a team led by professor weiguo xu of tsinghua university has built a tourist reception center in china that opens and closes in response to the weather. the project is located in the village of wujiazhuang in dingfangshui county, zhangjiakou ? a region with an undulating topography that is preparing to host the 2022 winter olympics. in addition to serving as an information point, the structure is also capable of functioning as a stage for a variety of performances.

 
 
the team from tsinghua university ? who also completed the world?s largest 3D printed concrete bridge earlier this year ? designed a structure comprising 16 irregular panels, three of which are operable using mechanical devices. when the external temperature is between 16 and 29 celsius (61-84 fahrenheit), the three panels open in different directions, ensuring both ventilation and views.
 
 
when the temperature drops below 16°C (61°F), the panels automatically close and the ground heating system warms the space. conversely, when temperatures rise above 29°C (84°F) the air conditioning system kicks in. storms or snowfall can also be detected so that the building is able to protect itself. each reaction is automatically carried out thanks to a connected three-part system: sensors that collect environmental information; software responsible for calculating and processing the data; and a mechanical device that performs each movement.

 
 
the structure ? titled the ?operable interactive village hut...