Applications of Joint Movement in Smart Façade Envelopes

Abstract The study assumes that the intellectual principles of bio-architecture have a direct influence on the design of movable façade envelopes and that this influence is reflected in the environmental performance of buildings. Accordingly, the research aims to highlight the kinetic behavior of bio-architecture in the movement of adaptive envelopes as a means of improving environmental performance. The study adopts a deductive approach, moving from general concepts and theories of bio-architecture to applied details through the development of an integrated theoretical framework that clarifies the behavior of bio-architecture and intelligence in façade envelope systems. In addition, a quantitative method is employed through the design of a smart envelope model inspired by the analysis of a biological joint, using artificial intelligence based software, and its application to the Baghdad Mall building. Climatic parameters of the building in its existing condition namely air temperature and solar radiation intensity were measured for the month of March, representing the spring equinox, over a 12-hour daytime period. Simulations were conducted using Ladybug, Rhino, and Grasshopper for each floor at two measurement points (peripheral and interior). Subsequently, a kinetic smart envelope was designed using SolidWorks and applied to the building, after which the same climatic parameters were re-evaluated for the corresponding periods. The results indicate a reduction in indoor temperatures and a decrease in solar radiation intensity, confirming the effectiveness of bio-architecture in movable façade envelopes and its role in enhancing environmental performance by achieving thermal comfort for building occupants.