Optimization of outdoor comfort conditions with kinetic adaptive shelter: the case study of Piazza Armerina archaeological site

The traditional design approach for the improvement of outdoor comfort involves static solutions, typically simple plane canopy shading. They often do not fit with every climate type and with the changing of weather boundary condition along the day. In addition, they can have a visual impact solution. A kinetic component, such as an origami surface, is adaptable to the various climatic conditions during a day and could be folded up when not needed. Despite the potential, their application is limited by the lack of outdoor comfort based methodology and simulation workflows to control their operations. This study is a contribution to the field of simulation of adaptive components that fulfil the maximum degree of outdoor comfort. In particular, is presented a parametric optimization methodology to find the best dynamic configuration based on the Universal Thermal Comfort Index. It is considered key to have a workflow in within the parametric environment as this is the one where dynamic components are conceptualized, and movement programmed. The optimization workflow of different simulation parametric tools is demonstrated in the case study of the origami surfaces for a shading shelter in an archaeological area.