Cool vid: Zero-Energy Structure “Bloom” Responds Automatically to Sunlight!

“In architect Doris Kim Sung’s ideal future, buildings will automatically respond to changes in the environment. ‘For a long time, my work has examined why architecture is static and nonresponsive, and why it can’t be more flexible like clothing,” said Sung, assistant professor of architecture at the USC School of Architecture. “Why do we have to adapt to architecture rather than architecture responding to us? Why can’t buildings be animated?’ At first, Sung explored mechanical building movement, like sliding walls and levered floors. Then, she hit upon a material that had never before been used in architecture: a metal alloy that responds automatically to changes in air temperature and heat.”

“With “Bloom,” a 20-foot tall undulating installation in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, Sung has made these ideas a reality. She’s received multiple grants to further her research with thermobimetal, including one to reskin an Airstream trailer in this dynamic smart material, so it can fan open and air out on particularly hot days.” Whoa holy awesome!