Research in Environmental Technology - Climate Responsive Facade Systems

CLIMATE RESPONSIVE FAÇADE SYSTEMS: IS KINETIC FAÇADE THE NEW GAME CHANGER? Nishitha Nagaraj Jain Master of Architecture, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – MI. Guide: Mojitaba Navvab

I. ABSTRACT Facades are fundamental to both the aesthetics and performance of buildings, serving as the crucial boundary between indoor environments and external conditions. They not only define a building’s visual identity but play a central role in its indoor environmental impact. Recently, there’s been a growing interest in dynamic façade systems that adapt to changing conditions—not only for their visual qualities but also for their potential to enhance energy efficiency. These facades leverage advanced technology to respond to the climate, improve thermal comfort, and meet sustainability goals. As people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, buildings face increased demands to provide comfortable and healthy environments. This paper explores how dynamic facades can minimize energy use while maintaining comfort. It covers the history, technical aspects, and sustainability benefits of these systems, highlighting automated, climate-responsive facades. Finally, the feasibility of similar solutions for a building in Manhattan, New York will be proposed and evaluated. The aim is to emphasize the potential of dynamic facades as a key tool in creating energy-efficient, sustainable architecture. Keywords:dynamic facades, sustainable architecture, energy efficiency, environmental control. II. INTRODUCTION In recent years, architecture has turned its attention to cutting carbon dioxide emissions, recognizing that the building industry holds substantial potential for reducing energy consumption. Sustainable design has traditionally centered on making fossil fuels more efficient and integrating renewable energy. However, these approaches often fall short of seeing buildings as dynamic systems that can adapt and respond to their surroundings. This paper will examine the idea of dynamic facades—building exteriors that adjust to changing conditions, allowing structures to better interact with their environment. By viewing buildings as responsive entities, they can be designed to react to factors like local climate, soil, and landscape. The facade is crucial in this regard, helping to regulate indoor environments, especially in regions with significant temperature shifts.

The research will focus on the potential of dynamic facades to contribute to more sustainable architecture, exploring different adaptive systems and their environmental advantages. This paper will assess how innovative facade designs tackle both technical and ecological issues in building sustainability. The goal is to draw practical lessons from these examples that can be applied to the context of New York, where climate-sensitive and sustainable architecture is essential. III. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of climate-responsive facade systems that integrate advanced materials, kinetic technologies, and modern fabrication methods to enhance building sustainability. This research aims to investigate the potential of kinetic facade systems to dynamically adapt to environmental conditions, reducing reliance on active systems like HVAC while maintaining optimal indoor thermal comfort. Additionally, it will assess the effectiveness of these systems in filtering light, air, and heat to decrease energy consumption and carbon emissions. By conducting a comparative analysis between kinetic and double-skin facades, the project seeks to determine which facade approach offers superior environmental performance and energy efficiency. The goal is to propose a kinetic facade design framework that aligns with contemporary needs for resilient, self-regulating buildings capable of adjusting to fluctuating climate patterns and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. a. To design a dynamic façade system for a commercial building that will maximize sustainability and energy efficiency. b. To integrate biomimicry into the dynamic façade as a smart technology along with multiple sustainable strategies. c. To consider the sustainability and local buildings code with the full context of the site. d. To assess the project’s performance using appropriate simulation tools. The challenge of this project is to design a façade system that provides the maximum types of sustainable advantages, like passive daylighting, thermal comfort, ventilation, as well as might also harvest solar energy, hence contributing more to energy conservation.

IV METHODOLOGY

VI. CONCEPT OF DYNAMIC FACADES

The project will be initiated by designing the midrise building and deriving the design concept from sketches to its final stage. The process of this project includes: a. Using the Climate Consultant Software to study the New York climatic data to better understand the project strategies. Production of the dynamic façade model using AutoCAD and Rhino. b. Incorporate the dynamic façade model into the building and show the sun path and façade heat gain analysis using Grasshopper – Ladybug and honeybee plug-in. Model the project building in Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2011, surrounded by glazing, without the dynamic façade to analyze the base case. c. Conduct detailed analysis and comparison between the base case and kinetic façade case based on internal temperature, solar gain, heating and cooling loads, daylighting and glare control, natural ventilation, and energy consumption. d. Compare the results and evaluate them based on various resourceful references. Integrate PV panels on the roof surface to produce energy that will compensate for the energy produced by the dynamic façade. e. Assess the overall project on the applicable criterion of ASHRAE credits.

The facade is one of the most influential elements in a building's design, not only because it shapes the building’s appearance, but also because it has a major impact on environmental performance. A welldesigned facade acts as a buffer between the inside and outside, managing energy flow to boost efficiency and protect the structure, ultimately extending the building’s lifespan. It plays a vital role in maintaining indoor comfort and reducing energy consumption, directly affecting the building’s sustainability.

V. THE BUILDING FACADE AS A BARRIER AND BRIDGE BETWEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SPACES

In recent years, dynamic facades have become a popular strategy for creating buildings that are both sustainable and adaptable, striking a balance between external environmental pressures and internal comfort requirements.

The core purpose of architecture, despite changing cultural, economic, and technological influences, remains to provide comfortable and protective spaces. Buildings are meant to shield their occupants from the elements—such as intense sunlight, extreme temperatures, rain, and wind. The exterior of a building, often referred to as the "building skin," acts as the primary barrier, maintaining comfort by regulating the interior environment. Like human skin or clothing, a building’s facade must adapt to changing external conditions while fulfilling multiple roles. It is a key component in the design, impacting not only aesthetics but also structural stability, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency. The facade directly influences a building’s energy consumption by controlling how the indoor environment responds to external factors. Through thoughtful design and construction, architects can shape both the appearance and the performance of a building, making the facade a pivotal element in sustainable architecture.

Unlike traditional facades, which remain static regardless of environmental changes, dynamic facades are designed to adapt. These advanced systems can alter their characteristics or shape in response to factors like sunlight, temperature, and wind, allowing for better energy management and a more comfortable indoor environment. Dynamic facades represent a significant leap forward in the quest for energy efficiency, making the building envelope an active, responsive element that adapts to shifting conditions. This adaptability involves regulating daylight, solar gain, and thermal comfort, turning the facade into a key asset for managing energy and indoor climate.

VII. HISTORY OF DYNAMIC FACADES Traditional farmhouses, even in earlier times, demonstrated a keen understanding of energy efficiency using the resources at hand. These structures made clever use of natural materials—such as utilizing the warmth generated by livestock to heat interiors and employing straw and hay as effective insulation. These practices helped reduce firewood use and energy needs. Shutters on windows acted as early thermal barriers, similar to modern double-skin facades, and a second layer of windows created a buffer zone. This simple, effective method allowed for seasonal adjustment: both windows remained closed during winter for insulation, while the outer layer could be opened in summer for airflow. As architecture advanced, glass emerged as a favored facade material, bringing with it new challenges. Glass buildings often lost heat quickly in winter and became too hot in summer. By 1929, the idea of integrating mechanical systems with building facades gained momentum, led in part by architect Le

Corbusier. In Precisions: On the Present State of Architecture and City Planning, he introduced the “Mur-neutralisant”—a concept for a double-layer facade that could stabilize indoor climates. He envisioned air circulating between two glass or stone layers: warm air for colder climates and cool air for warmer ones, aiming to maintain a stable indoor temperature. Although his vision was never fully realized, it set the stage for today’s double-skin facades. Modern dynamic facades are a direct evolution of these early ideas. Today’s systems use advanced double-skin designs, equipped with sophisticated ventilation and climate control, creating a buffer that stabilizes indoor conditions. This intermediate layer moderate temperatures and enhances comfort, showcasing how modern technology has revitalized traditional concepts. In essence, the journey from simple, natural materials to complex, adaptive systems reflect a continuous evolution in facade design, now driven by intelligent technology that makes buildings highly responsive to their environment.

their environment. Numerous studies by architects and researchers have explored strategies for designing facades that create comfortable indoor climates, with a strong emphasis on the relationship between people, their surroundings, and the building's specific context. Thermal comfort has emerged as a critical factor in achieving overall satisfaction. As the primary interface between interior and exterior, facades play a crucial role in a building's thermal performance. They significantly impact air quality, daylight, and temperature control—all essential elements of thermal comfort. Designing for this comfort goes beyond responding to outdoor conditions like temperature, wind, and sunlight; it also requires thoughtful architectural decisions. Key factors include the building’s orientation, facade materials, shading elements, window placement, and roof shape. Because of this, the facade's design is a fundamental part of the architectural process, closely linked to a building's ability to provide comfortable indoor conditions. Early design decisions regarding materials, orientation, and structural elements are vital in creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also thermally comfortable for occupants. IX. INTRODUCTION TO SITE AND THE CONTEXT Retrofitting of high-rise mixed-use buildings in Manhattan, New York.

Fig 01: Jean Nouvel’s L’Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris, France) was built in 1987 and is one of the oldest dynamic facades VIII. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDOOR THERMAL COMFORT AND BUILDING FACADE Building facades face the challenge of balancing multiple demands: allowing in natural light while reducing energy loss, enabling ventilation while preserving views, and even incorporating systems for generating energy. These varied requirements have a direct impact on the comfort and quality of indoor spaces, influencing how satisfied occupants are with

Fig 02: Map showing location of New York 4 East 49th Street is a property in Midtown East, Manhattan, which was completed in the 1960s and is currently proposed for planned renovations. Initially, it was a 14-story mixed-use building featuring retail on the lower floors and residential units above. The retail spaces below are densely crowded with larger footprints and the residential units were initially designed to be luxury apartments. The building has been relying on older systems since the 1960s, making it a prime candidate for modernization through redevelopment.

Now, recent permits have been filed to expand the building into a 29-story structure, adding substantial square footage for both commercial and residential uses. The redevelopment project, led by RJ Capital Holdings, will increase the total space to over 192,000 square feet, including 151,425 square feet dedicated to residential units and 40,749 square feet for commercial purposes. The building is designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects and will have 76 residential units, most likely luxury condominiums. As of the last available updates, demolition is not required, as the structure will be built upon the existing lot.

Fig 04b: Showing the new proposal by NYC X. PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

Fig 03: Map showing the exact location of 4 East, 49th Street Many such buildings in the downtown Manhattan has never undergone renovations since the time it was built. These buildings have been surviving on the old systems and have been creating critical environmental and ecological problems through energy inefficiency, water consumption, waste generation, lacking vegetation and green spaces, and polluting the environment.

The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of climate-responsive facade systems that integrate advanced materials, kinetic technologies, and modern fabrication methods to enhance building sustainability. This research aims to investigate the potential of kinetic facade systems to dynamically adapt to environmental conditions, reducing reliance on active systems like HVAC while maintaining optimal indoor thermal comfort. Additionally, it will assess the effectiveness of these systems in filtering light, air, and heat to decrease energy consumption and carbon emissions. By conducting a comparative analysis between kinetic and double-skin facades, the project seeks to determine which facade approach offers superior environmental performance and energy efficiency. The ultimate goal is to propose a kinetic facade design framework that aligns with contemporary needs for resilient, self-regulating buildings capable of adjusting to fluctuating climate patterns and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. XI. PARAMETERS DYNAMIC FAÇADE

Fig 04a: Showing the existing building

FOR

DESIGNING

The idea of dynamic facades has been around for a while, but it’s only in recent years that architects and engineers have begun to fully embrace and implement these systems in buildings. The focus now is on developing feasible solutions that enhance both the quality and cost-effectiveness of this technology, ensuring it remains sustainable in the future. When designing building facades, several factors must be considered, as each one plays a significant role in shaping the building's character and influencing how it is perceived.

•

SUN CONTROL:

Thermal and visual comfort in buildings depend on managing light entering through the façade. More light increases interior temperatures, affecting occupant comfort. Blinds can subtly limit sunlight, while shading devices can be integrated into the façade to enhance both function and design. •

NATURAL VENTILATION:

The building skin plays a key role in natural ventilation. Facade elements like small louvers can facilitate localized airflow, while more complex mechanical systems can distribute fresh air throughout the building. These ventilation strategies also contribute to the overall character and function of the façade. •

MATERIAL CHOICES:

Materials are fundamental in shaping a building's character. Often overlooked early in design, they not only define the building’s aesthetic but also play a crucial role in its functionality. The texture and appearance of materials impact the user experience, while their technological properties significantly affect the comfort and performance of the building. •

MOISTURE CONTROL:

Bitumen is commonly used as a moisture barrier in buildings, often as a rainscreen. It protects against rain and condensation, preventing moisture from entering the building, especially when temperature differences cause condensation on colder surfaces. •

DAYLIGHTING:

Natural daylight plays a key role in both user comfort and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Simple passive strategies, like using movable light shelves, can help bring more daylight into a space by reflecting it off the ceiling. Daylight also has a positive impact on the mental well-being of building occupants. •

CONNECTION TO OUTDOORS:

Connecting the indoors with the outdoors is another important sustainability aspect, similar to daylighting. This can be achieved by using glass panels protected by a vegetated screen, offering a visual link to nature. In some cases, walls may open up, directly merging the interior with the exterior, blurring the line between the two and enhancing the feeling of living within nature. •

THERMAL INSULATION:

Thermal insulation systems use materials that reduce heat loss through conduction, convection, or radiation. Although often hidden within the walls, insulation plays a significant role in a building's thermal performance. The type and placement of

insulation within the building's layers can greatly affect both its energy efficiency and the overall aesthetic of the façade. XII. CLIMATE ANALYSIS New York City experiences a humid subtropical climate, influenced by its coastal location on the Atlantic Ocean. This leads to hot, humid summers and cold winters, with significant seasonal variations in temperature. The city’s climate is also affected by the surrounding urban environment, creating the "urban heat island" effect, which makes temperatures in the city warmer than the surrounding rural areas. Summer New York summers are typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), and heat waves can push temperatures higher. Humidity is high due to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, contributing to a muggy feel, especially during July and August. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, but thunderstorms are more common in the summer months. Winter Winters in New York can be cold and windy, with average temperatures from 27°F to 44°F (-3°C to 7°C). Snowfall is frequent, with average annual snowfall ranging from 25 to 30 inches (64 to 76 cm), although major snowstorms can occasionally bring much heavier snowfalls. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean can moderate extreme cold, but Arctic air masses can still result in frigid temperatures. Spring and Autumn These transitional seasons are relatively mild and pleasant. Spring starts cool, gradually warming up, with temperatures from 45°F to 70°F (7°C to 21°C). Autumn begins warm, cooling down to similar temperatures. Both seasons feature comfortable weather and lower humidity compared to summer. CLIMATE CONSULTANT ANALYSIS: Climate Consultant software was used to assess New York’s seasonal climate conditions, generating data that informs the design of climate-responsive architecture. The analysis highlights key factors such as solar gain, wind patterns, temperature fluctuations, and humidity levels, crucial for optimizing the building’s performance. Understanding these conditions helps in designing façades and systems that minimize energy consumption while maximizing comfort, utilizing strategies like passive solar heating in winter and effective shading in summer.

TEMPERATURE: In recent years, New York has faced heat waves with temperatures soaring above 35°C (95°F) during the summer. According to Climate Consultant analysis, the highest temperatures typically occur in July, with peaks frequently exceeding 32°C (90°F). Conversely, the coldest temperatures are usually recorded in January, sometimes dropping below -10°C (14°F). The data highlights New York's significant seasonal variation, with summer highs reaching above 35°C (95°F) and winter lows dipping well below freezing, emphasizing the need for adaptable climateresponsive design strategies.

SUMMER STRATEGIES: GOAL: Minimize solar heat gain and enhance natural cooling for optimal thermal comfort

Fig 06a: Psychrometric chart – Summer Strategies

WINTER STRATEGIES: GOAL: Maximize passive heating and minimize heat loss

Fig 05: Temperatures range of New York through (EnergyPlus, 2018)

Fig 06b: Psychrometric chart – Winter Strategies

SPRING/ FALL STRATEGIES: GOAL: Balance passive heating and cooling, allowing for temperature fluctuation management. Fig 06: Weather Data Summary XIII. PSYCHOMETRIC GRAPHS Psychometric graphs are a method of psychological measurement used to evaluate the thermal and physical properties of gas mixtures under constant pressure as well as wet air characteristics. We can benefit from the drawing where the design of ventilation systems in buildings and air conditioning (designing buildings, 2014). In the figure, the center area is defined by a blue color, which is a set of suitable conditions that people find comfort in different conditions of summer or winter

Fig 06c: Psychrometric chart – Spring Strategies

Fig 06d: Psychrometric chart – Fall Strategies

XIV. SUN PATH AND SHADING The following figure (Fig 6.2) is the sun path diagram of the exact project location. The sun seems to be providing the maximum amount of sunlight to the South. London has Summer solstice, Autumn/Spring equinox, and Winter solstice, during which, the Sun positions vary from being closest, middle, and farthest respectively.

Fig 08a: Sun Path diagram. Dry Bulb temperature

Fig 07a: Sun Shading Chart: June 21- December 21(EnergyPlus, 2018) Fig 08b: Sun Path diagram. Wind Speed

Fig 07b: Sun Shading Chart: December 21- June 21(EnergyPlus, 2018) Fig 07 shows an average chart of New York created by a climate consultant as to which months need direct sunlight and which need shading systems. In the months from Dec to May, the climate is cooler and sun exposure is maximum, hence it is the best time to provide natural daylighting. Fig 6 shows the months from June 21- Dec 21, hence shading requirement is seen in the summer months.

Fig 08c: Total Radiation

XV. RADIATION ANALYSIS: Radiation analysis on each side of the façade:

Overall, understanding the sun path in Manhattan is essential for designing facade systems that respond to seasonal variations and ensure the building performs efficiently while enhancing indoor comfort yearround. XVI. DESIGN STUDY

Fig 09a: Radiation analysis on North-East side

The building’s massing includes alternating rooftop gardens that act as breathing spaces and support urban farming, creating active public zones throughout the structure. The kinetic facade is designed to pivot based on the sun’s position and angle, optimizing energy use by capturing solar heat in winter and keeping interiors cooler in summer. This adaptive facade utilizes responsive shading panels that rotate to control sunlight and airflow, enhancing thermal comfort year-round. The design strategy emphasizes dynamic, season-specific adjustments, reducing energy consumption by naturally moderating indoor temperatures and creating a more sustainable, user-friendly environment.

Fig 09b: Radiation analysis on South-West side The sun path in Manhattan, New York City follows a distinct pattern due to the city's latitude of around 40.7°N. Throughout the year, the sun’s angle and path change significantly, affecting how sunlight interacts with buildings. In summer, the sun is high in the sky, reaching its peak altitude in June, which means longer daylight hours and strong solar exposure from the south. In contrast, during winter, the sun’s path is lower, with shorter days and weaker sunlight that predominantly hits facades from the southeast and southwest directions. For a 29-story building in Manhattan, the sun's path is crucial in shaping design strategies to balance natural light, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. Summer Sun: The high angle of the sun in the summer months can lead to intense solar heat gain, particularly on the upper floors and south-facing facades. This necessitates the use of shading devices, such as louvers or kinetic facade elements, to block excess heat while allowing daylight to filter through. Winter Sun: The lower winter sun angle can benefit the building by providing natural heat gain. It becomes crucial to allow maximum sunlight penetration to warm interior spaces, especially on the south and west sides, which receive the most sunlight during this time.

Fig 10: (a) Design of (b) Kinetic façade design

the

entire

building

Initial design sketches:

adaptable facade strategies, such as dynamic shading or kinetic systems, to optimize light, minimize heat gain, and enhance comfort throughout the year.

Fig 11a: Sketches

Fig 12: Louver orientation on South-West facade XVIII. DAYLIGHTING FACTOR ANALYSIS AND LUX IN NEW YORK CITY

Fig 11b: Design showing each kinetic panel XVII. ANALYZING SUN-PATH SOUTH-WESTERN FAÇADE

ON

THE

In New York City, the sun’s path and seasonal variations significantly influence how shadows and solar radiation interact with building facades. During summer, the sun follows a high arc, casting shorter shadows and exposing the south-western facade to intense afternoon sunlight, which increases heat gain. To manage this, shading devices or reflective materials are essential. In winter, the sun travels a lower path, producing longer shadows and delivering weaker radiation to the south-western facade, primarily in the afternoon. This lower angle allows sunlight to penetrate deeper into interiors, providing a natural source of warmth. Spring and fall represent transitional periods, with the sun’s position near the equinox resulting in moderate shadow lengths and balanced radiation levels. These variations highlight the importance of

Natural light is a vital element of sustainable building design, providing energy efficiency and enhancing occupant comfort. In New York City, the availability of daylight is influenced by the urban density, geographical location, and design factors such as window placement and facade orientation. Daylight strategies aim to optimize visual comfort, minimize glare, and reduce the need for artificial lighting while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Using innovative systems, daylight can be harnessed to improve building performance and occupant wellbeing while adhering to ASHRAE standards for visual comfort and energy efficiency. In a comparative analysis of a base case versus a kinetic facade, daylight and glare control metrics demonstrated significant improvements. A comfortable visual range was achieved, with light levels generally maintained between 300-500 lux, as recommended by ASHRAE guidelines. Near the facade, levels exceeded 500 lux, particularly in areas closest to openings. This excess can be mitigated by adjusting kinetic louvers to a 35-degree angle, reducing direct light penetration and glare while maintaining uniform light distribution. The daylight factor in spaces adjacent to facades ranged between 2-3%, aligning with ASHRAErecommended values for educational and office environments. The dynamic adaptability of the kinetic facade enhances daylight control, ensuring sufficient light levels throughout the building, minimizing glare, and improving indoor comfort in New York's varied climatic conditions.

MARCH 21:

7AM

12 PM

4 PM

7AM

12 PM

4 PM

12 PM

4 PM

12 PM

4 PM

JUNE 21:

SEPTEMBER 21:

7AM

DECEMBER 21:

7AM

NORMAL FACADE

KINETIC FACADE

MARCH 21 – JUNE 21

JUNE 21 – SEPTEMBER 21

Floor Plan – Axonometric view

Floor Plan – Axonometric view

NORMAL FACADE

KINETIC FACADE

SEPTEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 21 – MARCH 21

Floor Plan – Axonometric view

Floor Plan – Axonometric view

XIX. EVALUATION USING ASHRAE STANDARDS: This project was evaluated using ASHRAE standards, focusing primarily on criteria related to occupant health, well-being, and visual comfort. As discussed earlier in the report, buildings are assessed across various performance factors, and these evaluations determine their overall compliance with sustainability benchmarks. The focus of this project was specifically on designing a dynamic facade system, prioritizing occupant comfort and daylighting strategies rather than a comprehensive assessment of energy consumption or other building systems. Within ASHRAE standards, the project aligns with guidelines for "Shell and Core Only" building types, emphasizing aspects of thermal comfort, visual performance, and occupant health. These factors, particularly health and well-being, constitute a significant portion of the overall sustainability evaluation, ensuring the facade system contributes meaningfully to indoor environmental quality while meeting modern performance expectations for urban architecture. XX. CONCLUSION As per the above table, the project achieved a total of 5 Credits under the visual comfort aspect, 1 credit for natural ventilation, 1 credit for using appropriate thermal modeling software to analyze the project, and 1 credit for providing fire exit into the building architecture. The project also gained additional credit for proper site accessibility, attaining 10 credits in total. To conclude, the dynamic façade inspired by the Mimosa Pudica plant was successfully analyzed for various sustainable aspects and has achieved the goal of the project in reducing energy consumption and aiding in sustainability.

Fig 13: ASHRAE Standard credits XXI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The resource guide is a product of the University of Michigan and ARCH 565 – Research in Environmental Technology by Mojitaba Navvab, a graduate degree course convened in Fall 2024 for the purpose of encouraging graduate students to learn about building technology, sustainability and environment through data driven analysis. This includes analysis of various comfort and health aspects of the users of the building. It also have a detail data of the design of the façade and reason behind designing in such manner. Various software such as Climate Consultant 6.0, Grasshopper ladybug, honeybee and Autodesk Ecotect was used to achieve these results. This project would not have been possible without the insights, guidance and support of Professor Mojitaba Navvab. I would like to thank Prof. Navvab, Director of Ph.D. in Architecture, University of Michigan, for providing me this technical advice throughout this project, supplying the needful resources, and always sharing knowledge about environmental technology. I would also like to give my heartfelt thanks to my fellow colleagues for their support and guidance throughout the project. Lastly, I would like to thank University of Michigan for introducing this course for the graduate students, which is a very bid part of their professional career.

XXII. REFERENCES: 1. Parametric House. "Kinetic Facades." Parametric House, parametric-house.com/kinetic-facades-2/ 2. Areen Alawaysheh "The impact of a kinetic façade on the lighting performance and energy efficiency of a public building: the case of Dubai frame." Philosophical Magazine, vol. XX, no. XX, 2023, pp. XX-XX, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14786451.20 23.2248514. 3. Basma Nashaat. "Responsive Kinetic Facades: An Effective Solution for Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality in Buildings." ResearchGate, 2019, www.researchgate.net/publication/330347504_Respo nsive_Kinetic_Facades_An_Effective_Solution_for_ Enhancing_Indoor_Environmental_Quality_in_Build ings. 4. Olivia Guerra-Santin. "Interactive kinetic façade: Improving visual comfort based on dynamic daylight and occupant's positions by 2D and 3D shape changes." Building and Environment, vol. XX, 2019, pp. XX-XX, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132 319306067. 5. Jaafar Ahmad Ibrahim, Halil Zafer Alibaba. "Kinetic Facade as a Tool for Energy Efficiency and Aesthetics in Buildings." Research Publish, www.researchpublish.com/upload/book/KINETIC% 20FACADE%20AS%20A%20TOOL-8194.pdf. 6. "Honeybee 'RADIANCE' Part 1 | Ladybug tools 1.3.0" YouTube, uploaded by Philipp Galvan Design, www.youtube.com/watch?v=CByovdMlVC0. 7. OpenAI. ChatGPT. Version 4, OpenAI, 2024, chat.openai.com