This research investigates the potential of porous and cellular systems within an architectural context. The current application of such systems within architecture is limited to the abstraction of basic structure and aesthetics; often overlooking their efficient structural capabilities and passive performative qualities. The aim is to assimilate these qualities into a single architectural faÁade system which responds to given programmatic and environmental conditions. Conventional faÁades consist of several separate sub-systems, contradictory to how nature integrates material, form and structure. The ambition is to achieve a material efficient system with spatial and structural properties. The digital fabrication of this system considers additive manufacturing, allowing for material efficient production of double-curved geometries within a differentiated component based system. The question becomes which properties of cellular systems are appropriate at each of these levels and which degree of scaling is possible without compromising the effectiveness.
Kais al-Rawi, Marie Boltenstern, Julia Koerner
