“Orb-sessed” is a parametric facade design that invites you to look closer and experience architecture in a new light. The building’s exterior is adorned with protruding orbs that catch and reflect the world around them, creating a constantly shifting visual experience. With a mirror-like finish, these orbs reflect the sky, the streets, and the people passing by, making the facade feel alive and in constant conversation with its environment.

The design plays with the idea of reflection—both literal and metaphorical—encouraging us to think about how we interact with the spaces around us.

CONCEPT

Inspired by the idea of interaction—the way a building can mirror its environment, engage with its surroundings, and transform throughout the day. Creating a facade that felt alive, constantly changing with light, weather, and the people around it. Spheres are a universal shape found throughout nature and geometry, symbolizing wholeness, balance, and dynamism.

REFERENCES

Source: Selfie kinetic facade
Source: Birmingham Bullring

ITERATIONS

PSEUDOCODE

GRASSHOPPER CODE

PARAMETRIC FACADE

The “Orb-sessed” facade system consists of three layers:

  1. Framework: The structural base, providing support and defining the geometry.
  2. Glass Layer: A transparent covering that filters light while enhancing the facade’s reflective qualities.
  3. Spheres: Mirror-finished, protruding orbs that create dynamic reflections and visual interest.

This layered design merges aesthetics with functionality, offering both striking visuals and structural integrity.

GRASSHOPPER ANIMATION CODE

ANIMATION

RENDERS