Kinetic Architecture: Reimagining the Facade of the UW Tower

Abstract

How can kinetic building components be implemented to improve the performance of a building? How do new interventions affect the original uses of an existing space? How does a building interact with nature and its residents? This thesis explores the potential of kinetic elements, and applies them to a facade renovation design of an older, existing building: the UW Tower. By developing the building envelope from a static system to a multi-layered and dynamic system, the proposed renovation imagines an adaptive environment to satisfy the changing needs of users. In addition to the building facade, the roof and the entrance of the building are also renovated to create a richer experience for both users and the public.