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    Project entry 2014 Europe – Air-Shade: Responsive sustainable shading system, Vienna, Austria

    Initial model of shading units: the air container in front features its particular shape for a greater surface to volume difference, in order to cool and heat up more quickly. The pneumatic actuation system uses reverse umbrella mechanics for opening the shutter units. Diffuse lighting penetrates the shading system in order to optimize daylight usage, and the reduction of artificial lightning. The shutters are displayed in one of the possible arrangements, and material execution.

The jury commends the exploratory nature of the project and its ingenious approach to problem solving. Particularly appreciated is the simple transfer of a low-technology artifact – in this case, an umbrella – to create a high-technology apparatus to shade buildings. Architectural design is here deployed as a method to investigate new sustainable construction techniques. Most successful in this exercise are the doubly-curved façades that constantly transform according to the intensity of solar exposure.

Last updated: June 06, 2014 Zurich, Switzerland

The jury commends the exploratory nature of the project and its ingenious approach to problem solving. Particularly appreciated is the simple transfer of a low-technology artifact – in this case, an umbrella – to create a high-technology apparatus to shade buildings. Architectural design is here deployed as a method to investigate new sustainable construction techniques. Most successful in this exercise are the doubly-curved façades that constantly transform according to the intensity of solar exposure.