The project aims to create a modular, inflatable light-adaptive facade that automatically adjusts interior lighting for various human activities, operating in three modes: shading, moderate, and transparent.

The facade’s control system responds to changing light conditions and human activities through agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS).

Each inflatable unit functions as a boid agent, autonomously adapting its behavior based on these inputs. The ABMS system generates a boolean signal for each unit, determining whether to inflate or deflate, while the containment behavioral rules ensures the units’ shape changes remain within functional and structural limits.

Light Sensing: Light sensors on the facade's exterior measure real-time sunlight intensity.
‍User Detection: Webcam-based color detection identifies user location and motion to assess human activity.
‍Actuation Mechanism:
- Vacuum pumps control inflation of the facade units.
- Solenoid valves manage deflation.
‍Control Integration:
- Sensors and actuators connect to a relay module linked to a microcontroller.
- The Grasshopper Firefly plug-in processes sensor data, feeding it to the ABMS system.
- The ABMS system generates decisions for inflating or deflating the units based on input data.

Modular Setup: Eight inflatable units are divided into two control groups, demonstrating sequencing within and interaction between groups.
Materials:
- Clear vinyl sheets form the outer layer of the units.
- Colorful balloons substitute for the expensive colored silicon foils as the inner layer
Connection System:
- Silicon pipes and 3D-printed connectors manage airflow to and from the balloons.
- Pumps and valves are integrated for controlled inflation and deflation.