light sensor, custom software, acrylic, shape memory alloy
Working with the bio_logic Design Group, we developed a series of prototypes that translate sustainable building practices to the public in real time. The reactive installation was conceived to be modular and scalable, and powered by solar energy.
The project is an array of kinetic petals that senses variations in sunlight intensity and communicates these variations to observers by changing the overall kinetic energy of the array.
To make the project a success, ULR Studio developed custom hardware and software to control the array of shape memory alloy actuators. The software was designed from the ground up to not only control the motion of the system, but also to simulate several input scenarios. The entire hardware system was designed to fit within a hardshell travel case.
Solar Petal Prototype
side view
detail view