Adaptive camouflage, a survival strategy seen in species such as chameleons and cuttlefish, provides a compelling model for designing responsive façades in modern architecture. In nature, these animals rely on specialized cells that enable shifts in pigmentation, allowing them to blend seamlessly with changing environments or signal specific messages to peers and predators. While much of this transformation is employed to evade detection or communicate social cues, it also serves a critical thermoregulatory function. Some animals can adjust the reflectivity of their skin to absorb or deflect heat as needed. Inspired by this biological phenomenon, building façades can be engineered to respond dynamically to environmental changes. Thermochromic or electrochromic materials, for instance, alter their transparency or color based on temperature or an electric current, respectively. By adjusting opacity when temperatures rise, these materials can reduce solar heat gain within the building, thereby lowering cooling requirements. The ability to adapt in real time not only enhances energy efficiency but also presents new aesthetic possibilities, as a structure can change its exterior appearance throughout the day.
