IAAC: Heliocell

On the rooftop of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, this temporary pavilion — the result of a two-week summer workshop — transforms its structure so as to follow the sun's path.

Students of a two-week workshop at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) have completed a temporary pavilion which transforms its structure so as to follow the sun's path. Titled Heliocell, the installation is located on the IAAC's rooftop.

"It is a solar pavilion with the attribute of transforming its structure," explains the IAAC, "so as to follow the sun path and get the maximum advantage of the solar radiation, to be captured by the solar panels incorporated on its skin."

The pavilion is built in bent wood, and the students conducted extensive explorations of bending strategies, by dimensions, fabrication and assembly methods. The structure incorporates sensors and activators, which add a dynamic character to the pavilion, and a controlled movement to the structure's ribs.

An extensive documentation of the pavilion's construction process can be consulted at the IAAC's Summer school blog.

IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion

IAAC Summer School: Heliocell
Participants: Guido Hermans, Veronika Natividade, Aline Vergauwen, Marc Subirana Ribera, Rodion Eremeev, Alexandra Chechetkina, Ayesha Farooq, Paula Baptista Borges, George Ladurner, Arrash Fakouri, Pedram Seddighzadeh Yazdi, Zinnur Osman Aytek, Marina Diez Cascon, Jordi Vinals Terrez, Fathi Nahal
Tutors: Areti Markopoulou, Rodrigo Rubio
Computational experts: Luis Fraguada, Guillem Camprodon
Fabrication experts: Jordi Portell, Anastasia Pistofidou
Coordination, Teaching Assistance: Nota Tsekoura
MAA Graduate Teaching Assistants: Emily Santos, Gabriel-Bello Diaz, Theodoris Grousopoulos, Rodrigo Aguirre

IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion
IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion
IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion
IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion
IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion
IAAC Summer School students, Heliocell, temporary pavilion