THE DURABILITY OF ADAPTIVE SKINS AN OPEN ISSUE

The aim of the paper is to provide a literature review on the durability of contemporary surfaces known as 'adaptive skins.' These surfaces are constructed with the dual objective of creating dynamic or kinetic, multimedia, communicative, responsive, and energy-controlled surfaces. Adaptive facades usually change shape or texture in response to environmental stimuli. They are built with mechanical components and electronic connections, often incorporating textile or smart components. It seems that they have not lasted long in service, perhaps due to installation in extreme latitudes, harsh climates, or in tall buildings where maintenance is challenging. These facade systems are complex, as they built with sophisticated technologies from industrial fields (mechanical, electronic, etc.), out of building sector. The paper, through literature analysis, describes the complexity of these technological systems throughout different operational phases. The involved factors have been analysed and they have relating the traditionally established concept of 'durability' to these systems that, by their origin, are characterized by variable and ephemeral functionality. In the case of adaptive skins, it seems more important to program the lifespan and maintenance of components within a maximum of 10 years than to use durable materials and solutions. The hypothesis arising from the analysis conducted here will be to propose the extension of the concept of 'differential durability' coined for installations to adaptive skins.