexibility and mobility the project envisions potential applications including emergency housing and medical care units. Each shipping container is themed in likeness of renowned international brands each shipping container ranging from Ferrari to Louis Vuitton offers hotel guests a unique opportunity to forge a deeper connection with their preferred trademarks.

Civil Engineering applications:

1.Stadiums and sports arenas like Santiago Bernabeu Stadium uses kinetic retractable roofs to provide controlled exposure to weather conditions during events.

Figure 6: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Spain (Source: https://www.marca.com/)

2.Cultural centres like Institut du Monde Arabe in France has Mahasrabiya inspired adaptive facades that allows filtered light to pass through the steel screens.

Figure 7: Institut du Monde Arabe (Source: https://www.francebleu.fr/)

3.Buildings are using moving walls to make spaces that can change. These walls are controlled by computers and act like artistic room dividers inside the building. By adding these moving walls the whole building becomes dynamic and can change to suit its requirements.

Figure 8: Flynn kinetic wall, Winnipeg. (Source: https://flynncrew.com/)

4.Kinetic components such as retractable or bascule bridges allow for the controlled movement of bridge sections to accommodate maritime traffic.

Figure 9: Merchant Square Ride, London. (Source: https://mymodernmet.com/)

Conclusion

Kinetic architecture holds promise for pushing the boundaries of design, engineering and construction. It not only challenges traditional notions of static structures but also inspires a reimagining of how buildings can interact with their surroundings and occupants. In the years to come the continued exploration and implementation of kinetic principles are likely to shape the future of architecture.

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