Studio Albaghuba has designed a responsive working area for next year’s expo

Design Studio Albaghuba has designed weather-responsive co-working pods that will be rolled out across Expo 2020 next year.

Dubbed Corolla, the pod is a mixture of architecture and automation as it will transform itself depending on the temperature and the weather.

The prototype includes a lightweight and flexible skin that can either contract to protect the individuals within, or expand outwards to provide clean fresh air.

Corrola is made from a steel skeleton, along with a soft-robotic skin similar to petals. Each can then curl upwards or down when eight polyurethane pneumatic actuators pressurize the petals.

The system is entirely automated, with built-in weather sensors that will let the structure adapt to weather conditions throughout the day.

Each pod is equipped with an HVAC system, with cooling, Wi-Fi and charging ports. It also includes a PV solar panel to reduce the need for electricity.

You will be able to spot these pods at several locations in and around Dubai Expo 2020 (which kicks off next year).


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