Physical Form Finding by Embedded Sensors: Using ‘sensor chaining’ in various temporal and spatial scales

Paper in proceeding, 2013

The paper concerns the potential of sensors as architectural design tools in different spatial and temporal scales. In particular, the focus is on how sensors are able to operate in a constantly changing environment, and how sensors might nurture an intuition of otherwise non perceivable aspects of performance within architecture. The study discus two set-ups. Firstly; an onsite sensor reading of changing performance between a refurbished and a classic Arabic house; the study is in large spatial and temporal scale. Secondly; a model design setup where the performance of the same Arabic house typology is tested in small spatial and small temporal scale. The study shows how large scale architecture can be investigated through the use of sensor chaining and how simple sensors can be implemented in a design task in order to give insight to certain aspects of performance. The paper concludes with a discussion on a more general sensor strategy for changing environments and design setups.