Design scenarios for an office building – energy and environmental aspects

The main concern of this research is to estimate energy performances of different scenarios of the hypothetical model of the office building in downtown of Belgrade. Specific conditions of sites in downtown make limitations in building design and application of energy efficient systems, but also represent a provocation for architects. Methodological approach entails three steps: design of different models of the office building, numerical simulations of the models in PHPP’2007 software and comparison of the results. For each hypothetical model of the office building three scenarios are created: basic scenario and scenarios of different solutions of envelope design regarding shading devices types. The design of hypothetical models and various scenarios is carried out through the educational process on the Master studio design project. Results are considered and presented through the heat and cooling energy demands as well as reduction of energy consumption for cooling in summer period by implementation of different shading devices. CO2 emissions are also discussed. Design methodology as well as results could generally be applicable for new office building design, both in Belgrade and in similar climatic conditions

Influence of glass component joints on the structural glass facade design

There is a strong relation between the type of glass components connection and the structural glass facade design. The objective of the paper is to study the different solutions of the design of the connections between elements of structural glass facades. Influenced by the load, in relation to the structural system, glass layer may be exposed to different types and intensities of stresses, which inevitably affect the design process in terms of selecting the type and dimensions of glass elements. In order to evaluate the impact of design of component joints on facade structural system and hence its design, some hypothetical models of structural glass components joints are created and numerical analyzes are carried out. Methodological approach entails three steps: creation of typology of joints which includes form and assembly types, design of hypothetical models of structural glass facade components joints and examination of structural stability of hypothetical models

Characteristics of thermal-mineral waters in Backa region (Vojvodina) and their exploitation in spa tourism

Hydropower, biomass, biogas, biofuels, wind power, solar energy and geothermal energy are the major resources to provide Backa region with most of its. Backa extends between 45°16' and 46°22' of the northern latitude and 18°36' and 20°37' of the eastern longitude. It occupies the north-eastern part of Vojvodina, i.e. the most north-western part of the Republic of Serbia. That is historical-geographic territory bordered on the Danube on its western and eastern side, the Tisa on its eastern side and with the state border towards Hungary on the north. In this paper, the focus will be on renewable sources, specifically geothermal energy in Backa region. The paper analyzes the characteristics of thermal-mineral waters in Backa, the condition and possibilities of their exploitation in spa tourism, and in other economic branches. The tradition of thermo-mineral waters exploitation in spas and public baths is rather long. Today, this type of thermo-mineral waters exploitation in Backa is the widest spread. Permanent, i.e. continuous exploiters of thermal-mineral waters in Backa are primarily balneal-rehabilitation centres and exploiters using the water for technological purposes.Renewable energy Thermo-mineral waters Exploitation Spa tourism Backa region Vojvodina