Maria Matheou | University of Stuttgart (original) (raw)
Papers by Maria Matheou
Frontiers in Built Environment
Structures enabling transformability of buildings, components and materials at different levels g... more Structures enabling transformability of buildings, components and materials at different levels gain significance in view of a sustainable built environment. Such structures are capable of obtaining different shapes in response to varying functional, environmental or loading conditions. Certain limitations of classic tensegrity and scissor-like structures, applied so far in an architectural and engineering context, are attributed to a limited number of possible configurations and a big number of actuators required. In this context, rigid-bar linkages offer a promising alternative with regard to constructability, modularity, transformability and control components integration. In achieving improved flexibility and controllability with a reduced number of actuation devices, a kinematics principle has been previously proposed by the authors that involves the reduction of the system to an externally controlled one degree-of-freedom mechanism in a multistep transformation process. The pa...
Journal of Structural Engineering
Frontiers in Built Environment
Editorial on the Research Topic Transformable structures and envelopes in architecture and civil ... more Editorial on the Research Topic Transformable structures and envelopes in architecture and civil engineering The achievement of CO 2 neutral construction constitutes the most important challenge for the building industry in the 21st century. Speed, durability and resource efficiency are of increasing importance in meeting the challenges of global population growth and climate change. The conceptualization and development of new innovative structures and materials towards a minimization of energy consumption and fossil resources, as well as sustainable solutions by means of reduced footprint and resource optimization gain significance. In this framework, transformable structures in architecture and civil engineering offer a promising solution to massive building structures and fixed-shape components realized in a particular context and time. In the creation of a sustainable built environment, aspects of flexibility, modularity and structural efficiency enable transformability of the buildings and their components at different levels. Transformable structures applied at the building, envelope and elements level may have reconfigurable, deployable, adaptive and intelligent attributes. They are capable to transform into differing shapes and/or adapt in response to varying functional, environmental or loading conditions. From a functional perspective, shape transformations contribute towards better space utilization; from an environmental perspective, optimal comfort levels for the occupants and renewable energy Research Topic become possible. Transformability and adaptivity enable minimization of external loading and structural performance optimization respectively. Different typologies and related mechanisms have been developed in recent years for architectural and other engineering applications, such as tensegrity, scissor-like, rigid-bar linkages and origami inspired systems, as well as control systems and elements. Such developments are often assessed based on their constructability and maintenance, modularity and assembly, fabrication and construction design, material properties, kinematics, control components design and integration, structural performance, environmental performance, as well as energy performance during actuation. At the architectural level, the spatial, aesthetic, and technical characteristics of transformable buildings and elements are explored for the characterization and perception of architectural space in Akgün et al. In particular, the interrelation of architectural space, tectonics and transformation of architectural elements is classified and further exemplified on a case study of The Shed in Hudson Yards in New York
Routledge eBooks, Jul 19, 2022
Adaptive façade design plays a key role in energy performance and sustainability considering the ... more Adaptive façade design plays a key role in energy performance and sustainability considering the thermal, lighting, acoustic, and visual occupants' comfort as well as aesthetics, economics and durability. In this research, adaptive modifications have been conducted to an existing external shading system of a multi- storey office building. The considered design parameters are the orientation and depth of the shading systems, as well as the rotation, width and distance between the embedded louvers. The parametric analysis has been conducted with Archsim Energy Modeling and DIVA plugin in Rhino/Grasshopper linked with EnergyPlus simulation engine. The simulation study refers to Athens, Greece with typical Mediterranean climate set on clear sky with sun. Due to the south-west building orientation, four case studies in different point-in-time with four thermal zones demonstrate the illuminance. The analysis evaluates the effectiveness of the shading system according to the Air Temper...
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
A new generation of reconfigurable buildings will be able to provide certain advantages over trad... more A new generation of reconfigurable buildings will be able to provide certain advantages over traditional structures and create new architectural perspectives. One concept that has been proposed comprises a parallel arrangement of planar n–bar linkages to create the skeleton structure of a building. Reconfigurations of the individual planar mechanisms define the overall shape of the building. For this purpose a systematic procedure has been developed called “effective four-bar” method which is reviewed. The basic idea of this concept is to strategically lock \(n-4\) joints of the individual n–bar linkages so to effectively leave four-bar linkages each with 1 degree of freedom. The latter can be actuated, and thus the shape of the building changed by means of a single actuator. Two different actuation methods are discussed.
Engineering Structures, 2015
Abstract Compared to traditional fixed-shaped structures, reconfigurable structures may provide v... more Abstract Compared to traditional fixed-shaped structures, reconfigurable structures may provide various advantages with regard to space utilization, building form optimization and energy efficiency. The purpose of this study is to present the development and kinematic behavior of a reconfigurable hybrid structure. Hinge-connected beam members, stabilized through a secondary system of struts and continuous diagonal cables compose planar n -bar mechanisms arranged in parallel to formulate the spatial reconfigurable structure. The transformability of the system is based on the application of the ‘effective 4-bar’ concept using a sequence of 1-DOF motion steps through selectively locking ( n − 4) joints of the primary members and modification of the cables’ length. Different intermediate configurations depend on the motion planning, in order to adjust the system’s joints to the desired values during the motion steps involved in the respective transformation sequence. The proposed control system includes position sensors installed on the individual joints to provide feedback information, two motion actuators located at the structural supports, as well as brakes installed on each individual joint. The control system manages the operation of the motion actuators and the brakes to realize the reconfiguration sequences through tensioning the cables. The paper reports the structure’s design concept, motion planning and control. The implementation of the structural reconfiguration approach and related kinematics issues are investigated through a simulation example.
Volume 6B: 37th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, 2013
ABSTRACT Shape–controlled adaptable buildings constitute a major excursion from traditional archi... more ABSTRACT Shape–controlled adaptable buildings constitute a major excursion from traditional architectural approaches with a potential for superior performance and enhanced flexibility compared to traditional fixed–shape building structures. A building concept is examined whose skeleton structure consists of a parallel arrangement of planar closed–loop n–bar linkages and it is covered with a flexible material. Shape adjustments involve coordinated reconfigurations of the constituent closed–chain mechanisms. Each individual linkage is equipped with one motion actuator as well as brakes installed on every joint. For the reconfigurations an “effective 4–bar” concept has been proposed that involves stepwise adjustments. Each step involves the selective locking of (n – 4) joints of each linkage so that it is effectively reduced to a single–DOF 4–bar mechanism the configuration of which can be adjusted using the available motion actuator. Appropriately planned control sequences can be used for a complete reconfiguration of the linkage. Motion planning is concerned with the generation of optimal control sequences while taking into account imposed limitations arising from the moving structure as well as the flexible envelop. This paper is a continuation of a prior work paying special attention to the envelop design. Simulation examples as well as an experimental study are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and investigate relevant issues.
Journal of Mechanical Design, 2015
Shape-control in an architectural context is expected to provide unique opportunities for buildin... more Shape-control in an architectural context is expected to provide unique opportunities for buildings with enhanced functionality, flexibility, energy performance, and occupants comfort. An architectural concept is proposed which consists of a parallel arrangement of planar n-bar mechanisms formulating its skeleton structure and a membrane material stretched over it to define the building envelope. Overall shape changes involve coordinated motion of the individual planar mechanisms. Each linkage is equipped with one motion actuator as well as brakes installed on every joint. Reconfigurations of the building are based on the “effective 4-bar (E4B)” concept allowing stepwise adjustments. Each intermediate step involves the selective locking of (n − 4) joints on each closed-loop linkage effectively reducing it to a single degrees-of-freedom (DOF) 4-bar mechanism, the configuration of which can be adjusted using the available motion actuator. A reconfiguration of the mechanism can be real...
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2012
Supported through technological advances, the concept of kinetic architecture is internationally ... more Supported through technological advances, the concept of kinetic architecture is internationally increasingly acknowledged in the past years in the development of adaptable buildings as to differing functional requirements, or external loading conditions. Most decisive factor is the structure in terms of materials and geometrical configurations, and the control system integrated within. Based on general principles of tensegrity structures, a hybrid system has been developed that consists of continuous hinge connected compression members, strengthened by an internal system of struts and continuous cable diagonals with closed loop. The kinetic mechanism is achieved through alteration of the cables length and the respective relative inclination of any adjacent compression members. In this way the transformability of the system arises primarily from the inherent integrative composition and dual capabilities of its members. Following the construction design of the prototype structure, th...
Architecture, Structures and Construction
In the last decade, various types of transformable building structures have been developed, such ... more In the last decade, various types of transformable building structures have been developed, such as deployable tensegrity, scissor-like and origami-inspired systems, as well as reconfigurable rigid-bar linkage and adaptive compliant structures. The development of the systems owns to advances in material design and kinetics, while aiming at an improved sustainability of the built environment. Their conceptualization and investigation have been enabled through associative parametric design and numerical analysis facilities that meanwhile provide robust digital visualizations and numerical analysis models. In principle, responsive building structures are capable to adapt to changing functional, loading, or environmental conditions. At university level, the integrated architectural design that involves an integrative development of the building form, functions and technical system parameters is increasingly enriched by performance-based design approaches through interdisciplinary experimentation and design-driven research, i.e., 'integrated interdisciplinary design', for the achievement of efficiency, sustainability and technological innovation in architecture. The paper discusses related influencing modes and preliminary design results of an integrated interdisciplinary approach driven by aspects of modularity, flexibility, transportability, deployability, adaptivity and interactivity, as well as their implications towards a framework of related research. The design projects presented have been supervised by the authors in recent years at the University of Cyprus and the University of Stuttgart. In all cases, the design methodology followed enables students to consider related morphological, functional and structural requirements, while being exposed to transformable building structures as related to aspects of materiality, functionality, sustainability and aesthetics.
The interactive relationship of society, technology and architecture has increased the demand on ... more The interactive relationship of society, technology and architecture has increased the demand on our built environment for kinetic structures that are capable to respond to changing external loading, functional and environmental conditions. Within this broader frame of consideration, the development of a reconfigurable hybrid structure is presented in the current paper. Hinge connected members, stabilized through a secondary system of struts and continuous diagonal cables with closed circuit compose the planar primary system. The kinematics of the structural system is based on the application of the effective 4–bar method, by using a sequence of 1-DOF (degrees of freedom) motion steps through modification of the cables’ length. Motion planning is conducted through simulated models and is based on structural and kinematic criteria, in order to adjust the systems’ joints to the desired values during the motion steps involved in any respective transformation sequence. The active contro...
The project explores the load-bearing behavior of a planar 9-bar linkage in different states of t... more The project explores the load-bearing behavior of a planar 9-bar linkage in different states of the ‘effective 4-bar’ reconfiguration sequences based on a robust automated optimization-driven approach of the metaheuristic algorithm, Pity Beetle Algorithm (PBA). Different intermediate configurations depend on the automated optimization-driven analysis, in order to adjust the system’s joints to the desired values during the motion steps involved from an initial to a target position aiming to eliminate the need of multiple actuators. The 9-bar linkage uses a sequence of one degree-of-freedom motion steps by selectively releasing four joints of the primary members at a time and engaging brakes installed on each individual joint and only one geared electrical motor at the base. In the present study, we consider a principal planar 9-bar linkage with initial and target configurations defined on the basis of a quasi-ellipsoid shape of 5.42 and 4.49 m height respectively and 4.66 m span. The...
Structures and Architecture: Bridging the Gap and Crossing Borders
International Journal of Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements, 2017
New concepts, applications and challenges, 2013
Frontiers in Built Environment
Structures enabling transformability of buildings, components and materials at different levels g... more Structures enabling transformability of buildings, components and materials at different levels gain significance in view of a sustainable built environment. Such structures are capable of obtaining different shapes in response to varying functional, environmental or loading conditions. Certain limitations of classic tensegrity and scissor-like structures, applied so far in an architectural and engineering context, are attributed to a limited number of possible configurations and a big number of actuators required. In this context, rigid-bar linkages offer a promising alternative with regard to constructability, modularity, transformability and control components integration. In achieving improved flexibility and controllability with a reduced number of actuation devices, a kinematics principle has been previously proposed by the authors that involves the reduction of the system to an externally controlled one degree-of-freedom mechanism in a multistep transformation process. The pa...
Journal of Structural Engineering
Frontiers in Built Environment
Editorial on the Research Topic Transformable structures and envelopes in architecture and civil ... more Editorial on the Research Topic Transformable structures and envelopes in architecture and civil engineering The achievement of CO 2 neutral construction constitutes the most important challenge for the building industry in the 21st century. Speed, durability and resource efficiency are of increasing importance in meeting the challenges of global population growth and climate change. The conceptualization and development of new innovative structures and materials towards a minimization of energy consumption and fossil resources, as well as sustainable solutions by means of reduced footprint and resource optimization gain significance. In this framework, transformable structures in architecture and civil engineering offer a promising solution to massive building structures and fixed-shape components realized in a particular context and time. In the creation of a sustainable built environment, aspects of flexibility, modularity and structural efficiency enable transformability of the buildings and their components at different levels. Transformable structures applied at the building, envelope and elements level may have reconfigurable, deployable, adaptive and intelligent attributes. They are capable to transform into differing shapes and/or adapt in response to varying functional, environmental or loading conditions. From a functional perspective, shape transformations contribute towards better space utilization; from an environmental perspective, optimal comfort levels for the occupants and renewable energy Research Topic become possible. Transformability and adaptivity enable minimization of external loading and structural performance optimization respectively. Different typologies and related mechanisms have been developed in recent years for architectural and other engineering applications, such as tensegrity, scissor-like, rigid-bar linkages and origami inspired systems, as well as control systems and elements. Such developments are often assessed based on their constructability and maintenance, modularity and assembly, fabrication and construction design, material properties, kinematics, control components design and integration, structural performance, environmental performance, as well as energy performance during actuation. At the architectural level, the spatial, aesthetic, and technical characteristics of transformable buildings and elements are explored for the characterization and perception of architectural space in Akgün et al. In particular, the interrelation of architectural space, tectonics and transformation of architectural elements is classified and further exemplified on a case study of The Shed in Hudson Yards in New York
Routledge eBooks, Jul 19, 2022
Adaptive façade design plays a key role in energy performance and sustainability considering the ... more Adaptive façade design plays a key role in energy performance and sustainability considering the thermal, lighting, acoustic, and visual occupants' comfort as well as aesthetics, economics and durability. In this research, adaptive modifications have been conducted to an existing external shading system of a multi- storey office building. The considered design parameters are the orientation and depth of the shading systems, as well as the rotation, width and distance between the embedded louvers. The parametric analysis has been conducted with Archsim Energy Modeling and DIVA plugin in Rhino/Grasshopper linked with EnergyPlus simulation engine. The simulation study refers to Athens, Greece with typical Mediterranean climate set on clear sky with sun. Due to the south-west building orientation, four case studies in different point-in-time with four thermal zones demonstrate the illuminance. The analysis evaluates the effectiveness of the shading system according to the Air Temper...
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2016
A new generation of reconfigurable buildings will be able to provide certain advantages over trad... more A new generation of reconfigurable buildings will be able to provide certain advantages over traditional structures and create new architectural perspectives. One concept that has been proposed comprises a parallel arrangement of planar n–bar linkages to create the skeleton structure of a building. Reconfigurations of the individual planar mechanisms define the overall shape of the building. For this purpose a systematic procedure has been developed called “effective four-bar” method which is reviewed. The basic idea of this concept is to strategically lock \(n-4\) joints of the individual n–bar linkages so to effectively leave four-bar linkages each with 1 degree of freedom. The latter can be actuated, and thus the shape of the building changed by means of a single actuator. Two different actuation methods are discussed.
Engineering Structures, 2015
Abstract Compared to traditional fixed-shaped structures, reconfigurable structures may provide v... more Abstract Compared to traditional fixed-shaped structures, reconfigurable structures may provide various advantages with regard to space utilization, building form optimization and energy efficiency. The purpose of this study is to present the development and kinematic behavior of a reconfigurable hybrid structure. Hinge-connected beam members, stabilized through a secondary system of struts and continuous diagonal cables compose planar n -bar mechanisms arranged in parallel to formulate the spatial reconfigurable structure. The transformability of the system is based on the application of the ‘effective 4-bar’ concept using a sequence of 1-DOF motion steps through selectively locking ( n − 4) joints of the primary members and modification of the cables’ length. Different intermediate configurations depend on the motion planning, in order to adjust the system’s joints to the desired values during the motion steps involved in the respective transformation sequence. The proposed control system includes position sensors installed on the individual joints to provide feedback information, two motion actuators located at the structural supports, as well as brakes installed on each individual joint. The control system manages the operation of the motion actuators and the brakes to realize the reconfiguration sequences through tensioning the cables. The paper reports the structure’s design concept, motion planning and control. The implementation of the structural reconfiguration approach and related kinematics issues are investigated through a simulation example.
Volume 6B: 37th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, 2013
ABSTRACT Shape–controlled adaptable buildings constitute a major excursion from traditional archi... more ABSTRACT Shape–controlled adaptable buildings constitute a major excursion from traditional architectural approaches with a potential for superior performance and enhanced flexibility compared to traditional fixed–shape building structures. A building concept is examined whose skeleton structure consists of a parallel arrangement of planar closed–loop n–bar linkages and it is covered with a flexible material. Shape adjustments involve coordinated reconfigurations of the constituent closed–chain mechanisms. Each individual linkage is equipped with one motion actuator as well as brakes installed on every joint. For the reconfigurations an “effective 4–bar” concept has been proposed that involves stepwise adjustments. Each step involves the selective locking of (n – 4) joints of each linkage so that it is effectively reduced to a single–DOF 4–bar mechanism the configuration of which can be adjusted using the available motion actuator. Appropriately planned control sequences can be used for a complete reconfiguration of the linkage. Motion planning is concerned with the generation of optimal control sequences while taking into account imposed limitations arising from the moving structure as well as the flexible envelop. This paper is a continuation of a prior work paying special attention to the envelop design. Simulation examples as well as an experimental study are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and investigate relevant issues.
Journal of Mechanical Design, 2015
Shape-control in an architectural context is expected to provide unique opportunities for buildin... more Shape-control in an architectural context is expected to provide unique opportunities for buildings with enhanced functionality, flexibility, energy performance, and occupants comfort. An architectural concept is proposed which consists of a parallel arrangement of planar n-bar mechanisms formulating its skeleton structure and a membrane material stretched over it to define the building envelope. Overall shape changes involve coordinated motion of the individual planar mechanisms. Each linkage is equipped with one motion actuator as well as brakes installed on every joint. Reconfigurations of the building are based on the “effective 4-bar (E4B)” concept allowing stepwise adjustments. Each intermediate step involves the selective locking of (n − 4) joints on each closed-loop linkage effectively reducing it to a single degrees-of-freedom (DOF) 4-bar mechanism, the configuration of which can be adjusted using the available motion actuator. A reconfiguration of the mechanism can be real...
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2012
Supported through technological advances, the concept of kinetic architecture is internationally ... more Supported through technological advances, the concept of kinetic architecture is internationally increasingly acknowledged in the past years in the development of adaptable buildings as to differing functional requirements, or external loading conditions. Most decisive factor is the structure in terms of materials and geometrical configurations, and the control system integrated within. Based on general principles of tensegrity structures, a hybrid system has been developed that consists of continuous hinge connected compression members, strengthened by an internal system of struts and continuous cable diagonals with closed loop. The kinetic mechanism is achieved through alteration of the cables length and the respective relative inclination of any adjacent compression members. In this way the transformability of the system arises primarily from the inherent integrative composition and dual capabilities of its members. Following the construction design of the prototype structure, th...
Architecture, Structures and Construction
In the last decade, various types of transformable building structures have been developed, such ... more In the last decade, various types of transformable building structures have been developed, such as deployable tensegrity, scissor-like and origami-inspired systems, as well as reconfigurable rigid-bar linkage and adaptive compliant structures. The development of the systems owns to advances in material design and kinetics, while aiming at an improved sustainability of the built environment. Their conceptualization and investigation have been enabled through associative parametric design and numerical analysis facilities that meanwhile provide robust digital visualizations and numerical analysis models. In principle, responsive building structures are capable to adapt to changing functional, loading, or environmental conditions. At university level, the integrated architectural design that involves an integrative development of the building form, functions and technical system parameters is increasingly enriched by performance-based design approaches through interdisciplinary experimentation and design-driven research, i.e., 'integrated interdisciplinary design', for the achievement of efficiency, sustainability and technological innovation in architecture. The paper discusses related influencing modes and preliminary design results of an integrated interdisciplinary approach driven by aspects of modularity, flexibility, transportability, deployability, adaptivity and interactivity, as well as their implications towards a framework of related research. The design projects presented have been supervised by the authors in recent years at the University of Cyprus and the University of Stuttgart. In all cases, the design methodology followed enables students to consider related morphological, functional and structural requirements, while being exposed to transformable building structures as related to aspects of materiality, functionality, sustainability and aesthetics.
The interactive relationship of society, technology and architecture has increased the demand on ... more The interactive relationship of society, technology and architecture has increased the demand on our built environment for kinetic structures that are capable to respond to changing external loading, functional and environmental conditions. Within this broader frame of consideration, the development of a reconfigurable hybrid structure is presented in the current paper. Hinge connected members, stabilized through a secondary system of struts and continuous diagonal cables with closed circuit compose the planar primary system. The kinematics of the structural system is based on the application of the effective 4–bar method, by using a sequence of 1-DOF (degrees of freedom) motion steps through modification of the cables’ length. Motion planning is conducted through simulated models and is based on structural and kinematic criteria, in order to adjust the systems’ joints to the desired values during the motion steps involved in any respective transformation sequence. The active contro...
The project explores the load-bearing behavior of a planar 9-bar linkage in different states of t... more The project explores the load-bearing behavior of a planar 9-bar linkage in different states of the ‘effective 4-bar’ reconfiguration sequences based on a robust automated optimization-driven approach of the metaheuristic algorithm, Pity Beetle Algorithm (PBA). Different intermediate configurations depend on the automated optimization-driven analysis, in order to adjust the system’s joints to the desired values during the motion steps involved from an initial to a target position aiming to eliminate the need of multiple actuators. The 9-bar linkage uses a sequence of one degree-of-freedom motion steps by selectively releasing four joints of the primary members at a time and engaging brakes installed on each individual joint and only one geared electrical motor at the base. In the present study, we consider a principal planar 9-bar linkage with initial and target configurations defined on the basis of a quasi-ellipsoid shape of 5.42 and 4.49 m height respectively and 4.66 m span. The...
Structures and Architecture: Bridging the Gap and Crossing Borders
International Journal of Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements, 2017
New concepts, applications and challenges, 2013