Smart Skins

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001 | Proposal

     +   Proposed Experiment Report

1. Description of the research project:

This research project will investigate the fundamentals and applications of biomedical systems and elements mimicked by the human skin; developing a concept and architectural structure and skin to the building envelope. Upon completion of experiments and fabrication simulations, researchers will devise a new "skin" applicable to any surface within the limit of environment conditions. This new assembly will have elements that structurally and architecturally resemble the human skin; from the capillaries to the catalyst of the silicone material. Several elements such as heat, energy, lighting, and contraction/extraction processes compose the system into a mechanical/organic assembly.

2. Brief introduction of the literature; support the hypothesis:

• Human skin ability to change size/covered area by wrinkles
• small holes in surface to allow substance absorption
• Self-heating skin structure and composition provide data required to develop a complex system for both external and internal applications.
• The capillary network of the dermis skin layer provides essential data and composition that will determine the "genetic" make up of our skin as a responsive system.

3. Identification of the objectives:

Modern architecture's objective is about the building's envelope. A new envelope concept must have a high level of interaction with its surroundings and the social condition between man and object. The biomimic skin device will adhere to the laws of bio-engineering while integrating sustainable principles and applications where applicable. The skin is the most essential element to the building; aesthetically and structurally, providing a sustained source of energy for both the occupants and surrounding neighbors.

4. Proposed experimental design:

• Identify raw material with explanation
• Shape-memory alloy: control the reaction to heat.
• Photovoltaic cell: convert direct sunlight into energy.
• Phase-change polymer: change the appearance of the component relating to light
• Some pre-shape metal accessories to link components together.
• Also, a self-healing material with microvascular networks.
• Description of the samples design for fabrication/characterization/testing.
• the components prototype will be composed from the 2-5 modular systems which can work in a communion system.
• Identity of fabrication/characterization/testing techniques.
• Laser-cut phase-change polymer fragments as the main component.
• Pre-shape photovoltaic with slight modifications to adapt to the changing form accordingly.
• A CNC machine will cut, carve, or mend elements together
• Statistical determination of number of samples to be fabricated/characterized/testing.
• Discussion of the expected outcomes from the research, based on the proposal, testing, fabrication, and experiments. The samples produced will allow researches to investigate variable skin models to be applicable to a building facade.