90°

Description

The interdisciplinary research project ’90°’ explores the functional and aesthetic dimensions of heliotropic architecture with the aim of synergistically and seamlessly integrating solar energy harvesting and shading into urban structures. The vision is to transform buildings from consuming to producing units, in harmony with their environment and ecological imperatives, thus becoming catalysts for sustainable development. The knowledge gained from research, experiments, digital simulations and interdisciplinary exchanges with scientists has resulted in eight designs for self-sufficient PV façade structures that optimise energy yields and cooling loads through solar tracking. The key conceptual component – the adaptronic realisation of heliotropic deformation – makes it possible for the first time to overcome the economic hurdles of adaptive and visually complex architecture, thus fully realising its potential.