Innovative harvesting systems to improve indoor visual comfort

In this study, we will focus upon the building envelope as a multi-functional component that intersects energy consumption, human comfort, and aesthetics. Given their significant impact, building skins have been extensively studied in recent years to enhance their efficiency and performance in terms of energy usage, comfort, and structural integrity (Schumacher, 2016). Architects must consider numerous factors when designing building envelopes, including environmental issues, appearance, occupant comfort, and view quality, recognizing that the building’s envelope is a critical component in improving sustainability (Khelil, 2018). Consequently, responsive architecture can be achieved by imparting intelligence to the building system through the building’s skin, which responds to environmental stimuli. Designers are exploring the potential of making building skin elements move in response to natural or human stimuli (Gan, 2020). The objective of this paper is to analyse, starting from a biomimicry+ origami mimicking approach, the design concept and application of a harvesting system for building envelopes. This kind of system can adjust to changing environmental conditions in real-time, regulating the internal climate of a space, and exhibit movement and dynamism inspired by natural adaptation strategies to optimize the visual comfort of buildings in hot and arid regions by leveraging this approach. In the paper is presented the utilization of a dual methodology that employs parametric design as an alternative platform for architects to enhance, verify, and make well-informed decisions during the early stages of the design process. This approach will offer unique opportunities for investigating various design options and strategies to achieve environmental performance, including improving indoor visual comfort. The building’s exterior is designed parametrically, utilizing the Grasshopper Visual Programming Language in Rhino 3D Modeller and, based on the results obtained, the proposed harvesting system has demonstrated significant effects on visual comfort.