Bartlett Research Conversations: Jingwen Chen

Cast adaptive/kinetic façades: The application of sand casting on manufacturing the adaptive/kinetic facades

Speaker: Jingwen Chen
Supervisors: Professor Marjan Colletti and Dr Guan Lee
Guest panellist: Professor Peter Scully, The Bartlett School of Architecture 

Abstract

In the realm of architecture, the façade serves not only as an aesthetic feature but also as a regulator of both interior and exterior environments, with kinetic facades emerging as a dynamic solution. Unlike the dynamic external conditions and active building occupants, architecture, as a whole, remains relatively stationary. As integral components of architectural design, kinetic facades are purposefully engineered to actively and dynamically modulate external environmental conditions to align with occupant requisites. This research delves into the specific realm of cast kinetic joints within the broader context of kinetic facades in architecture. The study focuses on sand casting in manufacturing processes for sustainability. The analysis delves into crucial considerations, including design intricacies, scale dynamics, and material selections, emphasising the potential of sand casting as a sustainable method for manufacturing these dynamic and active architectural elements.

About The Bartlett Research Conversations

The Bartlett School of Architecture’s Research Conversations seminars comprise work-in-progress and upgrade presentations by students undertaking the Architectural Design MPhil/PhD and Architectural and Urban History and Theory MPhil/PhD. All current UCL staff and students are welcome to attend.

Held regularly throughout the academic year, the seminars are attended by the Programme Directors, Professor Sophia Psarra and Dr Nina Vollenbröker; PhD Coordinators, Dr Stamatis Zografos and Dr Stelios Giamarelos; and other PhD supervisors.

Image: Chen, J. (2024) Rotation angle of the joints. [Diagram].