Adaptive Building Initiative created a dynamic installation for the AHHAA Science Centre in Estonia – a glass conference room wall with adjustable opacity.

The AHHAA Science Centre, founded by the University of Tartu, opened on May 7, 2011 to become the largest science museum in the Baltics. ABI installed three panels of its living glass technology, Adaptive Fritting™, over the conference room’s floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Each panel measures approximately 1.2 meters wide by 2.4 meters high, and mechanically modulates its opacity by shifting multiple layers of clear acrylic with a graphic frit pattern.

The installation is both functional and artistic; a subtle and inviting display of technology for museum visitors. It imbues conference room occupants with the ability to control their level of privacy. Alternatively, the wall can be set to run through a random sequence – creating a dynamic art piece that simultaneously demonstrates a new technology and provides teaching opportunities for topics such as bio-mimicry, sustainable-design and others.

8.6 sq. meters of adaptive surfaces
Dimensions: 3.6m x 2.4m
Materials: Acrylic, Aluminum
Control System: Each panel driven by a servo motor with custom array control
Number of operable units: 3