DISSERTATION REPORT – KINETIC

ARCHITECTURE
Background:
Since early ages, architecture has been static. A building is as good as its structure could last.
Although the first former definition for the term Kinetic Architecture was in 1970, there are many
evidence that kinetics has also been historically used in building components; such as opening
shutters and movable bridges since long time ago. By the beginning of the twentieth century many
kinetic attempts in buildings began to appear. Kinetic designs were not only used as means to
regulate sunlight, maximize space or vary the view, but also they were developed to articulate new
artistic, political and philosophical ideas.

Research Problem:
The built environments in India are usually not adaptable to their users changing needs. In addition,
they are not creating environmental solutions that benefit from the natural resources that the Indian
environment is blessed with, such as solar energy and natural ventilation. This research attempts to
understand how kinetic systems can be applied to architectural environments in order to provide
solutions to the pressing needs for sustainability, energy saving and the rising fuel prices.

Research Hypothesis:
Kinetic Architecture could provide a creative and effective solution to environmental problems in
both developed and developing countries.
RESEARCH STRUCTURE
What is Kinetic Architecture?

The term "Kinetic" is an adjective that refers to everything produced by movement. The
term "Architecture" is a noun that refers to the design or style of a building or buildings
(Hornby, 2010).
When combined together, the term "Kinetic Architecture" refers to the design of
buildings that are produced by movement.
It has been stated that, "If a building could mediate our needs and the environment
outside: its demand on physical resources could be slashed. If it could transform to
facilitate multi-uses; its function would be optimized.

Kinetic Trends in Architectural Environments

As a result of all advanced technologies and capabilities available in the present time, the
use of kinetics in architecture can be extended far beyond what has been possible
previously. Progress in the architectural field can be accomplished when addressing
kinetic structures as a part of a whole rather than independently or singularly
Summary

From all definitions mentioned above, the term "Kinetic Architecture" can be
explained as buildings or building parts that act in response to surrounding changes
whether these changes are in/out doors as well as environmental/human.

Although the first formal definition for the term "Kinetic Architecture" was in 1970,
many kinetic solutions that varied from building components to building as whole
existed. The use of kinetics was for different reasons such as protective (bridges),
entertaining (stages and revolving restaurants), medical (sanatorium and solarium),
and residential
Kinetic trends in architectural environments currently address pragmatic or humanistic
conditions or even both, and are divided into four categories:

i. Spatial optimization systems

ii. Multi-function design

iii. Contextual adaptability

iv. Mobility
 KINETIC DESIGN KEY ELEMENTS

To go through intelligent kinetic design in architecture, some general mechanical and

technological principles should be mentioned and explained. These principles are divided
into three general categories which are:

structural innovation ,

materials advancement,

embedded computation,

recently adaptable architecture.

Structural Innovation and Materials Advancement

In developing kinetic systems, dealing with structures should not be independently but rather as a
part of the whole system.

The ways of kinetic structural solutions may include folding, sliding, expanding, and
transforming in both size and shape, among others. While the means of kinetic structural
solutions may include pneumatic, chemical, magnetic, natural or mechanical
means

New materials may include ceramics, polymers and gels, fabrics, metal compounds
and composites, nano materials, and plastics, which can help creating
highly intelligent responsive kinetic systems.

Developing materials technology helped in facilitating creative solutions not only for kinetic
structural systems but also for membrane systems, tensegrity systems, as well as thermal and
acoustic systems.
 KINETIC BUILDINGS' ANALYSIS

In the previous chapter kinetic design key elements are presented from structural innovation
and materials advancement to embedded computation as well as adaptive architecture.

In order to understand the different aspects of kinetic buildings, this chapter will attempt to
analyze and evaluate different kinetic buildings. This evaluation will end up with a
comparative analysis aiming at providing explanations on the different factors affecting the
use of kineticism in buildings in their specific environments

criteria will assist in the analysis of kineticism in the selected buildings and therefore will help in
formulating an understanding of the most suitable techniques and methods that can be used in
the indian environment. The evaluating criteria include the following:

a. Kineticism in the building:

- Kinetic elements.
- Reason for motion.
b. Kinetic design key elements which are presented
by:
Structural system.
- Used materials.
- Embedded computation / control mechanism. -
Adaptive architecture.
c. Building quality:
- Indoor environment quality.
- Building visual quality.

Dynamic Tower
General Information:

a. Completion Year: The tower was originally scheduled to open in 2010.

Although the construction of the tower did not start until now, the
architect insists that the reason is due to delays in land approvals not in
financing and/or technical problems.

b. Architect: The tower is designed by Dynamic Architecture Group.

c. Building Cost: The tower will cost approximately 700 million USD.

Introduction:
David Fisher, the founder and chairman of Dynamic Architecture Group,
thinks that building construction and materials used in the architectural
field didn't develop since over 100 years ago when reinforced concrete
was first used.
With means of construction and materials used in buildings today to achieve good
quality, they result in expensive buildings that are unaffordable by many, slow to
build and difficult to maintain. These buildings also are not capable to stand natural
catastrophes such as earth quakes, hurricanes, typhoons or even strong winds, also
adding errors done by humans such as malfunctioning of plumping, gas or
electrical systems.
 David Fisher searching for a mean to design and construct buildings based on logic and
engineering as well as being much safer, feasible and environment friendly resulted in the
"Dynamic Tower".