Dynamic Materials and Façade Systems

Environmental Control and Information Exchange though the Integration of Display Technologies to Dynamic Building Envelopes

Human health and energy concerns associated with the lack of control of natural light in contemporary buildings have further necessitated research into dynamic windows for energy efficient buildings. Existing dynamic glazing technologies have made progress towards greater energy efficiency for curtain wall systems. However, these technologies are limited in their performative response to bioclimatic and programmatic conditions because of their inability to precisely adjust to the continuously shifting geometries and intensities of the solar resource. Recent developments in emerging display technology may provide opportunities to transfer technology to glazing systems that can achieve high levels of geometric and spectral selectivity through the building membrane in order to meet the lighting, thermal and informational requirements of occupied spaces. The integration of electropolymeric technologies throughout exterior and interior architectural surfaces may provoke new types of social engagement as they significantly improve building performance through the filtering of daylight in a manner consistent with programmatic and energy requirements. This research focuses on the examination of performance requirements through experimental prototyping and testing of electroactive polymers within glazed envelopes, whereby performance is simulated and evaluated according to multiple environmental and social criteria including thermal comfort, daylighting quality, variable privacy and dynamic visual effects.

Project Date: 2016

Researchers: Anna Dyson, Kenton Philips, Bess Krietemeyer, Brandon Andow

Sponsor: NYSERDA