Experimental Material Systems Design
Corolla
The Weather Responsive Coworking Pod
The Corolla is a weather-responsive coworking pod that utilises soft robotics to adapt in real time to environmental changes. Its flexible skin system ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and architectural innovation.
Summary
Corolla is a modular coworking pod that merges architecture and soft robotics. Its responsive polyurethane skin, powered by pneumatic actuators and sensors, adapts to weather conditions—providing comfort, energy efficiency, and year-round usability. Designed as a hybrid between indoor and outdoor space, Corolla redefines sustainable working environments through automation and bio-inspired design.
The Corolla is an innovative coworking pod designed to respond intelligently to the weather, utilising principles from soft robotics. Inspired by the movement and flexibility of natural organisms, such as octopuses and starfish, the Corolla features a soft, dynamic skin made of polyurethane pneumatic actuators that shift form in response to outdoor conditions.
The pod’s lightweight modular structure is enclosed by eight petal-like elements, each embedded with air chambers that curl open or close depending on internal pressure differences. These changes are triggered automatically by a network of weather sensors, microcontrollers, valves, and pumps, ensuring real-time adaptation to sunlight, wind, rain, and temperature.
On sunny days, Corolla opens up to let in fresh air and natural light while providing shade. During cold, rainy, or excessively hot conditions, it seals itself to create a thermally insulated microclimate. A compact HVAC system ensures comfort, while WiFi, charging stations, and photovoltaic panels support energy-efficient productivity anywhere, anytime.
This project redefines the boundaries between architecture and robotics, transforming built spaces into responsive living systems. More than a shelter, Corolla is a vision of how our environments might evolve—sensing, moving, and adapting like organisms to support our changing needs.
SCIENTIFIC COORDINATOR
SCIENTIFIC COORDINATOR
Ofir Albag
TEAM
Ofir Albag, Martin Huba, Omer Alraee
PARTNERS
Studio Albaghuba, Maco Technologies
