Hybrid environmental-media facades: rationale and feasibility

It has been demonstrated that kinetic sunscreens linked to intelligent
building systems have the potential to improve the energy performance
of large-scale public and commercial buildings. However, there has been
minimal uptake, primarily due to the capital and maintenance costs. This
study proposes that costs can be offset through adding value by
repurposing the sunscreening system as a low-resolution media screen.
To evaluate the feasibility of this hybrid environmental-media facade
concept, physical prototypes has developed and calibrated to real-time
simulation and control software; and two case studies were undertaken
to assess the physical and economic feasibility. This article introduces
the rationale for a hybrid façade, documents the prototypes and case
studies, and outlines further work on control systems for a truly smart
building façade.