Puzzle Facade: Transforming Architecture into an Interactive Rubik's Cube

An Engaging and Innovative Design Experience

Puzzle Facade allows participants to interact with a specially designed interface-cube. This cube, slightly larger than a traditional Rubik's cube, incorporates electronic components to track rotation and orientation. The data collected is then sent to a computer running custom software, which changes the color of the building in correlation to the movements of the handheld interface-cube.

The design process of Puzzle Facade presented several challenges. Understanding the mechanism of the Rubik's cube was the first step, as Lloret needed to ensure that the electronic components could fit inside without completely redesigning the pieces. To overcome this, Lloret 3D-printed the pieces using ABS plastic, allowing for the integration of a microcontroller, an IMU, six rotary encoders, a LIPO battery, a Bluetooth modem, and a voltage regulator.

The interface-cube, measuring 105mmx105mmx105mm, was carefully designed to provide a similar interaction experience to that of a traditional Rubik's cube. The absence of color stickers on the interface-cube was a deliberate choice, ensuring that participants could interact with it in the same way they would with a regular cube. The visual feedback of the interaction is displayed on the media facade of the Ars Electronica Center, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

Puzzle Facade was a long and fragmented project, with the final exhibition taking place in October 2013 at the Ars Electronica Center. The project required extensive research to design a small enough interface-cube that could be comfortably used by individuals with average-sized hands. Additionally, all the pieces of the Rubik's cube had to be redesigned to accommodate the electronic components, given the significant size difference between the original cube and the one used in Puzzle Facade.

The interdisciplinary nature of Puzzle Facade presented numerous creative, technical, and research challenges. Combining visual, product, and interaction design with cutting-edge technologies, Lloret successfully created an interactive experience that seamlessly integrates architecture, the Rubik's cube, and the tangible interface-cube. The result is a site-specific project that captivates and amazes participants.

Puzzle Facade's innovative design and captivating experience have garnered recognition and accolades. In 2015, it was awarded the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in the Interface, Interaction, and User Experience Design category. This award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, evoking positive emotions and wonder.

Through Puzzle Facade, Javier Lloret has pushed the boundaries of interactive design, transforming architecture into a playful and engaging experience. This project serves as a testament to the power of creativity, technology, and imagination in shaping our built environment.