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Introduction and Theory |Emergence of Interactive and Dynamic Architecture

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Introduction and Theory |Emergence of Interactive and Dynamic Architecture

improvements, from standard functional elements such as elevators and automatic doors, to more complicated constructed elements such as the solar responsive façades of the Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi,[8] the shading umbrellas in Medina,[9] and the operable roof of the Rogers Centre in Toronto.[10] (Fig. 1.1.18 - 20) These examples are all valid ways of embedding technology within architecture and could very well be only the beginning of what will be possible in the near future. If technology continues to follow the trend observed by Moore’s Law, this current level of coded infrastructure will seem minuscule to what’s to come.

Even now, prefabricated Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions such as Sonoff smart controllers,[11] Raspberry Pi computers,[12] and Arduino micro-controllers[13] are becoming increasingly accessible to the general public. This is facilitated not only by the reduction in cost of micro-controllers but also the increasing accessibility to information as a result of more people having access to high speed Internet. The world is becoming increasingly connected, and as a result of this connection, these various electronic and digital components will gain the ability to communicate with one another. The Internet of Things refers to an emerging global internet-based information architecture that is slowly developing, allowing the networked interconnection of everyday objects, vehicles, and buildings with embedded intelligence. As defined by the International Telecommunication Union, the Internet of Things is “a global infrastructure for the information society.”[14] This has the potential to transition current infrastructures into smart grids, where the integration of physical and digital systems will allow the automation of everyday tasks and open new forms of digital and physical communication. Privacy concerns aside, this new level of worldwide connectivity will allow higher potential flexibility within architectural design, allowing the possibility of altering both the occupant’s perception of the space, as well as the functionalities of the space. In Fox’s words:

“The influence of technological and economic feasibility within a connected world has resulted in the explosion of current exploration with the foundations of interaction design in architecture. The Internet of Things (IoT) has quite rapidly come to define the technological context of interactive design as all-inclusive, existing within this connectedness in a way that affects essentially everything, from graphics to objects to buildings to cities. […] Interactive are no longer limited to those of people interacting with an object, environment, or

The Al Bahar Towers Facades utilizes motorized folding louvers to control the amount of sunlight that can pass through.

From “Al Bahar Towers Responsive Facade / Aedas,” September 5, 2012, ArchDaily, accessed December 18, 2019, http://www.archdaily.com/270592/al-bahar-towers-responsive-facade-aedas/.

The Roof of the Rogers Center in Toronto opens and closes to provide outdoor or indoor experiences depending on the exterior conditions.

From Laura Armstrong, “Rogers Centre Roof to Be Opened for Blue Jays Game Tonight,” The Star, accessed December 18, 2019, https://www.thestar.com/sports/bluejays/2016/05/27/rogers-centre-roof-to-be-opened-

The Umbrellas in Medina opens and closes to open up the space as well as offer environmental protection depending on the weather and time of day.

From “Umbrellas in the Mosque of the Prophet’s Courtyard and Surrounding Open Spaces,” Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, accessed December 18, 2019, https://alfozanaward.org/mosques/