With the redefinition of flexible space into what is now being called kinetic architecture, you as an architect need to go beyond movement to really think about what growth, expansion and contraction has the power to do. Furthermore, we can begin to bring forward what it might mean for architectural design when we think about a folding space — space transiently reconfigured through variation.

It is time to revisit walls, by really looking at them in section, and understanding how easily walls can turn into the ceilings, floors and transient windows. For this reason, I love the following image which shows you very clearly one way in which an architectural product called Metamorphosis Shimmer (by Philips Design) can make a simple, elegant and multifaceted design for kinetic architecture.

Image: centralasian | Flickr

Here is what Philips Design says when describing their Metamorphosis Shimmer product: Read more

Full scale architectural kinetic forms can appear to almost take off, float or flex in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.

Thus, it is no surprise that as an architect, you can use kinetic design to manipulate form in time, to give you a certain freedom to inspire and reconnect your building occupant with their surrounding space.

Kinetic form can do so much for your design when used in just the right ways. To get you thinking creatively about kinetics you can see the following video of a prize-winning art installation, where simple metal balls rise and fall smoothly and in a mesmerizing fashion.

To see for yourself, watch this video (It gets even more creative after the 1st minute.) Read more

“Church-Bridge” by Michael Cross

By incorporating motion into architecture, designers give occupants another dimension by which to interact with their surroundings. Architects can not only communicate motion, but can also engage occupants in what it means to have transition and morphing states of architecture. When done properly, kinetic architecture can inspire, surprise and even touch the soul.

Kinetic interaction within architecture can greatly impact one’s experience. A designer embedding kinetics can often provide for a new kind of awareness as occupants travel through their design. For example, an occupant can be shown how to connect with nature in new ways via kinetics. 

Take; for instance, the “Church-Bridge” project pictured above. Here, occupants must make decisions to go further, stop or retreat while trying to maintain balance as they journey into the church. The “Church-Bridge” project has kinetic steps that rise from a pool of water within the church – simulating for occupants the experience of actually walking on water.

The best kinetic architecture is that which presents new architectural alignments and contrasts. Such new juxtapositions allow occupants to experience environments anew. When architecture can morph to renew experiences in real-time, then kinetic architecture has a better chance of doing its job — to lift the human spirit.