Spatial dialogues: Responsive architecture and intelligent emergent space

Statement of issue/problem. The critical observation and analysis of our rapidly evolving contemporary society has evoked the need for a smart, flexible and responsive architecture. High levels of dynamism in social, economical and ecological processes have resulted in an accelerated lifestyle with more flexibility as well as individuality. New technologies and their time-based nature have produced increasingly socio-spatial effects that undermine architecture's traditional identity. An understanding of these dynamic processes and the fusion of new technologies with architecture is necessary to ensure that architecture remains relevant in the design of new spatial configurations.Statement of significance of issue. The thesis explored the concepts of responsiveness and interactivity for a smart architecture. New sensing technology, distributed intelligence and active material systems created a "living" space that changed its internal parameters and performance in direct response to the inhabitants' behavior and external events.A particular focus was directed on the theoretical and physical investigation of the spatial dialogue between these dynamic processes and the architectural system. The dialogue, defined as an interactive and conscious exchange of thoughts and actions through hearing, speaking and thinking between two individual systems, was translated into kinetic language. The development of a smart behaving apparatus, which interacts autonomously, manifested the state of the dialogue.