The study examines the existing technical basis in building practice for the application of cyber-physical systems on the façade. The associated intelligent cooperation of automated adaptive façade functions, inspired by intelligent technical systems in industry 4.0, offers a potential for the overall building performance. By the type and scope of automations already introduced today, façade functions are identified that offer special potential for consideration in a cyber-physically implemented façade. The investigation represents a multiple case study analysis in which office façades in Germany are examined. Data is collected from literature, expert interviews and field investigations. The evaluation is carried out in a single case analysis and a following cross-case analysis, in which patterns and dependencies in the joint implementation of automated and adaptive façade functions are identified. The study found that especially sun-related functions are implemented adaptively, often in combination with ventilation and the heating and cooling support function.@en

New technologies and automation concepts emerge in the digitalization of our environment. This is, for example, reflected by intelligent production systems in Industry 4.0. A core aspect of such systems is their cyber-physical implementation, which aims to increase productivity and flexibility through embedded computing capacities and the cooperation of decentrally networked production plants. This development stage of automation has not yet been achieved in the current state-of-the-art of façades. Being responsible for the execution of adaptive measures, façade automation is part of hierarchically and centrally organised Building Automation Systems (BAS). The research project ThinkingSkins is guided by the hypothesis that, aiming at an enhanced overall building performance, façades can be implemented as cyber-physical systems. Accordingly, it addresses the research question: How can cyber-physical systems be applied to façades, in order to enable coordinated adaptations of networked individual façade functions? The question is approached in four partial investigations. First, a comprehensive understanding of intelligent systems in both application fields, façades and Industry 4.0, is elaborated by a literature review. Subsequently, relevant façade functions are identified by a second literature review in a superposition matrix, which also incorporates characteristics for a detailed assessment of each function’s adaptive capacities. The third investigation focuses on existing conditions in building practice by means of a multiple case study analysis. Finally, the technical feasibility of façades implemented as cyber-physical systems is investigated by developing a prototype. The research project identifies the possibility and promising potential of cyberphysical façades. As result, the doctoral dissertation provides a conceptual framework for the implementation of such systems in building practice and for further research.@en

Digital tools change the planning and realization processes in architecture. While their application offers new possibilities and advantages, it also presents new challenges for architects and planners. The article identifies the exploration of new strategies and the appropriate education of future generations of planners as important aspects. Workshops in the context of the research project “ThinkingSkins” are presented as an example for the linking of research and teaching in this field.@en

The environmental boundary conditions and the demand for comfort change constantly during the use of a building. By dynamically balancing changing conditions and requirements, adaptive façades contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings. The façade fulfils a multitude of functions that are interdependent and relate to environmental conditions and requirements. By negotiating mutually supportive and competing adaptive functions, intelligent coordination offers the potential for better performance of façades in building operation. The strategy is already being applied in other application areas, such as the intelligently cooperating machines in industry 4.0. There, individual automated production plants are networked to form intelligent technical systems with regard to a common production goal. The research presented follows the assumption that this strategy can be applied to automated and adaptive functions of the façade to increase the building performance. The study identifies those functions which, due to possible automation and adaptivity, as well as effect on performance, can be considered as possible components of an intelligently cooperating system. In addition, characteristics are determined which can be used to evaluate the extent of automation and adaptivity of an individual façade function. The study shows that the detailed analysis of the automation and adaptivity within identified façade functions is possible. With a superimposition matrix, it also provides a tool that enables this assessment of the degree of automation and adaptability.@en

This research examines the technical feasibility of façades as cyber-physical systems, which can revolutionize former hierarchical and closed automation concepts of mechatronics through their cooperation of decentralized entities. While such systems are already employed in many application fields to increase the flexibility and performance of automated processes, a transfer to the operation of automated adaptive façades has not yet been investigated. In this study, a prototype is developed to systematically test the application of individual cyber-physical system criteria to façades. The prototype is organized in modules, each of which represents one instance of the selected façade functions of solar shading, natural and mechanical ventilation, and heating and cooling. The emphasis lies on development of a communication system that allows the functions to communicate and cooperate with each other. Evaluation of the prototype takes place in five independent case studies, in which the potential of the cyber-physical implementation is demonstrated by a successful system-internal cooperation. The study found that important aspects of cyber-physical systems, like their embedded control, the integration of actuators and sensor networks, implementation of a communication system and connection to a digital twin, are also feasible and promising in the façade domain.@en

The high and increasing requirements concerning energy consumption and the interior comfort of buildings result in a demand for more efficient façade constructions. In its role as a mediator between the exterior and interior of a building, the façade takes on a multitude of functions with effect on the building’s performance. Intelligent façades offer higher performances compared to static constructions, achieved by dynamic adjustments to changing environmental influences and interior requirements. Such systems are being explored and already applied. The concept of intelligent façades exists since the beginning of the 1980s. Since then, the technological possibilities for the implementation of intelligent systems have multiplied. Today, the fourth industrial revolution is based on the implementation of intelligent and networked production facilities. Considering the current exploration of intelligent technical systems in the industry, the understanding and the demands on the intelligence of a system change. The aim of this study is to examine the comprehension of an intelligent system in the context of the façade and in the context of the industry. This is to provide the basis for subsequent research on the transferability of strategies. The study provides used terms, relevant aspects, current definitions and characteristics of the respective intelligent system.@en