Cornell University
Library
Cornell UniversityLibrary

eCommons

Help
Log In(current)
  1. Home
  2. Cornell University Graduate School
  3. Cornell Theses and Dissertations
  4. ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE: BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURAL SURFACE BASED ON HYGROSCOPIC ENABLING RESPONSIVENESS

ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE: BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURAL SURFACE BASED ON HYGROSCOPIC ENABLING RESPONSIVENESS

File(s)
Xu_cornell_0058O_11784.pdf (9.99 MB)
Final_Thesis_book_Video_Fanghong_Xu.mp4 (99.72 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://doi.org/10.7298/2m4t-9613
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/113966
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Xu, Fanghong
Abstract

This thesis explores a new climate-responsive building model that utilizes the inherent responsiveness of hygroscopic materials and the instability associated with moisture content to construct a bionic adaptive building skin. The skin expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity in the weather, resulting in dynamic and responsive building elements. Climate response in architectural elements is generally considered a technical function achieved by mechanical and electronic sensing, driving, and regulating devices. However, the facade system requires neither additional mechanical nor electronic control nor an external energy supply to adapt to the precise perception of environmental fluctuations. In contrast to this overlaying of high-tech equipment on otherwise inert materials, the thesis uses a bionic design strategy: the hygroscopic behavior of spruce cones moves their scales in response to a humidity gradient. Therefore, the physical programming calculation and simulation of maple wood veneer material were carried out to express the plant behavior to realize the active mitigation of the influence of climate conditions on the indoor environment of the building and timely response to the temperature and humidity changes of the external climate conditions. Overall, the thesis proposes an innovative approach to adaptive architecture that combines bionics and hygroscopic design principles to create responsive and dynamic building surfaces to increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and create more comfortable and sustainable living spaces.

Description
Supplemental file(s) description: Experimental video.
Date Issued
2023-05
Keywords
bionic surface design
•
climate-responsive building skins
•
hygroscopic actuation
•
maple wood veneer
•
responsive architecture
Committee Chair
Sabin, Jenny
Committee Member
Wiesner, Ulrich
Degree Discipline
Architecture
Degree Name
M.S., Architecture
Degree Level
Master of Science
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Rights URI
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Type
dissertation or thesis
Link(s) to Catalog Record
https://newcatalog.library.cornell.edu/catalog/16176575

Site Statistics | Help

About eCommons | Policies | Terms of use | Contact Us

copyright © 2002-2026 Cornell University Library | Privacy | Web Accessibility Assistance