Kwsa Balla Cinéiteach

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Kwsa is a 209 square meter kinetic installation located at the Aramco Innovation Center in Riyadh. It is the largest kinetic wall ever built. The system enables fluid, choreographed movement powered by discreet technology. Engineered for long-term reliability and aesthetic simplicity, the wall integrates seamlessly into its environment and contributes to the spatial narrative without drawing attention to its underlying mechanism.

Dimensions & Packaging

Total surface: 209 square meters.
Configuration: 6 modular walls, each W 6000 mm x H 7000 mm.
Actuation system: 20,000 stepper motors, custom lead screw and lever mechanism.
Precision: 0.1 mm.
Motor update rate: every 20 ms via custom full-duplex protocol.
Control boards: cross-shaped PCBs embedded in chassis.
Maintenance: front access, no lubrication required.

Tags

Kinetic wall, Mechatronic installation, Interactive architecture, Smart facade, Precision engineering, Hidden technology, Architectural motion, Media art

Production Technology

The installation features a custom lever-based motion system powered by high-helix lead screws and 20,000 stepper motors. Motion is controlled by cross-shaped PCBs integrated in the chassis. Components are made of self-lubricating technopolymers. Production involved advanced CAD simulation, CNC machining, precision adhesive bonding tools, and an automated QA pipeline for centesimal repeatability.

Design Challenge

A key challenge was ensuring sub-millimeter precision across six modular walls while maintaining silent, front-accessible operation. Custom electronics, motion systems, and mounting structures had to be developed under tight deadlines and Oil & Gas safety standards. Additional complexity came from the need to coordinate with other installations in the space, requiring both mechanical and digital integration from early design stages.

Research

This applied research aimed to develop a precise and low-maintenance kinetic system for architectural use. The team used CAD simulations, structural analysis, CNC machining, and real-time testing to refine the mechanism. The outcome included a self-lubricating motion system and a control protocol managing 20,000 motors. The result supports scalable, synchronized motion for integration in complex multimedia environments.

Inspiration

The design was inspired by the need to create a dynamic architectural feature that integrates naturally with other interactive installations. The objective was to automate motion with high precision while keeping all technology hidden. Every technical decision—from motion control to structural layout—was aimed at achieving visual clarity, acoustic silence, and seamless synchronization within the larger experience.

Project Duration

The project lasted a total of approximately 12 months:
5 months of prototyping, engineering and testing, 2 months on-site setup, 1 month of tuning. Deployment in 2024.

Operation Flow

The wall performs choreographed movements that follow pre-programmed sequences, timed with other media in the space. Designers create these sequences using grayscale video inputs, where brightness values determine the degree of motion. A custom 3D simulation tool allows teams to preview and adjust movement in real time, helping to translate visual ideas into physical motion with clarity and control.