An alternative responsive façade system and interactive outdoor exhibition space with silicone modulation by using soft robotic system which contrary to the conventional mechanical hardware architectural response operated by hard robot

Purpose & Introduction

I would like to explore an alternative responsive façade system and interactive outdoor exhibition space with silicone modulation by using soft robotic system which contrary to the conventional mechanical hardware architectural response operated by hard robot.

WHY Interactive

With nowadays surge of technology development that incorporated tightly in our daily life, “interactivity ” is no doubt an element should consider into contemporary design for human, meanwhile part of “everyday” always means communication. With regards to architecture, I wonder how “interactivity” is expressed with today technology in exhibition spaces where it is an occasion opt for lots of communication.

Exhibition is a platform that filled with massive information. However, the conventional way to shows the data are always two-dimensional and lack of on-site interaction (apart from navigating via internet or grid virtual map). With soft robot system, it will provide an alternative way of in-situ interaction for people to experience the space and human interaction.

Hard Robot VS Soft Robot

Soft Robot allows much more flexibility and potential in low budget architectural project.

Soft robot with two basic components – structure module and functional module but can combine to many different form and functions (see example). Structure module is formed with stiffer silicone membrane and interlocking membrane which join with other structural module to form the structural framework. Functional module can be divided into energy module, opening module and interactive module. Energy module is formed by silicone mixed with thin graphene membrane to form solar cells membrane. Opening and interactive module is embedded with pneumatic networks (PneuNets) of channels in silicone that inflate like balloons for actuation to control the open and close motion responding human and environment.

Fig.1: Chiu On Tung, Softrobotic Modules. HKU_MArch1_B_Membrane Structure, https://issuu.com/monotung/docs/160616_membrane_portfolio_1_mono (accessed November 4. 2016).
Hard Robot has much more limitation with regards to this property. It is composed of actuators and structures (metal rods, mechanical joints, electric motors, gears, pulleys, circuit boards, aluminium and steel), which is fabricated from metals, they are heavy and expensive, not suitable for some delicate applications

Meanwhile, soft Robot is much lower in weight, less in cost, good for low-budget project. It has simple operating way which controlled by PneuNets, that is easy to be maintained by replace the module.  Soft Robot is elastic, providing certain freedom and works as the contraction and dilation of muscle, which make the architectural movement responses in a more organic way.

WHY Silicone

Silicone is the ideal material for soft robotic system with its layering properties and able to be mould on site as well as its constant performance.

Even under extreme weather – from -110C to 315, dry, or humid, silicon has excellent resistance to UV and ozone degradation. With its non toxic property, it can be applied from facade system to interior. Soft Robot will be used for the temporary exhibition space, which has a very short setting up time and dissembling time. Soft Robotic system allows less people to operate it and shorten the setting up time as well

HOW Pneumatic Networks & modulation works

The basic mechanism of each module use embedded PneuNets of channels in elastic silicone that inflate like balloons for actuation. As the distribution of the PneuNets of channels would give different performance to the modules.

So I will study the existing inflatable structure and see how the knowledge could be developed and applied on the inflatable softrobotic structure, which could form an enclosed self-support exhibition space with modules. And I will explore the formation of module with difference function and study the combination of different modules together for different purposes by start making prototype of different modules. By simulating different types of exhibition spaces in the computer, I will apply them to different outdoor exhibition. (for example, burning man festival in US, Art Basal in Hong Kong – outdoor exhibition)

SUMMARY

To conclude, with the stable nature of silicone and various application with soft robotic system, this silicone modulation architectural building and structure has large application area which emancipate the possibility on shape and form in architecture. Besides outdoor use, its friendly operating method also encourages domestic use for interior implementation. Therefore, it is a contemporary design solution has lot implication which worth to explore