Figure 2. Hylite panels actuated by embedded fluidic
Festo Muscles.
placed on different locations around the globe, all
exchanging information with each other, with their
local environment, their local users, and with their
global directives. What would these ProA buildings tell
each other, and what sort of information would they
exchange?
THE MUSCLE PROJECTS
With the Muscle projects, our first prototypes of
ProA, we tried to emphasize the real-time actuated
spatial response that a building or architectural space
might provide. The prototypes were conceived of as
a collection of 3D spatial strips, programmed to
respond to their occupants through proximity and
touch sensors, processors, and actuating fluidic muscles made by Festo (see Figure 2). Each strip is made
out of Hylite panels, a sandwich material with combined properties of aluminum and plastic that is
bendable. Two fluidic muscles produce compression
power that transforms the otherwise hard-edged
strip into soft luxuriant undulations.
In the Muscle project, the cumulative coupling of
basic units gives rise to three distinct elements: a
responsive floor, a ceiling, and walls joined together in
a closed 3D loop. These elements are linked in space
in a highly interdependent manner, constantly
exchanging information (such as air pressure varia-
By introducing interactivity, we wanted to break the
stereotype of the facade of a building as a barrier separating
the interior from the external environment.