BLOOM I Adaptive Sunscreen System

The project intends to create a facadesystem which adapts autonomously and without additional energy source to changing environmental conditions.
The concept proposes a unique solution which sets it apart from traditional building facades by an unconventional and self-regulating system. Inspired by the natural differential growing system of tulip petals, a sunscreen-modul was desgined with a similar mode of adaptation. As temperature drops, the outer surfaces of the petals grow rapidly causing the petals to bow. On the other hand, the raise of temperature causes the rapid growth of the inner surfaces of the petals and therefore bowing them outward. Based on this thermosensible phenomen, a mechanism using thermoreactive materials was designed.



The pistil of the flowerlike design consists of a tube which enables a punctual outlook and includes a light dispatching system. This light channeling and light redirecting system allows, for example, the design to enlighten rooms in greater depth. The surrounding petals are made of elastic and translucent tissue. These petals are agitated through shape memory alloys who are embedded into the tissue. These thermoreactive alloys allow the design to function without human interaction and without supplementary energy.



The regular and grid like configuration of the moduls creates a homogeneous elevation, however through the adaptive characteristics of the moduls, the facade becomes alive as soon as there are punctual temperature variations. Even the shadow of a cloud on the facade suffices to modify the expansion of the modul.



Julian Eberhart & David Gautrand I Technische Universität München