ReSkin – IAAC BLOG

Team member(s): Vasista Monavarthy
Modified by Vasista Monavarthy on January 12, 2025

Context

EU generates 25-30% of all waste from construction and demolition (C&D) activities, much of which remains underutilized or sent to landfills

Context

while global temperatures are rising towards +4°c, building facades are a main contributor to the urban heat island effect within cities. BY 2050 about 70 % of the world’s population will live in cities. The building sector globally consumes a significant amount of energy for heating and cooling. In fact, about half of the global cooling load is due to solar gains, which means that buildings need a lot of energy to stay cool during hot weather.

State of Art

Centre Active bricks, Technical University of Munich

The project looked into possibilities for improving the local microclimate in urban areas by creating self-shaded building facades with reduced solar exposure. we investigated whether we could apply digital design and robotic fabrication technology to improve the exterior facades of buildings directly.

The project aimed at integrating the potentials of computational design, climate simulation and robotic fabrication with the activation of climate-active properties of bricks in building envelopes. A prototype of this concept was produced together with students at 1:1 scale at the Kreativ Quartier in Munich.We explored whether the creation of customized site-specific self-shading effects in the external facades of buildings can reduce solar exposure and thus decrease the storing and radiation of heat to improve the ambient climate in urban areas.

Reference for Scanning

The Usage of TLS and PHOTOGRAMMETRY during the restoration ‘og” Spanish Monument

Photogrammetry is employed to collect and represent data visually. This method is particularly useful for documenting the geometry and construction systems of the building, especially in areas that are difficult to access, such as extrados of the vaults. Assessing built heritage due to their ability to handle complex and irregular architectural forms.

Scaling up Reference

Research Question

How can repurposing construction waste, combined with robotic sensing and fabrication, address solar radiation impacts to create parametric, functional facades ?

Methodology

Site Selection Process

Data Collection

After selecting the site, I took detailed photos and conducted a photogrammetry scan to create an accurate 3D model. This process helped in understanding the site’s geometry and conditions, enabling informed decisions for designing parametric functional facades using construction waste.

Data Processing

Solar Radiation Impact on site

The site’s intense solar impact necessitates a second skin to mitigate heat, enhance thermal comfort, and reduce energy consumption. This layer provides shading, promotes sustainability, and supports a more comfortable urban environment by addressing excessive solar exposure

First, test with louvers as they require less material. If ineffective, consider a wall as the second skin alternative.

Solar Optimization simulations

Using Louvres as Parameter with Control points

The gene pool graph in the image shows fluctuating values across iterations, indicating dynamic adjustments in optimization parameters. It reflects the algorithm’s exploration of design variables, converging towards the optimal solar radiation value of 1.4159×1061.4159 \times 10^61.4159×10

Using Louvres as Parameter with Rotation

Using Louvers as Parameter with Control points and Rotation

The gene pool graphs in the showed images display fluctuating values across iterations, representing dynamic adjustments in optimization parameters. These fluctuations highlight the algorithm’s active exploration of design variables while progressing toward optimal solutions. Using Galapagos for simulation, the optimization converges on the target value, showcasing its capability to refine and achieve objectives effectively.