Master Thesis, TU Delft, 2018
With the rapid development of construction materials, there is a growing interest in smart and lightweight design solutions within contemporary architecture. Ultra-thin glass, a relatively new material, offers an alternative to traditional thick glazing, enabling novel design concepts for building façades. Its low weight and flexibility make it suitable for adaptive glass panels that act as a “breathing” skin for buildings.
In this research, Bahareh explored the integration of ultra-thin glass with smart materials capable of sensing and responding to environmental changes through actuation. The study examined recent advancements in smart material technologies and their feasibility in adaptive architecture.
As part of the research, a novel adaptive glass panel concept was developed using shape-memory alloy (SMA) cables to create a responsive façade system. The panels were applied as both inner and outer skins in a selected case study, and their performance was evaluated through finite-element simulations and experimental tests. Structural efficiency was assessed in Abaqus software, analyzing various laminated glass configurations under bending, while also considering wind loads for external applications.
Two mock-up models were built to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. These mock-ups were presented at the “Challenging Glass Conference 6” at TU Delft, highlighting the potential of the system as a forward-looking solution for adaptive façades.
This project has been published several times in different articles such as Detail magazine. For further information please visit: https://repository.tudelft.nl/islandora/object/uuid:79c04819-e826-44fa-ab1b-6db8b617da11?collection=education