RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE: When Technology meets Architecture. ~ ARCHITECTS BLOG

Responsive Architecture can be said to be an architectural approach that enables architectural design solutions to blend, adapt, and adjust flexibly to weather conditions, environmental factors, cultural condition of time and changes in the needs of the user by using suitable technology

When Architectural solution is needed to be able to

adjust and change in function based on human influence and attribution by the use of technology then responsive architecture becomes the suitable approach.

Responsive Architecture seek to blend responsive technologies (Sensors, Actuators, Control Systems) with Architecture to provide suitable solution that exhibit technological and cultural conditions of time and the environment.

Responsive architecture gives an interactive design solution by incorporating intelligent technologies into the main elements of building’s fabric. It offers the tools and suitable technologies needed to effectively handle all the impossibilities that a designer can face in actualizing intelligent building solutions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE.

The Term responsive architecture was conceived by Nicholas Negroponte during the late 1960’s when spatial design problems were being explored by applying cybernetics to Architecture (Source: Wikipedia)

Responsive Architecture is the form of Architecture that integrates technology so well into the form and functions of designed structures in order to allow such structures to overcome the outstanding challenges posed by its Environment and micro climate

Responsive architecture enables architect to design structures that can learn to adjust to the environmental requests and the changes in the needs of the user through the help of suitable technologies.

Responsive Architecture seek to establish a perfect symbiotic relationship between Technology, Structures, Nature, Humans, Building Materials, building and Environmental forces to produce an Architectural solution that can learn to solve problems on its own.

To design Structures that fully incorporate every principle of Responsive architecture, Architects must learn how to use technology in more creative way to provide design solutions that will not only create shelters alone but also designed in a way so flexible that it can adapt and adjust to its climate, time, environment and the changes in the user’s need for Comfort, Security, Utility. E.t.c.

When you think of how to approach design problem using Responsive Architecture, think of how to create symbiotic relationship between Human, Structures’ form and functions, and the environment by blending suitable technology with architectural solutions. For example, think of Theaters that can dance with the performers, houses that shrink to reduce their surface area and heated volume in the dead of winter and covers themselves in the glare of a summer’s sun, building that floats over water during flood and still maintain its structural integrity, houses that incorporates self defense mechanism against terrorist attacks or armed robbers, office spaces that changes form and function based on the needs of the occupants and skyscrapers that alter their aerodynamic profile to reduce wind loads. E.t.c.

Also, when you think of using Responsive Architecture as an approach in solving design problems, you need to know that it requires high level of Detailing in design, programming, advance use of technology and technical use of flexible building materials.

Click this link to check current examples of Buildings that incorporated Responsive Architecture in their designs.