Responsive Architecture: New paradigms of urban relations

¹ UDEM, Architecture Department, San Pedro G.G., Nuevo León, México
² UDEM, Architecture Department, San Pedro G.G., Nuevo León, México

Corresponding author: anacristina.garcialuna@udem.edu

Abstract

The relationship between architecture and technology throughout history has continually meant the discipline's adaptation to new technological advances. Simultaneously, the contemporary city allows us to see the processes of evolution or involution in those who think about it, design it, build it and live it. In recent years, new technologies have been introduced that allow the morphological flexibility of buildings, such as responsive architecture, where the shape of the building can be reprogrammed and adapted to its spatial environment. These technologies function as a programmed response mechanism from catalytic elements thrown by the environment, these catalysts can vary from sensory elements to bio-climatic elements. This paper seeks to reflect on a new turn of these new adaptable technologies, where the human being himself is the key catalyst in the responsive process of these new buildings. This strives to promote a methodology where, through the union of the user participation and responsive environments, it is possible to introduce a new concept of Participatory Design. In this way, a new possibility can be introduced to create buildings that are constantly at the forefront of the social needs of the communities, where users not only manage to be part of the construction and design of the building but are also part of its constant evolutionary process.