For our new project 1 Yorkville, architect Rosario Varacalli is introducing a sculptural 3D wallpaper which will change in light, shadow and colour. With that in mind, we decided to take a look at other transformative buildings from around the world that change in colour or shape.
1. The roof on this building changes colours in line with the sun’s movement.
Artist James Turrell designed a skyspace for Rice University that allows visitors to enhance their perception of light and space. LED lights are projected on the ceiling that changes colours in accordance with the rising or setting of the sun. The best part about the skyspace is that there are two light shows that take place every day. Colour us impressed!
2. Most people only know how to make origami swans, but architects David Grunberg and Daniel Woolfson took it a step further by making a livable origami house!
This structure ‘metamorphosizes’ into eight different layouts in order to adapt to the seasonal conditions and in accordance with the sun’s rotation. The glass internal walls can become facades; the doors can become windows; and all so that the user can live anyway they want. It makes it easy to adapt from winter to summer or from day to night. The picture and our description don’t do it justice – watch the video on its transformations.
3. A glass cube-shaped opera house with an abundance of colour-changing LED lights? It seems only fitting that this structure exists in Iceland.
The grand Icelandic Opera House is situated on Borgaholt Hill – a place famous for its alleged population of elves. This myth is all the more believable because the opera house looks as if it’s magically changing colours throughout the day. In reality of course, the colour change is due to the LED lights nestled into the joints of the giant glass cube that change in colour and intensity throughout the day.
4. Famous fashion designer Roberto Cavalli lives in a groovy home. His colour-changing house was designed exclusively for him by Italo Rota.
The house is in the hills of Florence, Italy and Mr. Cavalli can change the colour of his home to match his mood. Take a look at these pictures – even without the lights it is still a stunning structure.
5. This shape-shifting building is designed to self-regulate its temperature.
We won’t get into the science of it, but a home that heats up when it’s cold outside or cools down when it’s hot is right up our alley in terms of sustainability.
What are your thoughts on these innovative masterpieces? Drop us a comment below!