Transient Openings

Interactive Facade

This interactive prototype generates movement in a facade in order to create openings for people to pass through.

As a body approaches the mechanism, sensors detect movement through ultrasonic waves controlling motors that rotate to create an opening in the facade. The top and bottom motor rotates in opposite directions to one another, twisting the members to create an opening for a passage.

Facade Interaction

Prototype Model

At full rotation, the threads collect at the horizontal and vertical central and create a more solid partition as compared to near transparency in its neutral position.

Detail of physical model

Interactive space

The final result is a system of modules that collectively create a continuously changing pattern with the movement of people that is fun and interactive.

Transient Openings is a project of IaaC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
developed at Master in Advanced Architecture, in 2019 by:
Students_Robyn Catherine Houghton, Ilaena Napier,
Léa Garguet-Duport, Nareh Khaloian Sarnaghi,
María Andrea Gameros
Faculty_Angel  Munoz, Cristian Rizutti