Dynamic façade

A dynamic façade, also known as a responsive façade, is a building exterior that can change in response to its surrounding environment to maximise its performance. This can help control the interior environment within the building, and so minimise the energy consumption of building services systems. In this way, the 'skin' of the building is not static, but dynamic and can transform according to requirements.

The responsiveness of the façade can be at the macro scale, which involves changes in its configuration using moving parts, or at the micro scale which involves changes affecting a material’s structure.

Macro responsiveness might include adjustable ventilation or moveable solar shading, used to optimise the amount of solar heat gain and visible light that is admitted into a building, or daylight lighting systems which can help to maximise natural daylight. Such shading systems can also help to reduce heat gains in hotter climates, thus reducing pressure on air conditioning systems, for example as in the Al Bahar Towers which are clad in an origami style moveable cladding system. Described by the architects as featuring "the world’s largest computerised dynamic facade. The design concept is based on the fusion between bio-inspiration, regional architecture, and performance-based technology."

Micro responsiveness might also include smart glazing or phase change materials and some dynamic facades may include methods for generating energy, such as solar photovoltaic panels.

Many dynamic systems can reduce a building’s reliance on heating, cooling and ventilation systems as well as artificial lighting and energy requirements.

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