Responsive systems are characterised by a reactive capacity, or in other words, capable of reacting in response to a stimulus. Such systems are based on the growing computational potential of collecting and analysing large amounts of data, opening up non-deterministic ways of learning to define reactions to given stimuli, drawing on experiences gained through direct and natural interaction with humans and environments (Kelly et al., 2016). In architecture, the concept of resposive systems refers to transformative or interactive capabilities over time, as a response to environmental stimuli or user interaction. The configuration of a responsive space is based on the convergence of two elements: “computation” and “kinetics”.
Within the research, two specific declinations of responsive systems have both been addressed: one related to environmental aspects and the other to user interaction in the field of health care. In the field of environmental design, climate responsive design is based on the principles of bioclimatic design, linked to the design of forms and envelopes, as well as structural and architectural components capable of actively exploiting potential energy flows. In the field of health care, responsiveness has always been considered as a fundamental element of servicequality, defined as the ability of an organisation to meet or exceed customer/patient expectations (Tarrant et al., 2014), thus defining innovative health care systems capable of meeting the needs of interaction with health care services (Valentine et al., 2003).