Squama: a programmable window and wall for future physical architectures

Authors:
Jun Rekimoto
Affiliations:
The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan and Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Tokyo, Japan
Venue:
Proceedings of the 2012 ACM Conference on Ubiquitous Computing
Year:
2012

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Squama: modular visibility control of walls and windows for programmable physical architectures

Proceedings of the International Working Conference on Advanced Visual Interfaces

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Abstract

In this video we present Squama, a programmable physical window or wall that can independently control the visibility of its elemental small square tiles. This is an example of programmable physical architecture, our vision for future architectures where the physical features of architectural elements and facades can be dynamically changed and reprogrammed according to people's needs. When Squama is used as a wall, it dynamically controls the transparency through its surface, and simultaneously satisfies the needs for openness and privacy. It can also control the amount of sunlight and create shadows, called programmable shadows, in order to afford indoor comfort without completely blocking the outer view. In this video, we show how in future, architectural space can become dynamically changeable and introduce the Squama system as an initial instance for exemplifying this concept.