Embedding intelligence to control adaptive building envelopes

Adaptive facades are characterized by multiple, dynamic functionalities that reflect the number of domains that the envelope needs to tackle during the operation. These responsive façade systems are promising solutions to continuously obtain a balanced performance across different competing requirements. In such systems the real-time management of the façade’s dynamic properties through a controller, and preferably a local one, is a prerequisite to ensure effective achievement of the optimal building performance. The topic of embedded intelligence in façade systems is explored in this chapter, where requirements and logics for optimal, real-time control of adaptive facades are presented. The chapter covers fundamental questions and gives a general introduction to the complexity of embedding control technologies for dynamic skins. It also exemplifies some strategies for integrating intelligence into different types of adaptive building envelopes (such as smart glazing, double-skin facades and shading systems) while providing an overview of research avenues.