Dynamic and Responsive Building Envelopes

Advancements in engineering and space technology are increasingly finding application in our buildings. Building envelopes are utilising components of high-technological solutions resulting in better vision, light transmission, energy generation, storage capacity, shading, ventilation and integration with the external environment. This report summarises several technological advancements and suggests forthcoming directions for building envelope design. Attention is drawn to the danger of over-sophistication, at the expense of architecture, attempting to serve technology. A new method for testing integrated building systems and their control is proposed.