Thermosensitive Screen, Responsive System for Radiation Control, Lighting, and Ventilation

Abstract

The search for innovation is inherent to the human being, as a means of solving problems or promoting improvements in performance and efficiency. This can be achieved through novel discoveries or the reinterpretation of existing processes and materials. We developed a programmable device to be applied in the facade of buildings that modifies its shape passively according to changes in temperature due to the distinct expansion of the two materials combined to create it in response to heat—and therefore, making it programmable. Consequently, the amount of wind and light passing through the device changes responding to external temperature and thereby promotes comfort with a low-cost, energy-free solution. We have chosen to explore bi-materials due to their distinct expansion in response to heat, making it programmable. Being a lightweight and flexible fabric, its entire production line would be industrialized, beginning with the combination of the two materials. Subsequently, such composite would run on rolls with 1.2 m wide, then passed through a cutting printer. These designs could be mass customized. With the fabric roll ready and trimmed, it could be easily transported to the place of installation. The process of heating and its response make the movement of its cutouts attractive and dynamic, deeply connected with the place where it is inserted.