ChromaFold
A Project by Jenny sabin studiO
Commissioned By the ontario science centRe
Ontario Science Centre Ontario, Canada
ChromaFold is one product of ongoing transdisciplinary research spanning across the fields of biology, materials science, physics, electrical and systems engineering, and architecture. ChromaFold incorporates two parameters that we have been researching: optical color and transparency change at the human scale based upon principles of structural color at a nano to micro scale. In addition to these material proprieties, ChromaFold features a lightweight, tessellated array of interactive components that fold and unfold in the presence or absence of people. ChromaFold follows the concept of "Interact Locally, Fold Globally," necessary for deployable and scalable architectures. Using parametric modeling, architectural elements, design computation, and controlled elastic response, ChromaFold showcases and builds upon new techniques, algorithms, and processes for the assembly of open, deployable structural elements and architectural surface assemblies. A gradient of tessellated and interactive components features a novel colorful film invented by 3M called Dichroic Film. A second gradient of components feature a film of soft, translucent rice paper to augment and interact with the dappled light and color. Not only does this film align with our multi-year investigation into structural color, but it also allows for room-scale investigations of these nano to micro material effects and features. A sensor detects the presence of people below, which in turn actuates 4 motors that systemically open or close the folded components.
ChromaFold incorporates two unique geometric strategies, auxetics and origami, to generate an installation that transforms and responds to human interaction. Auxetic geometric structures feature an assembly of linked components configured to expand and unfold when actuated and fold when compressed. This unique transformation gives rise to strengthened mechanical properties and unusual material characteristics. Origami offers an innovative level of design, dynamics, and deployability to self -folding and -unfolding materials from the molecular to the architectural scale. The project is intended to bring new ideas, motifs, and design to the formation of responsive architectural materials and intricate dynamic components.
ChromaFold is conceived to be generic and homogenously structured upon installation (i.e. laden with full potential) but readily adaptable to local heterogeneous spatiotemporal conditions, thereby reducing the overall functioning demands upon it. This manner of operation not only maximizes immediate performative efficiency, but also allows for ongoing contextual adaptation. In this regard ChromaFold is a “learning” and responsive skin assembly, a prototype for future applications in the context of adaptive architecture.
Design Team
Architectural Designer: Jenny E. Sabin Design and Production: Claire Moriarty, Michael Paraszczak, Haotian Ma, Kevin Guo