Transformable architectural structures: Background, development, evaluation and design

Transformable devices have been used by human beings for a variety of purposes since ancient times. Although the practice of movement from territory to territory in search of better hunting and pasture wasthe initial impetus for the creation of kinetic structures, the notion of transformation soon applied to many other construction applications ranging from art to architecture, engineering and transportation. A review of the development of kinetic structures reveals that the desperate need to respond to the challenges which could not be fulfilled by using conventional static structures, was the decisive motivation for the creation of changeable structures. The design of a deployable crane and a movable bridge by Leonardo Da Vinci and a portable observation tower by Alexander Graham Bell are historical examples of responses to the changing requirements of human beings through the implementation of advancing technology. The necessity for the implementation of the transformable notion is in even more demand today, in order to meet contemporary ever-changing requirements. Transformable architecture is a suitable strategy for buildings that need to be reconfigured, either by being folded to a compact form for ease of erection and transportation or by changing their geometry and shape, in order to be able to respond to altering functional and aesthetic requirements. The design of this type of building involves general architectural designcriteria in terms of form, function and aesthetics, but must also incorporate the special methods needed to make portable, adaptable, lightweight and reusable strategies. Consideration of all of these criteria requires especially precise selection of building design factors - especially structural and functional mechanisms and materials - and requires building designs that integrate cohesively with the architectural and structural issues. This issue, together with the lack of an accepted or commonly used route for the development and supply of transformable structures, underlines the immediate need for the interactive collaboration of all parties involved in the design, planning and construction of this type of architecture, as well as those who benefit from it. The review of current approachesto designing buildings, suggests that due to the lack of classified knowledge regarding the potential and possibilities of transformable structures, designers seldom consider transformable structures as a suitable solution in response to their architectural requirements. Another impedimentarises becauseof the relative novelty of transformable structures and the consequent lack of collaborative design management strategies and standard data. This creates a risk of design flaws and catastrophicfailure, or results in transformable architecture that is driven by structural analysis and economic issues, without considering aesthetic appearance and the effect of transformation on architectural spaces or the future requirements of architecture. Furthermore, due to the complexity of the design of this type of architecture and the associated uncertainty regarding its safety, smooth operation and functionality, clients are usually reluctant to invest in innovative transformable architectural projects. This thesis explores the genre of transformable architecture. It examines the development of the type from ancient times to the present day, including early transformable objects such as tents, through to the most innovative contemporary ideas and solutions. The major types of transformable structures are classified and examined in terms of structural principles and transformation mechanism, in order to explore their potential applications in the field of flexible, adaptable and kinetic intelligent architecture. This research evaluates the existing ideas and projects on the basis of the proposed design criteria for transformable architecture. The applications and opportunities that transformable structures can offer in the creation of dynamic responsive architectural spaces are explored. The major issues concer ing the design and maintenance managementof transformable architecture are evaluated and a strategic model for the design of transformable architecture is proposed. The aim of the work is to explore the potential of transformable architecture and identify relevant design management criteria that could lead to the creation of more effective, economic and appropriate transformable architecture that is more often considered as a solution in situations.