Bio-inspired Kinematics for Adaptive Shading Systems on Free Form Facades

Shading free form building enclosures is very difficult since most sun protections were developed for planar punctuated façades. Their mechanics cannot easily be transferred to irregular geometries. Searching for less constraint systems, the authors found inspiration in the elastic kinematics of plant movements. Instead of connecting rigid elements with strained hinges, plant structures gain their flexibility by differentiating morphological and anatomical features to create an all-in-one pliable system. Exemplified on two role models, the authors will clarify the plants’ alternative mechanical concept in which structural failure is not avoided but functionalized within large and reversible deformation. While the pollination mechanism of Strelitzia reginae inspired the Flectofin® façade, it was Aldrovanda vesiculosa’s trapping mechanism that rose the question if curved-line folding kinematics can be scaled, distorted, and applied as adaptive components on free form geometries.