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.
Micro responsiveness might include smart glazing or phase change materials.
Some dynamic facades also include methods for generating energy, such as solar photovoltaic panels.
Dynamic systems can reduce a building’s reliance on heating, cooling and ventilation systems as well as artificial lighting and energy requirements.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Britain's underground asset register
Getting organised below the surface.
Securing suitable water systems.
Love them or hate them, they are popping up everywhere.
The initiative to enhance the environment continues.
Could underused community spaces offer an alternative to working from home?
Keeping workers and workplaces safe in the United States.
A history lesson in geographic information systems.
A low tech, easy to use method of extinguishing small fires.
How can these valued spaces be reused?
Partnership avoids the need for listed building consent.
Connecting building design from inception to completion to operations.
Gregor Harvie predicts interoperability will be construction’s Uber moment.