Adaptive architectural envelopes as mediators between exterior and interior climatic conditions can actively control the energy exchange of a building with its surrounding. Adaptive structures, allowing for geometrical changes under different loading conditions provide structural efficiency with less material. Past examples of kinetic architectural applications have been mainly utilized by rigid body mechanics to achieve movement. These complex mechanical systems are mostly guided along straight translation or rotation axes – resulting in geometrical constraints, mechanical complexity and high demand of maintenance. In contrast, recent biomimetic research has identified “soft” strategies to achieve mobility by utilizing elastic deformation of fibrous materials. These compliant mechanisms can reduce the mechanical complexity of kinetic elements while providing a wide range of movement principles.
Axel Körner received his MSc. in Emergent Technologies and Design (EMTECH) from the AA School of Architecture in London with distinction. He worked for several architecture practices, as well as a part of a multi-disciplinary team working on carbon fibre material research Since October 2014 he has been research associate at the itke, University of Stuttgart, where teaches in the ITECH Master Program. Since 2016 he is organising workshops with CAA in Tehran and since 2017 he is member of the D.RE.A.M. Academy Faculty in Naples, Italy.