Sustainable Applications of Intelligent Kinetic Systems			2001/03/04		: updated
			Michael A. Fox		mafox@mit.edu
Kinetic Design Group
Department of Architecture, Design Technology Room 10-461M
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA 02139, USA			+1 310 577-8383		: telephone
			+1 310 943-2609		: fax
	Abstract. This paper focuses on applications of intelligent responsive kinetic systems for extending current techniques and technologies used to accomplish sustainable design in architecture. Kinetic and transportable systems in architecture have an inherent advantage for sustainable solutions in responding to changing environmental conditions, this paper looks the means by which the issues of energy efficiency and environmental quality of buildings could be technologically enhanced to be more efficient, affordable, and reach a broader audience of users. We define kinetic architecture as buildings and building components with variable mobility, location and/or geometry. Intelligent kinetic systems arise to address such variations under the isomorphic convergence of three headings: structural engineering, embedded computation and adaptable architecture. In these systems, computer systems interpret functional circumstances and direct the motor-controlled movements to change responsively and adaptively to better suit changing needs. This paper specifically identifies sustainable strategies integrating adaptability both in terms of physical transformations and in terms of computer control mechanisms used to optimally user needs. Numerous full-scale kinetic solutions in architecture have been implemented with a specific focus on sustainability, but they are typically passive, low-tech, and do not take of advantage of simple technology that could potentially optimize their performance. Numerous full-scale intelligent environments have already been successfully developed around the world with the goal of seamlessly embedding computation into the built environment. Generally, such environments are aimed at enhancing everyday activities. The primary target clientele are the military, the elderly and the handicapped, typically in that order. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of the work has been highly tectonic and focused on managing human interactions and novel applications of IT. The subject matter has generally been limited to that of the intelligent office and the intelligent house with a few exceptions. The objectives of this research are aimed at merging such embedded computational subsystems with kinetic design in architecture. We expose unique and wholly unexplored applications for such systems beyond what has previously been developed with a special consideration to issues of sustainability in architectural built form. With a focus on the environmental benefits of such systems, as opposed to the user benefits, we are able to examine applications with an unbiased target clientele.
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			English		: Language
			Transportable Environments		: Conference
			Sustainability/Technology		: Category
Keywords. Sustainability,Kinetic Design, Sustainable Design, Robotics, Responsive Architecture.					: Keywords
Conference Proceedings : Book Details TBA					: Publication
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