Inquiry02 asked Advanced Architectural Studio I students at Arizona State University to research various prominent building projects and the innovative systems that these projects pioneered.  Students were then to extrapolate lessons learned to their former project, Inquiry01, which derived architecture from an abstract Sol LeWitt artwork (my Inquiry01 project in particular consisted of structural curtain panels, similar to those in use for this project).

The Dynamic “Teeth” Façade System (or DTFS) is the product of this research and extrapolation.  With classmate Sashank Pilla, I researched the GSW Headquarters in Berlin, Germany, which is mainly notable for its use of the Venturi Effect and a double-skin façade which permits generous natural ventilation.  The double curtain also houses a globally controlled shading system.

Like the GSW Headquarters, the Dynamic “Teeth” Façade System integrates shading and operable ventilation mechanisms that allow operation in several weather scenarios; however, the DTFS also integrates a diagrid structural system.  The DTFS consists of four essential components:

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1) Exterior “Teeth” Panels—equilateral-triangular, structural panels which rotate outward via hinge to effectively open the wall to outside airflow.  Panel movement is powered by bracket-mounted powered pistons.

2) Rollup Triangular Shades—triangular, semi-transparent shades which lie in the plane behind the “teeth” panels.  Shades are housed on a spring-loaded spool which, by default, rolls in and “opens” the shades.  The leading point of the triangular shade is connected via cable to a powered spool, which extends the shade to its fully-shading position.  Shades can also be partially extended for various lighting conditions.

3) Structural Diagrid—the structural system follows the same triangular profile as the shades and “teeth” panels, which lends the façade to particularly good application on buildings of triangular form.

4) Vented Inner Curtain Wall—The interior curtain wall is housed between the diagrid, and features nearly floor-to-ceiling glazing.  The curtain systems houses operable vents on each floor at both the floor and ceiling levels.  These vents access both the in-floor air system and the exterior double-skin cavity.  These vents can be opened along with the “teeth” panels to allow natural ventilation, or closed along with the “teeth” panels to create an effective double-skin thermal buffer.