Sensitive Canopy

2019

The goal of this project is to build a canopy that supports and creates an interesting space for individuals to get out of the house to relax, think, get rid of screens for a while and enjoy the time playing with nature, family and communities. The basic idea of the design is from sensitive flower, which can open and close adapting to the intensity of sunlight and people touching it. The project thereby tries to replace the petal movement with simple scissors movement. When the petal opened, more sunlight can shine into the base; when it closed, it prevents sunlight going down and serves as a shade for those below it. In the process of moving, it casts variety of shadow forms on the ground. The second part of the design is making different petal pattern rotate around one main structure or column. For example, when the pedestrians walk under one petal and sit, other petal will rotate from other sides to fully cover them, when the petals are layered together, it appears like a kaleidoscope.

The kinetic and biomimetic system was used for this project. Kinetic architecture is a style depicted by forms that are dynamic, adaptable and responsive to the changing demands of the users. The biomimetic system refers to human-made processes, substances, devices, or systems that imitate nature.

The project can be placed anywhere by changing some components and actuating system. In interior spaces, it can be used on the walls of the lobby. In façade, to create an appealing façade in landscape, as canopies etc., also it could serve as a ceiling of a building. That could be used in a building where at interval you might want to show the structural component of the roof as aesthetics

Date: Spring 2019

Location: Pullman, WA

Project Partners: Shanle Lin, Ruimeng Zeng, Modupe Akinnuoye

Photo Credit: Shanle Lin, Ruimeng Zeng, Modupe Akinnuoye