Kinetic Origami Facade

We envisioned a facade that transformed in response to sunlight, much like a living organism adapting to its environment. To achieve this, we delved into the realms of kinetic art and origami, drawing inspiration from the elegant folds and movements found in these forms. By merging these two disciplines, we sought to create a responsive skin for buildings that could adjust its configuration based on environmental conditions. Our initial prototype featured three panels radiating from a central base, reminiscent of tree branches. These panels, designed as kinetic sculptures, were equipped with custom mechanism gears at their tips. Made from paper, the panels allowed us to explore the intricacies of folding and movement. Each panel was connected to a gear mechanism with sticks that expanded and contracted as the gears turned. At the heart of our system was an ultrasonic sensor placed at the base, capable of measuring the distance of a hand from itself. This sensor communicated with an Arduino board, which controlled a servo motor attached to the main gears. As a hand approached, the panels would gracefully open, and as it moved away, they would close, mimicking the behavior of a touch-me-not plant. This initial setup used distance as a trigger, but for the final model, we planned to use light sensors to adjust the panels based on sunlight intensity. Our core mechanism began with a servo motor, which drove a gear attached to its end. This gear moved a spine back and forth. At the spine's end, a cylindrical gear converted this linear motion into rotational movement for four smaller gears. These smaller gears, each with sticks attached to their shafts, rotated between 0 and 180 degrees to open and close the origami panels. Our project was not merely an exploration of technology and architecture but a testament to the creative potential of blending art with engineering. By integrating kinetic art and origami principles, we developed a responsive, interactive building facade that could adapt to both its environment and human presence. This innovative approach marked a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable and intelligent architectural design, setting a new standard for the future of urban environments. 3D-Printed Fabric : While paper served as an ideal medium for understanding the folding mechanisms, we sought a more durable material for the final design. We envisioned using fabric for its flexibility, combined with the rigidity of 3D-printed elements to maintain structural integrity. This hybrid approach allowed the fabric to fold smoothly while providing the necessary support for the panels.