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The aim of this research is to investigate actuatable apertures in architectural soft skins through incorporation of ionic electroactive polymers (iEAP). There have been investigations on improving one family of iEAP material, carbon nanotubes (CNT), as a soft actuator. However, in scarcity of dedicated text on the range of design possibilities, this research assesses how this soft actuator could potentially bring forward characteristics to embed responsive and kinetic morphing abilities via actuatable apertures into architectural soft skins, such as in textile façades and tensile membranes. Resembling the biological role model of pores and glands in skin, these actuatable apertures could actively respond to environment, and in return, facilitate the architectural envelope with many functionalities. Among many possibilities, I offer two functioning demonstrators. The first design system adapt to the environment by means of shade benefit and thermoregulation, whereas the other one maintains an internal equilibrium by breathability that is dehumidification and ventilation. They serve as two valid design proposals for the first Electroactive Skin.
ITECH M.Sc. Thesis Project 2019: Electroactive Skin - Towards Bio-Inspired Soft Responsive Envelopes
Nima Zahiri
Thesis Advisers: Jan Petrš, Yasaman Tahouni
Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Hanaa Dahy
Second Supervisor: Prof. Achim Menges
with support of: Raphael Neuhaus (IPA)