2. KINETIC STRUCUTRES
Kinetic structures are defined as buildings and/or building components with variable
mobility, location and/or geometry.
The performance ways of a kinetic structural solution can be FOLDING, SLIDING,
EXPANDING, AND TRANSFORMING in both size and shape.
5. EMBEDDED KINETIC STRUCTURES
Embedded Kinetic Structures are systems that exist within a larger architectural whole in
a fixed location. The primary function is to control the larger architectural system or
building, in response to changing factors.
Example: Quihong Stadium ,China
15. DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURES
A deployable structure is a structure that can change shape to significantly change its
size.
• Deployable structures can expand and/or contract due to their geometrical, material
and mechanical properties.
• They offer great potential for creating truly transforming, dynamic experiences and
environments.
• Their lightness and transportability allow them to adapt to a society that is
constantly evolving and changing.
• These are reusable structures that make efficient use of energy, resources, materials
and space.
• They embrace the concept of sustainability.
Today, not only engineers and architects, but origami scientists, biomimetic
researchers, astrophysicists, mathematicians, biologists, artists and others are
studying, designing and developing applications for an extraordinarily vast range of
deployable structures.
16. As this is still an emerging field, there is no single agreed definition of a deployable
structure. These structures are sometimes referred to as foldable, reconfigurable,
unfurl able, auxetic, extendible or expandable structures; however, they are perhaps
best understood from these descriptions:
Deployable structures are structures capable of large configuration changes in an
autonomous way.
TIBERT, 2002, P1
Such structures may pass from a ‘folded’ to an ‘erect’ state; and in many cases the
component parts are connected throughout topologically but alter their geometry
through the process of deployment. In the process of deployment the initial mobility
is transformed into a final rigidity. But that is by no means the only possible scheme
for structural deployment.
CALLADINE, 2001, P64
By the application of a force at one or more points, it [a deployable structure]
transforms in a fluid and controlled manner. Despite such ease of transformation,
these structures are stable, strong and durable.
HOBERMAN, 2004, P72
22. MARAH
Tyre Nature Reserve Hub
Lightweight wooden deployable structure aims for large
social impact without leaving a mark.
Architecture AUB students from the DI-LAB (Design Impact Laboratory) teamed
up with environmental consultants and with the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
and proposed to seize the attention of the users of the coast (both locals and
visitors) by introducing a structure that acts as a hub for the Tyre Coast
Nature Reserve. This center, located is directly on the beach, highly visible and
public. It will be used as a meeting point, an info point, a presentation
pavilion, an exhibition space, a training center, among other things.
23. The structure aims to examine how the
possible application of lightweight and
temporary systems can have a large social
and programmatic impact while having the
minimum physical impact on site, be it land
or sea. The deployable scissors structure
introduces a modularity and mobility to the
design, which can be repeated in different
endangered sites along the Lebanese coast,
becoming an icon of environmental
awareness.
Project Designed By: DI-Lab, Department of
Architecture and Design, Maroun Semaan Faculty
of Engineering and Architecture American
University of Beirut
Instructors: Karim Najjar (Professor), Omaya
Malaeb, Ahmad Nouraldeen, Mohamad Nazar
Photography: Lorenzo Tugnoli
28. Open - when in use Closed – when not in
use
Allowing free passage
through the waterways
29.
30.
31. USES OF DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURES
Due to their lightweight nature and degree of flexibility, deployable structures are
widely used as temporary structures. They can be installed easily as well as dismantles
and transported to different locations. This makes them the most favorable for
emergency shelters when there is a need of mass-produced modular structures that
can be transported to the site of destruction and setup for fast service.
One of the most basic deployable kinetic structure is a camping tent (even an
umbrella). Apart from architecture, this mechanism is widely used in robotics and the
aeronautics industry. For Space-based constructions it is used for making spacecraft
equipment and mechanisms.
35. DYNAMIC KINETIC STRUCTURES
“Dynamic kinetic structures exist within a larger architectural whole but act
independently with respect of the larger context”
Dynamic systems are the most used among the three. They include small architectural
elements as well as large ones, such as doors, windows, movable partitions, furniture
and ceilings. As they act independently, it is quite common to have dynamic kinetic
system as well. They are becoming increasingly automated and intelligent as a result
of the technological innovation nowadays.
Dynamic kinetic systems are sub-categorised into :-
• MOBILE SYSTEMS - are those that could be physically moved within an architectural
space to different locations.
• TRANSFORMABLE SYSTEMS - are those capable of changing shape to take on a
different spatial configuration and can be used for space-saving or utilitarian
needs.
• INCREMENTAL KINETIC SYSTEMS -are those that can be added to or subtracted from
a building like LEGO pieces.
37. Flare - is a modular system to create a dynamic hull for facades or any building or
wall surface. Acting like a living skin, it allows a building to express, communicate
and interact with its environment. The system consists of a number of tilt-able metal
flake bodies supplemented by individually controllable pneumatic cylinders. Due to
the developed pattern, an infinite array of flakes can be mounted on any building or
wall surface in a modular system of multiplied FLARE units.
One Flare module - consisting of 16 aluminum cast units, which can be inclined
silently with a Festo Pneumatic system - is about 1x1m. By reflecting ambient or
direct sunlight the individual flakes of the system act like pixels formed by natural
light.