Background
As a visiting member of UTSOA Peter Bonfig is invited to do research on energy relevant facade issues. The approach is based on his doctoral thesis ‘Possibilities of Functionality of Kinematic Facade-Components made of Regenerable Raw Materials‘ finished in 2007 at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Some aspects were part of an application for a patent at ‘Deutsches Patentamt‘. Further considerations were made in the last years focusing on the potential of linear elements to regulate (solar) radiation and visual links between inside and outside. Using facilities and resources of the School of Architecture (UTSOA) and the Center for Sustainable Development (csd) configurations of linear elements shall be refined in a testing device. The performance shall be explored and verified under real outdoor conditions. For the CSD the use of the ‘Thermal Lab‘ itself is an important aspect of this project to gain experience.
The Potential of Linear Elements
Linear elements such as bars, slats or stripes (opaque, translucent or transparent) in two or more layers can be used to control direct and diffuse solar radiation in different ways. Preferably in a horizontal position movable linear elements have the potential to provide high performance to manipulate radiation and air flow. The elements also affect the visual links between inside and outside. The geometric principle is usable in many variations.
Applications
The characteristics of the principle can be applied to all building envelops independently of the orientation (south or east or west facing). Direct radiation of every position of the sun can be blocked and diffuse light from the sky can pass through for effective natural lighting and sun screening at the same time. Weather resistant solutions are ideal for high rise buildings with a high proportion of glazed areas. The concept could be part of new buildings solutions as well as of building refurbishments to improve the thermal performance of existing buildings.