Hinz, K.Alvarenga, JackKim, PhilseokPark, D.Aizenberg, JoannaBechthold, Martin2018-07-162018Hinz, K., J. Alvarenga, P. Kim, D. Park, J. Aizenberg, and M. Bechthold. 2018. “Pneumatically Adaptive Light Modulation System (PALMS) for Buildings.” Materials & Design 152 (August): 156–167. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2018.04.044.0264-1275http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37235085This research introduces a novel approach to control light transmittance based on flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films that have been plasma-treated such that micro-scale surface features have a visual effect as the film responds to applied strain. The effect is continuously tunable from optically clear (71.5% Transmittance over a 400-900 nm wavelength) to completely diffuse (18.1% T). Changes in the film's optical properties are triggered by bi-axial strains applied using a pneumatic system to form pressurized envelopes. This paper reports on a series of experimental studies and provides system integration research using prototypes, simulations and geometric models to correlate measured optical properties, strain, and global surface curvatures. In conclusion, a design is proposed to integrate PDMS light control within existing building envelopes.en-US2018-07-1520182018-07-1610.1016/j.matdes.2018.04.044