This week I am exploring the potential of heat responsive materials and forms. Thermostatic bimetals are exciting materials consisting of two or more metallic layers which have different coefficients of expansion. They respond to changes in temperature, curling in a uniform arc. I have created a simple screen from a series of flat, vertically positioned, bimetal panels.
As the ambient temperature increases, each metal panel curls outwards, creating a beautiful arching form. As they cool they return in unison to their flat vertical profile. Fabulous to imagine such a structure on a large scale – on hot days the screen bends potentially to create a canopy which could be designed to filter the suns rays and provide shade. The shape of the screen will be different depending on environmental conditions, reflecting changes in the weather.
I love the simple beauty of this structure!
