Analysis of the Adaptive Secondary Skin at the Quadracci Pavilion, Milwaukee Art Museum: Function, Aesthetics, and Smart Technology

Muhammad Hafizh Al-Farizi, Dominikus Aditya Fitriyanto2

Abstract


Driven by increasing climate volatility, the concept of smart architecture is innovating building envelope design. Adaptive façades with secondary skins represent a critical advancement, actively enhancing energy efficiency, controlling the microclimate, and providing dynamic aesthetic expression. By modulating solar heat gain and optimizing daylight, these systems reduce reliance on artificial HVAC and lighting. This study analyzes a pioneering example: the adaptive secondary skin of Santiago Calatrava’s Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The research focuses on its iconic Burke Brise Soleil—a kinetic, wing-like structure that opens and closes—to evaluate its functional, aesthetic, and technological impact. A qualitative-descriptive approach was employed, integrating a literature review with visual architectural analysis grounded in frameworks of climateresponsive design and smart building principles. The findings reveal the Pavilion's secondary skin significantly enhances thermal comfort by filtering solar radiation while maximizing natural lighting. Furthermore, its celebrated kinetic movement strengthens the building’s visual identity and transforms it into a dynamic landmark. This research concludes that technologyintegrated adaptive secondary skins offer a powerful model for sustainable architectural solutions, demonstrating a paradigm shift from static envelopes to responsive, intelligent systems that merge engineering and artistry.


Keywords


Adaptive facade; secondary skin; smart architecture; energy efficiency; architectural aesthetics;

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jaz.v8i3.90055

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