The Green Studio Handbook: Environmental Strategies for Schematic Design

In design studio projects we often see schemes with inspired, yet unvalidated, gestural sketches related to wishful green strategies. Yellow and blue magic arrows represent hypotheses about the behavior of daylight and/or air flow in and about buildings. This paper provides an overview of The Green Studio Handbook, recently published as a resource for designers seeking clear guidelines for integrating green design strategies into the conceptual and schematic phases of design. The book contains a discussion of the integration of green strategies and how building form, orientation, and spatial layout are critical to the proper performance of certain green strategies; 40 green design strategies in six broad topic areas, each providing acatalog of information for common strategies that must be implemented at the schematic design phase; and nine case studies that show how various green strategies work together in a finished building. This paper provides excerpts of several design strategies and one case study and suggests a variety of ways that the book may be used.Keywords: green design, case studies, education, schematic desig

Computational Analysis of Natural Ventilation Flows in Geodesic Dome Building in Hot Climates

For centuries, dome roofs were used in traditional houses in hot regions such as the Middle East and Mediterranean basin due to its thermal advantages, structural benefits and availability of construction materials. This article presents the computational modelling of the wind- and buoyancy-induced ventilation in a geodesic dome building in a hot climate. The airflow and temperature distributions and ventilation flow rates were predicted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations were solved using the CFD tool ANSYS FLUENT15. The standard k-epsilon was used as turbulence model. The modelling was verified using grid sensitivity and flux balance analysis. In order to validate the modelling method used in the current study, additional simulation of a similar domed-roof building was conducted for comparison. For wind-induced ventilation, the dome building was modelled with upper roof vents. For buoyancy-induced ventilation, the geometry was modelled with roof vents and also with two windows open in the lower level. The results showed that using the upper roof openings as a natural ventilation strategy during winter periods is advantageous and could reduce the indoor temperature and also introduce fresh air. The results also revealed that natural ventilation using roof vents cannot satisfy thermal requirements during hot summer periods and complementary cooling solutions should be considered. The analysis showed that buoyancy-induced ventilation model can still generate air movement inside the building during periods with no or very low wind

Evaluating daylighting effectiveness and occupant visual comfort in a side-lit open-plan office building in San Francisco, California

The introduction of daylight to reduce electrical lighting energy consumption and to enhance Indoor Environmental Quality is one of the most common claims made for commercial office buildings promoted as “sustainable,” “energy efficient,” “green,” or “high performance.”  However, daylit buildings are rarely studied in use to examine the impact of design strategies on visual comfort, or to examine how occupant modifications to the facade may reduce daylighting effectiveness and visual connection to the outdoors.   This paper presents key findings from a post-occupancy study of a side-lit open-plan office building located in San Francisco, California.  The study examines daylighting performance over daily and seasonal changes in sun and sky conditions in core and perimeter zones of the building.  Daylighting performance is assessed through measurements of electrical lighting energy, observations of occupant modifications to the facade, and physical measurements of interior lighting conditions paired with occupant subjective assessments using novel desktop polling station devices.  Results show a high frequency of visual discomfort responses at both perimeter and core workspaces and observations reveal a large percentage of facade glazing covered by interior shading devices.   Despite the significant reduction in effective visible light transmission, occupants working in the perimeter zones generally considered the levels of available daylight to be sufficient, even when daylight levels were below recommended thresholds for daylight autonomy.  Issues related to the daylighting design strategies are discussed in regard to improving the performance of future daylit buildings and refining daylighting design criteria

Dynamic shading systems: A review of design parameters, platforms and evaluation strategies

The advancements in software and hardware technologies provide opportunities for solar shading systems to function dynamically within their context. This development has helped dynamic shading systems respond to variable environmental parameters such as sun angles and solar insolation. However, the technical understanding of system design, mechanism and controlling methods presents a challenge for architects and designers. Therefore, this study aims to review the current applications and trends of dynamic shading systems to clarify the potentials and limitations in enhancing system performance based on integrated design objectives. This study assessed several systems on the basis of a critical review to identify different models, applications and methodologies. This study is divided into two main sections: (i) design elements and platforms that engage with specific methods in creating a dynamic shading system and (ii) evaluation strategies to examine system performance. The systems were investigated based on the multiplicity and integration of the parameters involved through various components, such as architectural, mechanical, operational and automation components. The review analysed various studies on the following two bases: (1) geometric-based analysis, which distinguishes between simple and complex shading models, and (2) performance-based analysis, which assesses the shading systems based on two groups of methodologies, namely, theoretical and experimental. The outcome of the review reflects a clear classification of shading models and a comprehensive analysis of their performance. This study generally provides a systematic framework for architects based on thorough research and investigation. Finally, the study introduced several findings and recommendations to improve the performance of dynamic shading systems

Light source selection for a solar simulator for thermal applications: A review

Solar simulators are used to test components and systems under controlled and repeatable conditions, often in locations with unsuitable insolation for outdoor testing. The growth in renewable energy generation has led to an increased need to develop, manufacture and test components and subsystems for solar thermal, photovoltaic (PV), and concentrating optics for both thermal and electrical solar applications. At the heart of any solar simulator is the light source itself. This paper reviews the light sources available for both low and high-flux solar simulators used for thermal applications. Criteria considered include a comparison of the lamp wavelength spectrum with the solar spectrum, lamp intensity, cost, stability, durability, and any hazards associated with use. Four main lamp types are discussed in detail, namely argon arc, the metal halide, tungsten halogen lamp, and xenon arc lamps. In addition to describing the characteristics of each lamp type, the popularity of usage of each type over time is also indicated. This is followed by guidelines for selecting a suitable lamp, depending on the requirements of the user and the criteria applied for selection. The appropriate international standards are also addressed and discussed. The review shows that metal halide and xenon arc lamps predominate, since both provide a good spectral match to the solar output. The xenon lamp provides a more intense and stable output, but has the disadvantages of being a high-pressure component, requiring infrared filtering, and the need of a more complex and expensive power supply. As a result, many new solar simulators prefer metal halide lamps

Simulating Design Integration in an Architecture Studio Setting

12 pagesDesign integration brings discrete elements of the design together early and often to optimize performance outcomes, achieve greater efficiencies, and identify synergies. In practice, design integration often involves getting consultants, clients, and construction managers into the same room to inform and strengthen decision-making. As such, integrated design is the emerging gold standard of building design delivery and an approach that NAAB now requires accredited architecture programs to incorporate into curricula. However, architecture programs, as silos within their institutions, typically do not have ready access to diverse stakeholders and team members with specialized disciplinary expertise as seen in practice. Thus, the problem facing many architecture programs is how to simulate a “real-life” integrated design process in ways that prepare students for professional careers; require them to consider technical and practical considerations; and expose them to the benefits of holistic, integrated design outcomes. The US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon (SD) Design Challenge (formerly Race to Zero) provides a useful framework for encouraging and supporting architecture, engineering, and construction management students in developing design teams that engage: industry experts for feedback, community partners as clients, and students across departments. This paper describes the challenges associated with simulating integrated design in an architecture studio setting; the beneficial role that the SD Design Challenge plays in establishing a clear framework with specific design and performance criteria to guide students; and the experiences over a three-year period of a graduate-level comprehensive design studio with supporting technical electives in using the competition to encourage integrated design solutions

Principles of Building Commissioning

xii+132hlm.;24c

Affecting Change in Architecture Education / Can We Do the Right Thing

I am impressed but not surprised at how differently Tom, Richard and Iview the question of "affecting change in architectural education.” Tomtook on the more expansive issue of how the broader university might redefineitself through "design thinking” and "design thinkers'” leadership,while Richard gave a concise overview of long held aspirations forarchitectural education and the profession. And I took on architecture'srelationship to society, particularly concerned with "massive societalchanges.” All of us, however, appear to have faith in architecture'sability, using Richard's words, to "make a difference.” It seems to methat relying on past and even present architecture education models isnot the best strategy.- - - -Change is both pervasive and evasive. In architectural education,evasive may arguably dominate. Although many aspects of change(or the potential therefore) might serve as a basis for this discussion,change to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of buildings willbe selected as a case in point. There may be no single issue of greaterlong-term impact facing architectural education and the professions itserves

Mechanical and electrical equipment for buildings

xxiv, 1828 p. ; 26 cm