Mid-review Craziness

By Lauren Hale

In the midst of mid-review craziness, I’m going to post my thesis abstract, problem statement, and proposal since I haven’t addressed it yet and will update on how mid-reviews went in my next blog:

Abstract

Three major energy sectors exist in the United States: industrial, transportation, and buildings.  The built environment uses the most energy out of all three sectors.  Energy consumption patterns in the life-cycle of a building must change; therefore, the field of architecture needs to make extraordinary strides in energy efficiency through the use of environmental design principles known as “regenerative design,” in combination with new forms of technology that harness energy.

            Regenerative design aims to turn consumption patterns from linear throughput models to closed loop models.  Currently, the industrial use pattern is: take, use, and discard.  This applies to many processes, especially the life-cycle of a building, from the transportation of materials to the job site, all the way to the disposal of the building.  This is considered degenerative.  The goal of regenerative design is to replace what has been used by designing to actively heal the environment. 

            Untapped energy sources are many, but one in particular is the motion of the human body.  By capturing the energy of a body in motion, which would normally dissipate into the floor, electricity can be produced to power the very building the person is activating.  Walking, dancing, running, and playing can all be sources of energy for the building, so this project proposes a fine arts performance center integrated with recreational program.  By using regenerative design and energy-capture floor systems, the ultimate goal of this project is to produce more energy than was taken. 

Problem Statement 

The architecture firm is first and foremost a business.  There are many factors that play a role in the completion of every project such as, clients, deadlines, and budgets.  These constraints placed on the design side by the business side put pressure on the decision-making processes, and unfortunately result in “bad” buildings.  In the framework for this project, a bad building is one that contributes to the linear throughput model of consumption which,

…like most human inventions but unlike nature’s recycling material flows, has a linear time dimension built in with a descending curve: eventually a one-way system destroys the landscapes on which it depends.  The clock is always running and the flows always approaching the time when they can flow no more.  In its very essence, this is a degenerative system, devouring its own sources of sustenance (Lyle 5).

Because firms prioritize so many things over environmental impact, the built environment is doing just that: not prioritizing energy and resource use.  Now as a result, the built environment is the top consumer of the three energy sectors of the United States, the other two being transportation and industry.  Buildings are taking but never giving back, but it’s no fault of the building; it’s ours.

Proposal  

This thesis project proposes to establish where architectural practice’s priorities should be focused: in the creation of buildings whose consumption patterns are not linear, but cyclical.  By using a combination of “old” and “new” technologies and approaches, this design project can become the solution that meets the current and future generations’ energy and resource needs. 

“Old” techniques are referring to a back-to-basics approach.  Architects and designers need to pay attention to elementary, yet essential design principles.  They are defined as elementary because every architect should have learned them early in their education.  For example, principles like being aware of sun angles on a site and designing fenestration accordingly.  This project will take it a step further as far as technical responses to the site, with a set of forward-thinking principles called regenerative design. 

“New” technologies are defined in this project as, ideas, concepts, inventions and systems which we have only begun to imagine.  There is no foundational knowledge to base these design implementations on; only research, learning and experimentation.  The design for the proposed fine arts and recreation center will use new technology in the form of energy-capture floor systems.  Encouraging human movement through intense, active, healthy, athletic participation benefits the users, and the environment in which they are occupying. 

GRID SHELL STRUCTURES

BY SUFIY MOMOH

In the yas hotel located in Dubai, designed by asymptote architecture, a grid shell hangs over the structure acting like a skin. In an article describing this structure the author describes one of the effects of this grid shell. He says "the outer “grid shell” breaks the sunlight and generates a stack cooling effect" (gideon 2010). Considering how hot the location of this hotel can get, the effect of this sort of structures would definitely make spaces within this structure to feel better. The author further describes the function of this grid shell as he says "Starting at dusk, the grid shell becomes a light source of its own. LED luminaires—5,800 of them, each containing 144 bulbs—mounted in the vertices of the lattice function in unison as a wraparound screen, turning the Yas Hotel into something of a lava lamp, or a phosphorescent sea creature. Frits in the glass panels reflect the light sources outward, according to Rashid, without compromising transparency from within." (gideon 2010) explaining the elements of this structure when it gets dark.

Yas Hotel Dubai

In most of this grid structure designs the major variables within them are lights. “Strikingly faceted with tons of holes letting in natural lighting, the pavilion offers a unique place to relax while also heralding a new technique for architects to consider. The pavilion was even outfitted with swinging hammocks for passersby to rest in." (meghan 2012) describing another grid shell which reacts with light to produce a well relaxing space within. 

A lot of these grid shells satisfy their design needs but do need really go deep into solving solutions and in cooperating environmental variables which can better the space. Pushing the boundaries on what these grid shells can be done; one can consider these shells to serve as templates for sustainable solutions such as solar panels thereby having certain parts of the templates orientated in ways they can get full potential of the suns energy. they can also serve as templates for other sustainable solutions such as heliostats. These heliostats can reflect light into darker areas within the region to brighten things up in those areas. Another possible function of this grid shell is to let them function as trellis which can act as a very good design element. The potential of these types of structures can go on and on.

The grid is a structure that derives its strength from double curvature. A couple of things to look into when implementing something like this is how cost effective it will be. In other to do this, exploring several materials that would be structurally sound would be a good idea. Looking at materials ranging from different types of woods to different kind of steel materials. Exploring various anchoring methods to make this structure work in a very feasible way would also be something to look into.

Spaces are strongly impacted by the architecture surrounding it but an architectural piece that in cooperate exterior natural factors into the space can make the space be perceived in various intriguing ways.  

It's midterm!!!

By Tim Shotts

We've all been working like mad past week to solidify our work from the past eight weeks. We grads have split into two sites for master planning of Chicago's Near West Side and Grand Rapids' downtown. We started the semester researching typologies of transit and housing, continued with researching the history of our sites, conducted case study analyses of housing types, and finally brought all of this semester' work together to form an master plan scheme and begin to design a new building for our site.

Concurrent with studio, Thad Heckman is keeping us grounded in zoning regulations while encouraging us to have fun with our designs and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Here are some photos of my group's site model...

All Photos By Author

There's a lot of work left to be done. It's only going to become more fast-paced as we move forward into design development for our buildings and keep the masterplan in a continual state of flux.

Grad school happenings: part II

Dr. Davey is offering a trip to the Dominican Republic during Spring break. We'll be working with the Green Brigade to help the community.

Course credit: triple check!

IDP credit: check!

Spring break in a beautiful country: check!

Passport: check!

Adventure: check!

How Do We Respond to a Failing Planet?

By Kayla Fuller

As designers, we are taught to integrate all parts of the environment into a design and understand the consequences that can occur. With technological improvements occurring daily, we alter our approach to make better use of what is available. Unfortunately our ancestors left us in distress and we are forced to carry their destruction with us. What empowers us to change our attempt and reverse the effects of our failing plant? Knowledge is the most powerful and useful influence we have available.

 “Knowledge is power, power comes with responsible behavior[1]” –Szenasy

The responsibility to conduct the proper action should be a moral established at a young age. Daily, the media exposes unethical actions to those curious of their surroundings. Children are no longer protected from this exposure, for many this is a world that has become all too familiar for them. With such a negative image of the world around them, their perception becomes overwhelmed by fear and rage.

            Growing up with a fear of not knowing what the future may hold, can develop a behaviorally challenged and unethical generation that struggles to survive. How do we react to a struggling generation? We create more boundaries and disconnection with others, eventually isolating them completely. Very few can overcome such boundaries and be successful. Our society ensures power to those in control and suppresses others to ensure that they cannot be touched.

            Through creative design, we can overcome such boundaries. No longer do we need to fear what we cannot see or understand, rather we should use this fear to empower reintegration. We are an extremely competitive race and we fuel our success through competition with others. Through interaction with those we view as competitive, we can collaborate and improve our achievements. Why have we allowed our ancestors failures to continue, when there is evidence that through change, we can overcome unbelievable limitations. Although many of these boundaries that have been established are physical, there are also the mental challenges that overcome our logic of success.

            Through rehabilitation of urban design, we can incorporate the needs of the community to encourage youth of their potentials. The urban design on cities creates not only the horizontal boundary of where someone originates, but the height of the city also provides a hierarchy through separation. Those who can afford the penthouse kingdom with priceless views away from the noise isolate themselves. As luxurious as this may seem, they create a dreadfully toxic situation. Those fancy materials covering the walls, floors and furniture release chemicals into the air and merge with the pollution from the city below them. There are simple alternatives that can reduce certain toxins but they only result in a small outcome in a large situation. Another approach to reduce pollution and restore interaction between individuals is urban gardens. This becomes not only a diverse gathering place but and educational center to reintegrate youth with processes of nature and their planet.

            The major argument Szenasy makes against architecture is about design and disconnect to the community. This contradicts what most designers achieve. There is no success through a disconnected design for it advances a disconnection throughout the community. The site and development of, is one of the most valuable elements of a design. With improper use of the natural elements provided a design instantly fails. Why not take advantage of free resources that reconnect us with our one and only home. If more people understood the effects they have on the survival of our home, there would be a dramatic change. It takes one person to make a positive effect for others to follow. Hopefully we can demonstrate for the younger generations what their futures may hold and restore hope.

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[1] Susan S. Szenasy, “ What Do Ethics Have to Do With Design?,”Metropolis 1969 (2004): 1, June 10, 2013,   www.metropolismag.com/December-1969/What-Do-Ethics-Have-to-Do-with-Design/

The Blur

By Michelle Harris

Clouds are transient in nature. The first cloud I saw created artificially indoors inspired me to think of the possibilities of a cloud as a building material (Nimbus II, 2012, by Berndnaut Smilde). My first thought was that it would be an interesting as a façade. As I considered the uses of this new building material I imagined even as far as using clouds on a wristwatch to tell time. The world of cloudlike possibilities became a reality when a classmate introduced me to a project, the Blur, completed for the Association Expo in 2001, in Western Switzerland by Diller & Scofidio.

The Blur was an ephemeral exhibit for the expo. The Blur was a central viewing platform and restaurant constructed from a series of steel piers and walkways floating above the lake. The façade wrapping the steel was a manufactured cloud. The building was shrouded in a wafting fog. What initially began as a fascination with the concept of clouds for me ends with the mechanical process of the cloud’s creation.

The transient nature of the cloud façade required a technical analysis of how clouds are created. Japanese weather designer, Fujiko Nakaya,was the leading expert in large scale pavilion structure productions. His expertise was not fully utilized due to the Association Expo wanting to have a European representative. This prompted Diller and Scofidio to begin a series of tests pioneering ‘cloud or fog’ creation. A series of nozzels were tested for water droplet sizes and the form of the orientation of the nozzle heads. What they concluded with was an elliptical matrix of mechanical components and a building that was a very wet experience.

 Similarly, Nimbus II by Berndnaut Smilde forms on the principles of relative humidity and a misting of the particles. Very few people have experienced his art pieces in person. They’re represented in photography and media. However the use of clouds as a construction material you can experience comfortably is untamed.

With the manufacture of clouds as a possibility, the mystery of clouds in nature becomes more apparent. The flow of air and electrical currents that charge the atmosphere are predicted but the deeper meaning of why is unknown. The construction of a building with a cloud as a façade may possibly open the door to understanding a micro version of the why through the how.

Bibliography:

Blur: the making of nothing, Diller & Scofidio. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers: 2002.

How to make clouds indoors: Berndnaut Smilde <http://yatzer.com/nimbus-berndnaut-smilde> July 18, 2013.

How Do Spiders Fly for Miles? Mystery Solved. <http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/27/how-do-spiders-fly-for-miles-mystery-solved/>

September 27, 2013.

India: Jewel of the East

By Kristopher Teubel

            As it is the subject for my design thesis, I would like to present some interesting information about the country and its people that I've found thus far:

            India is the second most populous country in the world.  According to the World Bank, in 2012, there were 1.24 billion Indian citizens ("India," 2012).  Therefore, of the approximately 7 billion people in the world, nearly two of every ten people are Indian citizens.  Many of India's citizens work in the production of textiles, transportation equipment, software, and pharmaceuticals (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013) .  With its booming population, which creates a surplus in man power, India's local labor market demands low labor wage rates.  This currently, along with various other aspects, puts a great strain on the average citizen in India. 

            Much of the Indian population practices either the Hindu (81.3%), or Muslim (12%) religions ("India - language," 2013) .  These two religions have shaped the culture of India both positively and negatively.  It is common to hear about skirmishes between the largely Hindu country of India and their Muslim neighbor, Pakistan, to their north-west.  Aljazeera recently reported that India test fired  a nuclear capable missile for the second time.  The missile is reported to have a 5,000 km range.  This event puts India on a very short list of countries including China, France, Russia, the Unites States, Britain, and Israel with long range nuclear capabilities (Bauck, 2013).

            Within the country, one may find many culturally distinct regions and cities.  Ironically, even though the population density throughout the country in 2012 was 411 people per square kilometer and growing steadily, versus the United States' 34 people per square kilometer, India still manages to maintain vibrant regional cultures ("Population density (people," 2012).  Within India are 28 culturally distinct states and union districts.  Many districts have more than one official language which continues to promote the regionalistic nature of the country ("India - language," 2013).  The difference in languages can create social and business difficulties between people of different regions.

            Within this considerably large subset of the world, many people live in poor conditions.  “About one in six Indian city residents lives in an urban slum with unsanitary conditions that are "unfit for human habitation," according to the first complete census of India's vast slum population.” (Johnson, 2013)   

            According to the 2001 Indian census, disposal of human waste is a major health hazard in the country.  Fifty-five percent of the total households in India have no toilet facilities at all. On average, seventy-four percent of rural households lack basic toilet facilities while only seventeen percent of urban households lack these amenities.  Nearly half of the country's households have to travel to access potable water.  Often, the responsibility of water collection is left to women and young girls.  Approximately one-third of the country's households boil their water to make it more fit for sanitary uses (Gupta, Arnold & Lhungdim, 2009).

References

India. (2012). Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/country/india

Central Intelligence Agency. (2013, August 22). South Asia:India. Retrieved from             https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html

India - language, culture, customs and etiquette. (2013). Retrieved from             http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/india-country-   profile.html

Bauck, P. (2013, September 15). India tests nuclear-capable missile. Aljazeera

Population density (people per sq. km of land area). (2012). Retrieved from             http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.POP.DNST?            order=wbapi_data_value_2011wbapi_data_value&sort=desc

Johnson, K. (2013, March 22). India slums: 1 in 6 Indian city dwellers live in conditions '  

            unfit for human habitation'. Retrieved from   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/22/India-            slums_n_2931634.html

Gupta, K., Arnold, F., & Lhungdim, H. International Institute for Population Sciences,    

            (2009). Health and living conditions in eight Indian cities (400 088). Retrieved        from website:             http://www.measuredhs.com/pubs/pdf/OD58/OD58.pdf

Time Flies……

By Tyler Dunahee

We all heard it as kids when we complained about being young or wanting to be adults, enjoy being a kid while it lasts, because that time is limited and you’ll never get it back.  I was having a conversation this past week with a friend and she and I had a conversation discussing just how fast time has gone by and how much we miss the time when we were kids, living at home, without bills, responsibilities, jobs, et cetera.  A time when the only thing you really have to worry about is what is on the lunch menu the next day or if you’re bringing a lunch from home.   We talked about it so long we almost were depressed that that point in our lives were over and never truly got to appreciate it.  At this point in our lives life is flying by at a hundred miles an hour and it can very easily pass you by without you blinking an eye, and very few of us take the time to slow things down and enjoy life, I know I don’t, but I’m sure going to try.

I write this as a sit at a desk, at one of my three jobs, going to graduate school in a field where having a job outside of the university is unusual and difficult to maintain.  Needless to say, between architecture and work, I don’t have too much free time to do things I really enjoy, and in the free time I do have, I just want to relax and do nothing.  Over Fall Break I managed to find time to go home for a few days as a big family reunion on my father’s side, which is always the Sunday before Columbus Day. While there I realized just how important trying to slow down and truly enjoy life is.  Seeing the young kids playing carelessly, enjoying every moment of life, interacting with everyone there as if they see them every day.  While playing with the kids I realized that I had been missing out, that careless play and lack of responsibility, even for just a few hours, opened my eyes, just how long has it been since I’ve truly had fun like this?

As architecture students so much of our time is dedicated to school, and for those taking on jobs as well, it’s a daunting task and takes dedication.  I ask you, however, do you feel like you’re taking full advantage of life? How much time do you waste? Because I’m not happy with my answers to either of those questions and having realizing that, I’m going to do my best to try to relax and slowdown from time to time, as I don’t think enough of us do so.  I’m not saying don’t do your work, but don’t waste the time that you have when you’re not working on a project, I know I waste way too much time online, Facebook, Twitter, mindless videos, websites, and general browsing that doesn’t result in anything productive, in other words doing things consistently that in no way better me as a student or person. 

Moral: Take a step back, deep breathe, and enjoy where you’re at in life, as they’ll be some of the best years of your life, so enjoy them.