[ISEA2019] Paper: Honghao Deng, Jiabao Li, Xuesong Zhang & Panagiotis Michalatos — Vapor as Tectonic Element to Sculpt Microclimate in Architectural Space

Abstract

Keywords: Interactive architecture, microclimate, architectural spaces, vapor geometry, humidity control, responsive environment

An essential function of architecture is controlling the environment that surrounds us. In practice, interior climates are discretized into self-contained, functional units. For example, wetness is kept in designated wet spaces, and dryness to dry spaces. Contrary to nature’s changing weather patterns, architecture is often static and binary, with no diffusion in between. As a result, many weather conditions that exist in nature are not experienced inside architectural spaces. This project uses vapor as a medium to bring microclimates that exist outside into an architectural space. The unique characteristics of vapor as tectonic elements allow users to modulate visibility, create cooling gradients, and produce spatial patterns in a controlled manner. The three main elements are: point– vapor vertex ring, line – vapor tornado, and plane – vapor wall. The focused and diffused conditions of vapor enable both localized
and global states to transpire through soft boundaries.

Diffused heterogeneous volume with 40% vapor density creates a sense of intimacy
  • Honghao Deng is a computational designer and artist. He holds a Master of Design Studies with distinction at Harvard GSD, USA, and has served as a research fellow in the City Science Group at MIT Media Lab. Recognition gained in the design and interaction community include: Golden A’ Design Award, iF Design Award, Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award, 1st Place Future Cities Contest, Ubicomp/ISWC Design Award. His work has been covered by Domus, CCTV, ArchDaily, Designboom, Milan Design Week, The National, and Metropolis Magazine.
  • Jiabao Li works at the intersection of emerging technology, art and design. Her work opens questions about technology’s influence on human perception, identity, and emotion. Her research-based projects range from wearables, projections, drones, installations to scientific experiments. She holds a Master of Design in Technology degree with Distinction from Harvard GSD, USA. Jiabao’s work has been featured in Domus, TechCrunch, Yahoo, CCTV, Yanko Design, and The National. Her work has been shown in Milan Design Week, Dubai Design Week, SIGGRAPH, CHI, AR in Action, and PRIMER. She is the winner of iF Design Award, Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award, Future Cities Contest, ISWC Design Award, and Harvard Best Thesis Award.
  • Xuesong Zhang Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, USA.
  • Panagiotis Michalatosis an architect, Assistant Professor in Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (Cambridge, USA), and a Principal Research Engineer at Autodesk. Along with colleague Sawako Kaijima, he has provided consultation and designed computational solutions for a range of high-profile projects by architecture practices such as ZHA, Thomas Heatherwick, Fosters and Partners, Future Systems and others. His work in interaction design and digital media has been shown in various avenues including Venice Dance Biennale.

Full text (PDF) p. 508-511