For this week’s assignment, I plan to design and build a kinetic façade prototype. A kinetic façade is a building envelope that can move or adapt in response to environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, or user needs. My choice is directly connected to my long-term academic and professional goals: my graduation project will also focus on kinetic façades, and I want to use this opportunity to practice at a smaller, experimental scale.

I care about this idea because kinetic façades combine architecture, sustainability, and engineering innovation. They can reduce energy consumption by controlling daylight and ventilation, while also adding an expressive, dynamic identity to a building. Working on this prototype will allow me to explore the mechanics of movement, material choices, and control strategies before applying them in a larger, more complex design.

My inspiration comes from innovative precedents such as the Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi, which feature a responsive mashrabiya system, and Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris by Jean Nouvel, where camera-lens-like diaphragms regulate light. These examples show how cultural identity and modern technology can merge beautifully in a kinetic façade.

By experimenting with a small-scale kinetic façade, I hope to sharpen my design and technical thinking, gain hands-on experience with movement mechanisms, and prepare myself for the challenges of developing a full-scale project for my graduation.

Simulation:

• TinkerCAD

Implementation:

• Electronic kit

Step 1:

Watch Youtube videos for inspiration

Step 2:

Prepare the circuit simulation. Use LDR as input and Servo as output.

Step3:

Write a code. The code check sensors reading via IF CONDITIONS. If the sensor reads High, the servo rotates . And if low it goes to the original position.

Step 4:

Implement the circuit on the bread board

Step 5:

Prepare the cardboards, straws and sticks

I believe that this week was the most important week for me as I built A project similar to the graduation project. I know now the obstacles that i might see in the process, and that is good instead of getting surprised on the graduation project week.

My favorite skill i earned this week is coding. I am now interested in C++ program. It is also worth mentioning that i am proud that I understand Arduino better.

There is always a way. I was so worried that I might not have finished the project on time. Yet with a simple trick of using the alligator clips. The issues were solved.