This book looks at the potential of interactive architecture; what it is, what it can do for us, and what

is necessary to design them. This book outlines a vision for the future building upon the current promises of interactive architecture. Necessary are the use of advanced computational design tools, kinetic engineering, and embedded computation (including sensor technology and software development) and an ever-unfolding knowledge of new materials. This book will serve as a foundation to make convincing extrapolations based on where we stand today through inclusively appreciating and marshalling the existing facts with respect to current technological development.

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Interactive Architecture

Through numerous examples, the book demonstrates how interactive architecture can serve as a means for inventing entirely new ways intervening in the development of spaces, perceptual and physical and the designing and building of unique and wholly unexplored environments that address dynamic, flexible and constantly changing needs.

The goal of such architecture lies in creating spaces and objects that can physically reconfigure themselves to meet changing needs with respect to changing individual, social and environmental needs and the dynamics of architectural space. Such systems today are inevitably in the very near future. The goals of such pioneering works are where the lasting relevance will be defined. It will be defined as technology unfolds as it is inextricably tied to living trends which they will ultimately and simultaneously both respond to, and define.

We should really ask no longer ask what architecture is, but rather, what can it do.

Michael Fox and Miles Kemp

Introduction

This book looks at the potential of interactive architectural systems; what they are, what they can do for us, and what is necessary for us to design them. Advancement will only be accomplished when such interactive architectural systems are addressed not primarily or singularly, but as an integral component of a larger vision that takes advantage of todays constantly unfolding and far-reaching pervasive technology. This book outlines such a vision into an account of the current promises of interactive architecture. Necessary are the use of advanced computational design tools, kinetic engineering, and emAbove: Sci-arc Interactive Zoo, image from the igloo w/sonar sensors, 2005.

bedded computation (including sensor technology and software development) and an ever-unfolding knowledge of new materials. This book will serve as a foundation to make convincing extrapolations based on where we stand today through inclusively appreciating and marshalling the existing facts with respect to current technological development. Prior to explicitly defining why interactive systems will be useful or even necessary, I will state simply that the motivation lies in creating spaces and objects that can physically re-configure themselves to meet changing needs. Interactive systems arise from the isomorphic convergence of embedded computational infrastructures (intelligence) and the physical mechanisms that satisfy the needs (kinetics) as situated within the contextual framework of human and environmental interaction. As a matter of retaining the scope here, Interactive architecture in the context of this book is concerned with

Above: something installation, looking from the side, 2002.

the tangible and physical. Ironically, development in interactive architecture has grown out of the pioneering developments in digital medial and has been and will continue to be, articulated by specific technical developments in Computer Science. The focus here is how interactive architectural systems can serve as a means for inventing entirely new ways intervening in the development of spaces, perceptual and physical and the designing and building environments that address dynamic, flexible and constantly changing needs.

Left: process image from this particular project in los angeles, 2001?.

The goal lies in creating spaces and objects that can physically reconfigure themselves to meet changing needs with respect to changing individual, social and environmental needs and the dynamics of architectural space.
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Introduction

Interactive systems introduce a new approach to architectural design where objects are conventionally static, use is often singular, and responsive adaptability is typically unexplored. It is difficult to see if such architectural systems are far on the horizon or inevitably in the very near future. To extrapolate the existing into a future vision for architecture is a conundrum residing in the hands of architects directing the future of their profession. Adaptive response to change should intelligently moderate human activity and the environment and build upon the task of enhancing everyday activities by creating architecture that goes beyond enhancing our everyday activities to extending our capabilities. Interactive architectural systems introduce a new approach to architectural design where objects are conventionally static, use is often singular, and responsive adaptability is typically unexplored. Designing such systems is not inventing, but appreciating and marshalling the technology that exists and extrapolating it to suit an architectural vision. To a great extent the success of creating such systems in architecture will be predicated upon the real-world test-bed. The result will be architecture of unique and wholly unexplored applications that address the dynamic, flexible and constantly changing activities of today and tomorrow.
Above: process image from this particular project in los angeles, 2001?.

Architects and users will find that architecture can extend the notion of enhancing our everyday activities by doing things that are impossible or very difficult for us to do. We should really ask not what architecture is, but what can it do.

Right: Sci-arc Interactive Zoo,process image with student and circuitry, 2005.

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interactive Architecture
pg. 107 pg. 116 pg. 122

Adaptability and Experience Trends in Adaptability and Experience Applications for Spatial Optimization Work Environments Living Environments pg. 130 pg. 133 pg. 180 Applications for Energy Efficiency Active Sustainable Solutions Reduced Environmental Impact Environmental Awareness Applications for Enhancing and Extending Activities Mediated Environments Physically Challenged Geriatrics Active Participation Sociological and Psychological Implications Changing Lifestyle Patterns pg. 186 pg. 192 pg. 192 Human Behavior Awareness Awareness Sense of Place Control of space Attachment to Space Healing, Nurturing, and Rehabilitative Aspects Sense of Sound Sense of Smell Co-Existence Conclusion pg. 199 pg. 206 pg. 225 099 105 107 113 119 121 127 133 139 145 147 153 159 165 171 177 179 195 199 205 211 213 221 223 227

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interactive Architecture

The End of Mechanics New Horizons in Materials Modular Reconfigurable Robotics Technology Transfer and Design Artistic Explorations pg. 252 pg. 258 pg. 261 Academic Initiatives Corporate Initiatives Conclusion Pedagogy and Architectural Practice Pedagogy and Architectural Practice The Role of the Architect (designer) The Role of the Client (user) Novel Design Tools and Heuristics Possibilities and Understandings Closing Remarks Index Glossary Works Cited Where to look for materials, books, parts Interesting websites or link to our new website 269 275 281 287 293 231 237 243 249 255 261 265

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