20 Jun Friday Fun with the Animated Aperture Tower
Call it ugly, call it strange, or perhaps you might call it amazing. Whatever your opinion, the Animated Apertures Housing Tower by Los Angeles architects B+U Architecture is one project you can’t help but be intrigued by. B+U Architects pride themselves on their progressive use of new technology and materiality. The design intention for Animated Apertures was to shock and surprise. The architecture also aspires to reflect natural patterns and shapes, the building is a living structure. Animated Aperture is a hybrid, part building, part plant and possibly part alien.
What I really love about this project is that B+U Architects have taken the time to accept the challenge to rethink window DNA, something here at EDGE Architectural we will always applaud. Instead of repeating traditional flat concrete façade design formula from the past, B+U Architects dared to be different. The external apertures are a little crazy looking, and they do remind me of a Venus flytrap plant, but they are also functional threshold spaces that allow the façade windows performance to excel. The plan is to manufacture the claw like window surrounds from a silicon composite, that through molecular technology will result in movement similar to the behaviour of a plant. Basically instead of having the external windows exposed or shielded by fixed shading devices, the apertures are breathable windbreaks and sunshades that respond to climate and weather. The breathability of the façade means that the windows can enjoy superior performance. They will effectively accommodate passive heating and cooling.
This project really directs focus to the importance of windows, and highlights the endless design opportunities that they create. Another added bonus is the external appearance of the building will forever be changing. A living building, what an exciting concept. What you think of Animated Aperture? Is this a really intelligent design that pushes the boundaries and improves performance? Or do you think it’s too ‘out there’ to ever be widely accepted?
Image Source: ArchDaily