Adaptable typologies for active roofs

The main objective of this part of the 6th framework Pan-European EUR-ACTIVE ROOF-er project is to improve the interaction between design participants of dynamic adaptable Active Roofs in product development and Active Roofs from an architects/ customers perspective. Improvements in Active Roof design on the basis of those technological product requirements that architects / customers deem to be the most important product / system benefits. This requires a common framework for information exchange that is scaleable with respect to the level of sophistication of each of the organisations and designers / engineers involved. Moreover, the desired information to be shared must
be interpretable (language, terminology and definition) by all designers/ engineers [EURACTIVEROOFer 2005].
Especially conditions for developing a design method for innovative roof-concepts are an essential result of the research. Part of the project is focussed on special roofs which are adaptable in function, structure or in material. Properties of these active roofs are: tensile / membrane, inflatable or retractable structures. Subscription of the several aspects of design (i.e. building physics), - sustainable energy and use (i.e. maintenance, safety, assembly), is information needed for better innovative products. The knowledge generated in this project directly benefits the Building Services
research and education at Eindhoven University of Technology, Delft University of Technology and the department of innovation of renewable energy systems at TNO Building and Construction Research. The developed methodology is also implemented in the 6th European framework program; EUR-ACTIVE ROOF-er.