A robotic and kinetic design for interactive architecture

Buildings with interactive systems using less energy, offering more occupant comfort, and featuring better space efficiency, flexibility and smartness has become a compelling challenge in our changing world. This paper introduces a robotic and kinetic design for interactive architecture relating to the design of smart and sustainable living environments. The kernel of interactive architecture is the integration of mechanics, electronics, and computers in a robotic building module that can sense and transform itself in response to change. A prototype of interactive architecture called Eco-Spirit is presented. Key functionalities of the Eco-Spirit system are identified with respect to five components: a mechanical vehicle, a motor system, an environmental awareness system, a photovoltaic solar module, and a control circuit system. Methods and techniques for developing such capabilities are described. Applications for using the Eco-Spirit system in support of interactive architecture are reviewed. The paper closes with a discussion of research issues, challenges, and future research directions.