26.11.2024

Next Generation Intelligent Skins

Initial Situation

Our cities are facing enormous challenges: population density is increasing, traffic is becoming more congested, air quality is deteriorating, and infrastructures are overloaded. These problems lead to a reduced quality of life. Today, very few buildings actively contribute to solving these urban issues.

WHAT ARE «NEXT GENERATION INTELLIGENT SKINS»?

At iart, we believe the solution to these challenges lies in the development of «Next Generation Intelligent Skins» – the next evolutionary stage of media architecture. These intelligent façades are more than mere aesthetic design elements. They combine green façades, photovoltaics, smart sensors, and interactive media to actively improve air quality, regulate the microclimate, mitigate the heat island effect, absorb noise, and generate energy.

WHERE WE HAVE ALREADY COMBINED AESTHETICS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Two completed projects have demonstrated that it is possible to unite sustainability with aesthetic functionality:

  • At the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, we combined solar technology with a semi-transparent façade that created light patterns depending on the sun's intensity.
  • For the Novartis Pavilion in Basel, we developed a media façade made of organic photovoltaic panels that generate energy during the day and function as a digital canvas at night.

These projects marked the starting point for our vision of truly intelligent architecture that goes beyond serving as a mere building envelope.

HOW WILL «NEXT GENERATION INTELLIGENT SKINS» BE CONSTRUCTED?

Every static building today could become an interactive system that actively contributes to improving quality of life. Its intelligent façade will consist of three complementary layers:

  • The outer building envelope. This layer protects the building against external influences and connects it to the urban environment.
  • The green layer. Composed of moss and other plant species, it enhances air quality and the surrounding microclimate.
  • The intelligent media layer. Featuring photovoltaic panels, sensors, and interactive lighting, this layer responds to environmental factors and displays dynamic content.

These layers work together to transform buildings from static structures into active elements within the urban ecosystem.

WHAT GROWS ON FAÇADES?

Green façade layers act as insulators, absorb CO₂, and improve air quality. They also help reduce urban heat islands – an issue that is becoming increasingly significant in many cities. But what grows vertically? Moss!
Moss grows without soil and absorbs nutrients directly from the air. By developing bio-receptive concrete structures, we can optimize conditions for moss growth on façades and scale this technology for industrial use. Combining moss with photovoltaics, sensors, and lighting systems forms the foundation of «Next Generation Intelligent Skins.»


SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER!

Our team is continuously researching new materials, technologies, and design approaches to bring «Next Generation Intelligent Skins» to life. But we cannot realize this vision alone. Do you have a project where you believe an intelligent façade would be valuable? Let’s collaborate and create a sustainable impact together!

Contact us!