Thesis Problem Statements

By Jason Skidmore

For this week's blog post I have decided to share my thesis problem statements. These are issues that I am working through in the design of my thesis project. Some of them are problems that are solved through design. Look for future blog posts to reveal some of the unique ways I have chosen to solve these problems within my building. Especially how technology can be integrated into a building to make it simply a better building. I feel the future of architecture requires that architects understand technology at a level of software development. The process of creating software is actually not too far off from the process of creating a components in a building. That is why the two disciplines will mesh together very well as buildings become hardware, or hardware becomes buildings. It just depends on how you look at it.

1. Research buildings need to have a balance of open vs. closed labs. The building needs to have social aspects to encourage team based research. Many times research conducted within a laboratory is closed and not shared with anyone until a breakthrough has occurred. This is most likely because people don't want to share ideas until they have a solution. People want recognition for what they accomplish. This however in many instances only stifles the progression of accomplishing a goal. Encouraging the sharing of ideas and community within a building can help to accomplish a goal by people helping one another.

2. The space in which a person does work has certain influences on the worker beyond the external variables such as temperature, humidity, amount of light, etc… these certainly are influential aspects of an environment, yet they are not the only thing that can influence creativity. The space itself should influence behavior. Keep a person focused, comfortable, healthy, etc…

3. A renewable energy research laboratory should not be hypocritical in its design. The goal in developing these new and exciting breakthroughs in energy is to create a sustainable and efficient source of energy that does not detract from the environment as a whole. In fact some types of energy research are suggesting that the actual act of using energy can enhance and not take away or degrade the surroundings. Having said this, a building that houses such breakthroughs should be as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. It should strive for LEED certification.

4. The design of research buildings needs to be as flexible as possible. According to WBDG, "Many private research companies make physical changes to an average of 25% of their labs each year. Most academic institutions annually change the layout of 5 to 10% of their labs." This means that the design needs to be adaptable. Through the use of certain flooring systems and wall systems flexibility can easily be achieved.

5. Integration of technology into design of a building can have a great influence on successful operation within the building. Providing advanced communication systems within a building can help a building not only function well within its walls, but it connects the users to the outside world and allows them to function well globally. Within the building the integration of technology is now everywhere. It no longer only exists as a computer sitting on a desk. It is fully integrated into the building, helping to make buildings function more efficiently and effectively.