Dynamic Bending of Thin Glass to Control Surface Roughness of Building Facades

This paper describes the development of a research prototype for a kinetictransparent facade panel. Previous research has indicated the potential for kineticfacades to modulate airflow around buildings. With the ascent of thin glass and itsapplication as kinetic building component, this project sought to further explore thatpotential with a transparent design. The project was undertaken as a design and makingprocess, where knowledge is created through the collaborative engagement with theprototype. In its final state, the prototype, which used polycarbonate as a placeholder forthin glass, was used to visually assess the qualities of the transparent panel in motion.The project has led to a working mechanical scheme that creates a visually dramaticeffect through distorting reflections. Analysis has shown that airflow can be modulatedusing this scheme, with possible applications for natural ventilation of buildings