Dynamic shelter structure

Abstract

Dynamic building envelopes have entered the mainstream practice of architecture in the last decades. Such dynamic systems are capable of changing their geometric configurations repeatedly and reversibly relative to environmental conditions and occupant requirements. Thus they may offer innovative building solutions by folding expanding or curling. This study proposes a dynamic shelter structure that provides several shape options in response to the changing needs. In order to generate the shelter structure first loop assembly method used for developing the structure is introduced. Then a parametric model is built in Grasshopper (R) not only to analyze the geometric properties of the loops and their alternative geometric forms but also to develop a flexible tool allowing changes at topological geometrical and structural levels. Based on the geometric analysis the structural mechanism is constructed. Transformation capability and possible configurations are studied. The proposed structure can transform itself into multiple forms (from planar configuration to S-shaped and reversed S-shaped configurations) with single DOF although the existing single DOF scissor structures can deploy between two geometric shapes.