The project panel "Performative Surfaces, Programmability, Scalability" seeks to diversify the conversation about the thematic strand "Performative Surfaces". It will focus on the contribution of design to matters of care through the design practices of the DGTF community and related fields.


Joanna Dauner, Universität der Künste Berlin 
Data Physicalization Versus Data Visualization: Displaying Data on »Smart Material Interfaces«

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Living in a data driven society and living with smart and connected devices challenges the field of data visualization: How can we display and filter the vast amount of everyday data without overwhelming the user? What other possibilities are there besides the classic graphical representation of data? And what role could shape-changing surfaces play in this process and make data tangible?

In a collaborative research project with TU Berlin, the UdK Berlin is investigating these questions and developing first prototypes for a shape-changing display using dielectric elastomers. Material, form and kinetic studies are presented and the relevance of those questions is shown, especially through the Corona Pandemic.




Paula van Brummelen, Weißensee kunsthochschule Berlin Embedded Movement. Responsive Shape-Changing Surfaces

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Embedded Movement deals with the development of flexible surface systems, which are capable of detecting changes in their environment and reacting to them with movement by seamlessly integrated shape-changing materials. The project investigates how the functional potentials of kinetic surfaces can be increased without affecting the flexible quality of the surface and its reduced construction.
In a first series of experiments, 3D printing and casting processes are used to integrate shape memory alloys into surface-structures. The hereby resulting interplay between two materials and their properties enables reversible movements and a resource-saving design.
Within the DGTF Annual Conference Material Trajectories. Designing with Care, current investigations regarding the characteristics of motion, the overlay of deformation potentials, the integration of sensor properties and a first applications of these kinetic structures in the field of adaptive interior design will be presented.



Ebba Fransén Waldhör, Maxie Schneider, Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin ADAPTEX. Adaptivity in Textile Solar Shading Membranes Through the Integration of Shape Memory Alloys

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The research project ADAPTEX investigates the potential of using the shape-changing material Shape memory alloy (SMA) for an adaptive sun shading textile for architecture. By incorporating SMA as an actuator into a textile membrane, the permeability of the surface can adapt in response to temperature changes in the immediate environment. The aim is to create a responsive, textile system that regulates solar gain and maximizes daylight autonomy, as well as minimizes overheating and glare, without the need of electricity - thereby significantly reducing the building's overall energy consumption.
Through an interdisciplinary, material-driven and computationally informed design process, two concepts are currently being developed as part of the research project: ADAPTEX Wave and ADAPTEX Mesh. They both explore how the structure of textiles—the interweaving of filaments—can be utilized for the integration of functional components such as SMA. The concepts follow different strategies regarding the type of kinetic motion, textile construction technique, integration of the actuator, and the degree of permeability of the surface. They both, however, illustrate a material system where the parameters of the SMA, the textile and the environment work together to constitute a resilient cyclic actuation. The focus on the processual, adaptive and active qualities of material structures opens up for new forms of designing and can contribute towards a more integrative, resource- and climate-friendly design and building culture.
ADAPTEX research project (2017-2021) is funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research BMBF within the framework of the innovation network smart³ and the program Zwanzig20.



Moderator: Iva Rešetar, Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity«, HU Berlin

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Joanna Dauner

Paula van Brummelen

Ebba Fransén Waldhör

Maxie Schneider

Iva Resetar