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Charlotte Stonestreet
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Editor's Pick
Pneumatically actuated architecture
27 August 2014
Currently working on a one year Masters degree in Architecture and Digital Media at the University of Westminster, Kenneth Murphy has been developing an emergent-style architectural structure that focuses on bio-aesthetics for ornamentation, which reacts to people walking past, thanks to help from Thorite.

The responsive components comprise acrylic frames and tubes connected to pneumatic actuators which inflate rubber silicone structures in response to nearby movement. The components have wireless radio transceiver modules connecting PIR sensors to Arduino, sending signals to solenoids in the pneumatic system which stop and start the compressed air flow as a passer-by walks within range.
Independent distributor of pneumatic products and process systems, Thorite has worked closely with Murphy throughout the development process, supplying pneumatic components manufactured by Norgren and providing valuable pneumatics knowledge.
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