Penumbra: A Dynamic Facade with Interactive Architecture

Creating a Representation of Interactive Architecture through Static Structure

The uniqueness of the Penumbra building lies in its construction from vertical surfaces with black and white faces. These surfaces allow for the creation of unlimited sequences, as the appearance of the black and white sides of the facet module varies depending on the observer's position. This interplay of neutral gray sequences, combined with the reflection of the environment, generates a chromatic tone that is unique to each observer's experience.

The facade panels of the Penumbra building are specifically designed to provide an interactive visual sense. Made of solid aluminum material, these panels are perforated using CNC machines. The panels are covered with black and white colors, each on a different side, creating a gradient effect. This design choice enhances the visual impact and adds depth to the facade.

With dimensions of 200 by 1650 mm, these panels can be easily transformed into any shape or size to suit the desired facade modulation for other projects. They can also be customized with different numbers or colored variants, offering flexibility and versatility in design.

The Penumbra project is located in Farah Abad Boulevard, Mazandaran, Iran. The design team, led by Reza Mafakher, includes Shamsa Mokhber, Nastaran Fadaee, Simin Pour Ramezan, Mohammad Aminian, Hamed Sarhadi, Tina Rokni, and Masih Mostajeran, who captured the stunning visuals of the building.

One of the main challenges in the design process was the creation of an interactive facade that changes according to the location of the observer and the angles at which the panels are opened. Extensive research on perforated panels and movable louvers was conducted to overcome this challenge and achieve the desired result.

The Penumbra project has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2018. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate technical and creative excellence, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

With its innovative approach to architecture and its ability to create a dynamic and interactive experience, Penumbra stands as a testament to the power of design in transforming the built environment.