A psychotropic surface based on soft shape-changing material: Emotional input and pneumatically driven actuator
Résumé
We are considering realizing a prototype of adaptive architecture based on an
example from a science fiction novel by JG Ballard. We analyze this short story from an
interaction designer's point of view. Psychotropic houses in the novel are based on feel data
and shape-changing interface. We study these two characteristics as components of an open
feedback loop system linking inhabitants and their environment. We show how emotions can be
included in the design process; and how soft architecture crossing soft robotic can create a
pneumatically driven actuator. This allows us to precise the goals, the operating principle, the
first tests, and the specifications of our prototype.