We're developing concepts for a new high-end automobile dealership to be located along a busy commercial road in a typical U.S. suburb (Chicago). The clients wanted a unique design feature that would differentiate their building from all of the "typical" car dealerships that neighbor the site. Our initial plan calls for a 200-250 foot long, double-height glass showroom to run parallel with the main street frontage. This long glass facade faces south and would benefit from some type of shading. A covered zone outside of the glass will be a place to display cars along the exterior of the building.

My idea is to run strips of "some material" at random intervals between structural columns. This material could be translucent or opaque, perforated or solid...you get the idea. The goal is to create a kind of "motion blur" effect that adds some visual interest to the facade while providing shading. The "motion blur" also plays homage to the potential speed of the vehicles being displayed.

Just wondering if you've seen any good examples of shading like this. Also, does anyone have any good ideas for specific materials for the shade panels themselves? Any feedback would be great!

The covered exterior "zone" created between the shade and the 2-story curtain wall

Elevation

you could use perforated screens like the clinton library...

http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/archives/0501ClintonLibrary.asp

framed out alucobond panels..

http://alucobondusa.com/

or 3-form for transparency
http://www.3-form.com/new.php

with any of these make sure the respective dimensions of the product works within your current condition.

there are these woven stainless steel screens made in germany (i think) that are incredible to see, although i can't remember the name right now.

also check out:bugatti veyron plant (http://www.henn.de/default.asp?Nav1=projekte&Nav2=prj_produktion&PrjID=64&Pic=9&Lang=EN&Full=Falsch#64) by Gunter Henn

I think kwistenbiebel had a project that was similar in concept to this one, but the motion blur was from a train. I don't remeber what it was called though. Am I right? Anyway, I think that that project got the idea of motion blur accross very well. Can anyone help with a link?

here is kwistenbiebel's project

pp² link (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506)

I think the next step could be some colour , maybe some stylised moving headlamps in streaks ? Another cool idea ive seen somewhere is 2 views of the shading from different directions from the road revealing a colour or image from certain angles. Just an idea.

I think the next step could be some colour , maybe some stylised moving headlamps in streaks ? Another cool idea ive seen somewhere is 2 views of the shading from different directions from the road revealing a colour or image from certain angles. Just an idea.

Thanks everyone for the project references! Incorporating lighting into this effect would be a great idea. Perhaps some long horizontal linear lighting at random intervals behind some of the (translucent?) panels :wondering Unfortunately, I think the budget is going to play a big factor, so plastic panels might be less expensive than glass...

here is kwistenbiebel's project

pp² link (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506)

Thanks so much Tim, that was exactly what I was after.

Look at the Morphosis site and search for the Caltrans District 7 Headquarters project in the Los Angeles location.
http://www.morphosis.net/morph.html

You'll see working with light is a very efficient way to traduce speed and dynamics in your elevation.