Team: Naoki Shitanda (Research Assistant), Jun Rekimoto
Architectural elements such as walls and windows have been static. This project demonstrates "Squama," a window with partially programable transparency, as a component of "programmable architecture", in which these architectural elements can be controlled by program according to the environment and the user's preferences. Squama is a system that consists of a matrix of electrically controllable transparency liquid crystal dimming films, a controller, and sensors that detect the environment and human behavior, enabling the user to program the degree of transparency to achieve both privacy and a sense of openness, and to control shadows. In Sony CSL – Kyoto, We are exploring the ideal form of programmable architecture by replacing the partitions and the shoji screens in Japanese-style tearoom in our office with Squama. Technically, we are designing a controller to control the dimming panels based on the information from the sensors and are working on the implementation of the controller.
