Architecture has always been part design and part science, but,
once again, we are in an era where the two have great potential to help one
another. A design-science marriage will be key as both scientists and designers
strive to push their respective fi elds forward. Each can provide insight into the
other as designers can help scientists think ‘ outside of the box ’ while scientists
bring newfound technologies and theories to design disciplines – including
the architecture process. By incorporating motion into architecture, designers
give occupants another dimension by which to interact with their surroundings.
Architects can not only communicate motion, but can also engage occupants in
what it means to have transition and morphing states of architecture. When done
properly, kinetic architecture can inspire, surprise and even touch the soul. This
introduction to kinetic architecture highlights its purposes and benefi ts, and
provides strategies for designing and constructing moving building elements that
optimize sustainability in architecture. This article proposes an initial conceptual
framework for the exploration of the sustainable engaging attributes of kinetic
architectural structures. It will serve as one of the fi rst attempts to understand,
defi ne and frame kinetic architecture from a complex adaptive environmental
approach. The article also attempts to bring together the camps of performative,
responsive and adaptive environments under the rubric of kinetic architecture.

• Sustainable vision of kinetic architecture