WEEK 18
Applications and Implications, Project Development
Applications and Implications:
Plan a final project masterpiece that integrates all the topics covered.
Your project must incorporate:
- 2D and 3D design
- Additive and subtractive fabrication processes
- Electronics design and production
- Embedded microcontroller interfacing and programming
- System integration and packaging
Whenever possible, it is advisable to fabricate the project parts rather than buy them. Projects may be standalone or combined, but they must demonstrate individual mastery of the required skills and be operable autonomously.
See the Final Project Requirements for a complete list of the requirements that must be fulfilled.
1) What will it do?
My final project is a kinetic modular facade panel for windows and envelopes. It changes its geometry to regulate sunlight and thermal gain, improving indoor comfort while creating dynamic visual patterns in architecture.
2) Integrated skills matrix
| Requirement | How it is covered in my project |
|---|---|
| 2D and 3D design | Parametric module geometry and CAD assemblies in SolidWorks. |
| Additive and subtractive processes | 3D printed parts plus laser/CNC manufactured components. |
| Electronics design and production | Custom PCB design, milling/production, soldering, and validation. |
| Embedded interfacing and programming | Microcontroller firmware to control actuators and sensor response. |
| System integration and packaging | Mechanical, electrical, and control integration in one operable prototype. |
3) Who has done what beforehand?
I reviewed kinetic facade references, responsive shading systems, and previous Fab Academy projects involving modular mechanisms, PCB control, and compact embedded actuation. The most relevant project is the Kinetic Curtains by Juliana Lozano (2023), which shares the concept of responsive modules controlled by light sensors. However, my design differs in a key aspect: while Juliana's project features pre-assembled modules integrated into a fixed frame, my approach focuses on a modular, disassemblable system where individual hexagonal panels can be easily removed and reconfigured independently, allowing for greater flexibility in panel arrangement and maintenance.
- Kinetic Window - Group 02, Fab Lab ESAN (2022) - View Project
- Kinetic Facade Installation - Keith Tan, Fab Lab Singapore (2016) - View Project
- Interactive Architecture Kit - Enrico Cacciapuoti, Fab Lab Napoli (2017) - View Project
- Kinetic Curtains - Juliana Lozano, Fab Lab Singapore (2023) - View Project (Most similar concept)
4) Sources and references
- Kinetic Wall Series - Leva Engineering (2018-2024) - View Project
- Las Torres Al Bahar (Al Bahar Towers) - Aedas Architects (2012) - View Project
- Kinetic Facades – Light Sensitive Systems - IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia) (2020-2021) - View Project
5) What will I design and make?
- Hexamodular cell geometry and panel arrangement.
- Custom electronics board and wiring architecture.
- Actuation and linkage parts for movement control.
- Assembly fixtures and final packaging supports.
6) Materials, components, and BOM
BOM – Single HEXAMODULAR Module
| Item | Qty | Source | Unit Cost (USD) | Subtotal (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 | 1 | Seeed Studio / Fab Lab | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| HEXAMODULAR Custom PCB | 1 | Fab Lab | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| TowerPro SG90 Micro Servo | 1 | Electronics Store | 2.78 | 2.78 |
| DFRobot Light Sensor Module | 1 | DFRobot | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| Capacitors (Ceramic + Electrolytic) | 1 set | Electronics Store | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Neodymium Magnetic Connectors Ø15×3 mm | 12 | Hardware Supplier | 0.83 | 10.00 |
| USB-C Connector | 1 | Electronics Store | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Cables, Connectors and Solder Materials | 1 set | Electronics Store | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| PLA Printed Structure | 1 set | Fab Lab | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| Mirror Acrylic Panel | 1 | Local Market | 1.94 | 1.94 |
| Polycarbonate Panel | 1 | Local Market | 0.56 | 0.56 |
| Total Cost per Module | 41.53 USD | |||
BOM – Complete HEXAMODULAR Panel (10 Modules)
| Item | Qty | Source | Unit Cost (USD) | Subtotal (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 | 10 | Seeed Studio / Fab Lab | 8.00 | 80.00 |
| HEXAMODULAR Custom PCB | 10 | Fab Lab | 5.00 | 50.00 |
| TowerPro SG90 Micro Servo | 10 | Electronics Store | 2.78 | 27.80 |
| DFRobot Light Sensor Module | 10 | DFRobot | 5.00 | 50.00 |
| Capacitors (Ceramic + Electrolytic) | 10 sets | Electronics Store | 0.50 | 5.00 |
| Neodymium Magnetic Connectors Ø15×3 mm | 120 | Hardware Supplier | 0.83 | 100.00 |
| USB-C Connector | 1 | Electronics Store | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| 5V 20A Power Supply | 1 | Electronics Store | 8.33 | 8.33 |
| Cables, Connectors and Solder Materials | 1 set | Electronics Store | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| PLA Printed Structures | 10 sets | Fab Lab | 4.50 | 45.00 |
| Mirror Acrylic Panels | 10 | Local Market | 1.94 | 19.44 |
| Polycarbonate Panels | 10 | Local Market | 0.56 | 5.56 |
| MDF Structural Support Frame (Laser Cut) | 1 | Fab Lab | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Total Cost for 10-Module Panel | 421.63 USD | |||
Project Summary
| System | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single HEXAMODULAR Module | 41.53 |
| Complete 10-Module HEXAMODULAR Panel | 421.63 |
7) Project plan and schedule
| Milestone | Status | Target week |
|---|---|---|
| Concept and scope definition | Done | Week 16-17 |
| Mechanical module refinement | In progress | Week 18 |
| Electronics and firmware integration | In progress | Week 18-19 |
| Packaging and reliability tests | Pending | Week 19 |
| Final documentation and presentation assets | Pending update | Final week |
8) What questions still need answers?
- How stable is long-term actuation under repeated cycles?
- What is the best control strategy for smooth movement and low power use?
- How does the panel perform under different real sunlight conditions?
- What is the best balance between module rigidity and lightweight construction?
9) How will it be evaluated?
- The system must open and close reliably through embedded control.
- Custom electronics must power and control modules without faults.
- Fabricated parts must assemble correctly with repeatable tolerances.
- The prototype must be independently operable and clearly documented.
10) Presentation deliverables (placeholders)
| Deliverable | Status | Link |
|---|---|---|
| presentation.png (1920x1080) | Pending to modify and upload | presentation.png |
 |
||
| presentation.mp4 (1080p, less than 1 min, less than 25 MB) | Pending to modify and upload | presentation.mp4 |
| Linked in final presentation schedule | To be checked after upload | External Fab Academy schedule |
Conclusions
This week consolidates my final project strategy with a clear scope, measurable milestones, and a draft bill of materials. It also defines evaluation criteria and pending questions that guide the next design and integration iterations.
The page now reflects both assignment dimensions: Applications and Implications plus Project Development, including the placeholder structure for final presentation assets required by Fab Academy.