A Study of Kinetic Façade Modelling Performance Using Virtual Reality

Kinetic facades are dynamic building surfaces that manage light, ventilation, energy, or information. The programming of Kinetic facades require a vast technical expertise of building systems, materials and computer devices and constant alteration of models to examine till the desire purpose of the kinetic façade is achieved. There heavy dependence alterations to physical scale models to understand the systems performance. This paper focuses on a building a mechanical building skin that adjust to the sun path to harness solar energy while shading the building and considering unpredictable weather changes which is an inspiration from biomimicry architecture concepts derived from how leaves react to sunlight in nature rather the conventional fixed photovoltaic panels. Using rhino grasshopper plugin we design and find geometric forms representing panels that can optimally harness sunlight at different times of the day without disrupting sunlight from accessing the interior space though a radiation analysis that measures kilowatt hours per meter squared (Khpm2). The collection changes in panel elements of the façade in various position, orientation generated from Rhino grasshopper are then compiled into a sequence through unreal engines animation tool that can be triggered to move in relation to another object and function in the virtual world which simulates the animation of the system in relation to the suns position and intensity which becomes a virtual animated model. This animated virtual model created in the game engine can constantly be edited to improve performance through immersive experiential design and alterations of the forms generated in grasshopper. The task of simulating and designing models that are performance based is challenging and requires constant Adjustments. We explore the possibility of using a virtual reality model as a potential alternative for physical simulation models that require constant alterations to reach the desired design properties for complex kinetic motion facade.