Design-to-fabrication with thermo-responsive shape memory polymer applications for building skins

Smart materials are studied for climate-responsive building skins due to internal changeable properties stimulated by material-specific input. This research focuses on shape memory polymer (SMP) and temperature as its activating stimulus for dynamic shading devices with mechanisms of opening and closing. From case-studies, four design strategies are presented in this paper. Design research and 3D printing fabrication tests of SMP prototypes were conducted by the research-through-design approach. Prototypes were comparatively analyzed for development and optimization in architectural applications. It is challenging to train permanent shapes, to program temporary shapes and to design repetitive material behaviours. Measures to achieve reversible reiterative shape-changing materials are required for practical implementation. For further design-fabrication research on the actual temperature and the material behaviours of designed elements, the SMP with glass transition at 35°C was applied. Later, it would be necessary to simulate the environmental effects and validate the performance of thermo-responsive SMP building skins.