Kinetic Architecture: Concepts, History and Applications

Abstract

Over history, architects tried to convert buildings from a static object to a dynamic system to attain the changing needs of residents. From this concept, they tried to create spaces, building components and buildings that have the ability to take an action from people or the surrounding environment, such as movement, sound, light, wind, heat or humidity. This reaction is achieved by using computation and kinetic systems to achieve adaption with the environment and apply user's needs. This paper provides an overview of kinetic architecture related concepts and definitions. Then, it outlines the history of kinetic architecture. Finally, it presents the kinetic concept applications in architecture and highlights its implementations in environmental design.