A Framework for the Design of Kinetic Façades

The particular requirements of kinetic façades are discussed in relation to a general model for future CAAD research - a 3D digital prototype based on (1) the concurrent evaluation of quantitative and qualitative performance over time (2) the calibration of geometry and physics to materiality and mechanics. Concurrent performance in the case of kinetic façades is determined by the dual role as environmental screens and the socio-cultural function as the public face of architecture. From these principles a framework is proposed that informs the conceptualisation of software that will address unique requirements - the design of façades as process systems that perform over a range of time scales