This article is part of BD+C‘s special five-part Technology Report 2014: Top tech tools and trends for AEC professionals.
Imagine a future where construction teams look back at current building methods and wonder how we managed with manual bricklaying, wielding hammers and saws in a world devoid of robots. Striking images of science fiction often bring to mind robotic arms and self-assembling structures, and surprisingly, this future isn’t as far off as we might think.
A contemporary examination of construction technology reveals an impending revolution that will transform how we design, build, and operate our structures. Some of these innovative technologies are already making waves in the industry—think 3D printing, unmanned drones, and robotic construction systems. As these technologies evolve, their potential to change every aspect of the construction process becomes increasingly tangible.
One notable field making strides is the use of automation and robotics in building façades. This segment has seen impressive technological integration, blurring the lines between nature and architecture. Forward-thinking designs, inspired by biomimicry, enable façades to act almost like animal skin, adjusting their tint and ventilation in response to environmental changes. These dynamic façades—often fitted with sensors and actuators that connect to central building automation systems—set the stage for a new era in efficient building design.
When designed thoughtfully, these active façades can significantly improve the regulation of indoor environments, minimizing energy loads for lighting and HVAC systems. Although the advantages are evident, widespread adoption remains a challenge due to the high costs associated with these technologies and their long-term return on investment (ROI) implications.
Façades Get Active
A prime example of these advancements can be found at RMIT University’s Design Hub in Melbourne, Australia, created by Sean Godsell Architects. The building features a double-glazed curtain wall paired with a second outer skin, constructed by the Permasteelisa Group. This outer layer is innovative in its design, composed of thousands of small, disc-shaped solar collectors.
As the sun traverses the sky, more than half of these discs automatically pivot to optimize solar collection while providing essential shading for the building’s interior. Meanwhile, the inner skin of the façade is designed to further mitigate cooling demands, employing air intakes complemented by fine-mist sprinklers that utilize rainwater harvested from the rooftop.
Another groundbreaking commercial venture showcasing automated façades is the PNC Tower in Pittsburgh, conceived by the architectural firm Gensler. Scheduled for completion in 2015, this building is designed to deliver what the team describes as a “breathable structure.” It features sensor-controlled air gates incorporated into the outer skin. These gates work in harmony with a solar chimney and heat sink to facilitate airflow, allowing cool air to enter while warm air escapes from above.
Key stakeholders project that these gates could remain open up to 42% of the time, leading to a remarkable 50% reduction in power loads when compared to the baseline established by ASHRAE 90.1-2007. This advanced approach underscores the potential for automated façades to revolutionize energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
As the construction industry embraces these exciting advancements, it becomes clear that the future of building design is not just about aesthetics but about creating sustainable, intelligent environments. As these technologies continue to develop, they promise to reshape our skylines and redefine what it means to build efficiently.