We wanted to connect the culture of the hack at MIT with a personified miniskyscraper. To bridge interactivity and personality, we created a
language. You can speak to the mini skyscraper by operating a bicylce pump and it responds with movement. Coordinated efforts produce unexpected
structural choreography.
Pneumatic muscles allow the structure to move in all directions. They pull the structure out of an equilibrium position, creating three-dimensional curvature
in the central core. By stacking several units, the mini skyscraper can curve in several directions at once. This core acts as a spine to keep the structure
upright when none of the muscles are actuated. The pneumatic movement is graceful and precise.
What value does a moving skyscraper have? Movement allows for improved structural performance under certain conditions. Within this project, actuators were not used for their
usual application -- to stabilize a structure -- but instead to bring an interactive element of surprise and fun to our miniskyscraper. Instead of
(over)dimensioning for a worst case scenario, the lightweight structure can adapt its geometry to the situation. Such an active response/control would allow
for a significant reduction in material use as well as introduce countless new design possibilities.
Team: Philippe Block, Axel Kilian, Peter Schmitt and John Snavely
Special Thanks: Tim Danford and Susanne Seitinger
Four pneumatic muscles per unit allow the structure to move in all directions. Bicycle pumps provide an interface for the public to interact with the miniskyscraper. When people use the pumps simultaneously, unexpected motions result!
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(Click image to enlarge.)
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The miniskyscraper is built from the bottom up, starting with the uppermost section. A unit is inserted by raising the entire structure and attaching it to the base. In case of failure, the units are built for plug and play attachements and can be replaced easily.
- http://musclesfrombrussels.blogspot.com/
- Our blog. Here you'll find the latest pictures and updates on our progress!
- http://destech.mit.edu/akilian/newscreens/muscletower/applet/index.html
- A Java Applet demonstrating the motion and control of our Miniskyscraper.
- poster.pdf (5mb)
- Original poster for the competition
- http://architecture.mit.edu/mini_skyscraper/
- Miniskyscraper Competition Website