Mimosa Panel is an innovative architectural solution that combines biomimicry, sustainability, and responsive design. Inspired by the movement of the Mimosa pudica plant, commonly known as the “touch-me-not,” the panel features dynamic flaps that autonomously open and close in response to the sun’s movement. This behavior mimics the plant’s natural folding mechanism, creating a visually dynamic facade while optimizing environmental performance.
Equipped with smart sensors and programmable controls, the panel adapts to varying sunlight intensities and angles, maximizing shading during peak hours and enhancing natural cooling. This reduces solar heat gain, improves energy efficiency, and minimizes glare without compromising daylight quality. The panel’s sustainable functionality is complemented by its aesthetic appeal, as the gentle, rhythmic motion of the flaps creates a harmonious interaction between the built environment and nature.
ORIGINAL CONCEPT:
MIMOSA PUDICA (TOUCH-ME-NOT PLANT) :
Mimosa pudica, also known as the “touch-me-not” plant, responds to stimuli like light, touch, and heat by folding its leaves and drooping. This movement is controlled by pulvini, joint-like structures at the base of the leaves, made up of extensor and flexor cells that regulate leaf motion.
During the day, the leaves remain open, but at night or when stimulated, they fold and droop. This mechanism helps the plant protect itself and conserve energy.
Inspired by this natural movement, we used Grasshopper to design a kinetic facade that responds to environmental stimuli such as light, touch, and climate. This adaptive design allows the building to interact with its surroundings dynamically.
DESIGN PROCESS:
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS:
Our facade system consists of three layers:
- 1. The innermost layer is glass, covering the entire facade.
- 2. The second layer is a frame structure that supports the glass.
- 3. The outermost layer features foldable panels with light-sensitive movement, functioning as a shading system.
- These panels are designed to mimic the Mimosa pudica plant’s responses to light and environmental conditions, dynamically adapting to their surroundings
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