Senses

By Rhonda C Daugherty


The investigation of phenomenology of the sense can only be explain through understanding the actuality of how people experience space while using the senses. For example, Professor Anton talks about sound, sight, and touch as how one perceives space through these senses. Touch as an element that cannot be separated from its source unless the mind uses the eyes to interpret the texture; but it is only through phenomena that we understand why something feels as it does in the first place ( as you touch you are experiencing texture in that instant). Yet vision and sound works differently, Anton uses the example about being in a night club and the listening to the comedian when the waitress steps in front of him. He then notices that although his view becomes obstructed, the sound remains the same. The phenomena of the waitress obscuring his view and yet sound having a completely different affect is how the design thesis investigates and understands the phenomena of the senses.


Ponty defines human mechanism as a way to experience the phenomena of reality. The design thesis is exploring the human condition. More specifically, the element of how people use their senses in an education/ urban phenomena. The human condition is an individualistic social phenomenon. The design, which was introduced by Martin Heidegger, is theory of the social phenomena. The idea behind sensory perception and social behavior conditions will intertwine with each other. How one explores, learns, and behave is social settings relates closely to how one is taught to behavior and initially how one is conditioned to behave. The idea behind learned behavior in phenomena is purely sensory. One visually see’s and then he or she will knowledge. Knowledge is learned and taught they way knowledge has always been learned and taught, according to Martin Heidegger. The consciousness of the learned behaviors, contributes to the notion of socialism.

Designing to the Climates

By Shane Healey

Primitive Responses to Climatic Zones

Throughout history, Eskimo and Native American tribes have adapted their lives and shelters to fit the zone in which they lived. The Pueblo tribes in the Southwest, used adobe as a construction material to delay the heat impact on the interior spaces during the hottest hours of the day. In addition, to limit the sun exposure to the entire tribe, the Pueblo Indians placed their structures back to back, limiting the surface area. In the Southeast, the Seminoles had wall less shelters with high grass roofs, allow for maximum air flow. To deal with the South’s high precipitation, the shelters have elevated floors, and steep roof overhangs. In the North, the Eskimos have adapted to extreme cold temperatures. An igloo’s ability to deflect wind, the insulation value of snow, and locating the entrance away from the prevailing winds create an interior temperature of 60 degrees while the exterior temperature is -50 degrees. Combining aspects of all previous zones, the plain dwelling Indians had to design for harsh winters as well as hot summers. In the Midwest, the wigwam’s pole and skin structure gave protection from the wind and rain, as well as created a shelter that was “easily heated from a central source” (Olgyay 5).

Modern Responses to Climatic Zones

These days, there are more modern techniques to achieve adapting a structure to the built environment. In a hot-dry climate, two things must be achieved when designing a structure, minimalization of isolation and the collection of participation. To minimize isolation on a shelter, thick walls are used to absorb the sun’s energy during the day and release the heat during a cool desert night. In addition, “courtyards are used to trap pools of cool night air for use” during the day (McClure 61). However, in hot-humid climates, some techniques are much different. The most critical elements when designing in a hot-humid environment is air movement and shade. To optimize air movement, a structure is elevated from the ground, allowing air to move under the structure. The predominate technique to provide shelter, is the use of overhangs. Due to harsh temperatures during the day and night, structures are generally made from light materials; therefore, not retaining heat. On the other end of the spectrum, exposure to the sun is mandatory in a cold climate. To compliment the large amount of insulation, heat absorbing materials are used to warm the interior during the cold night. One technique often used, is placing a building near large hills, to both block the winter winds and the sun in the summer. In a temperate climate, buildings would be exposed to climate extremes. Due to coming from different directions, cold winter winds should be blocked, while the cool summer breezes are beneficial. Another way to design to various climates is utilizing vegetation. Deciduous trees, located on the west side of a building, can block the sun in the summer and allowing sun in during the winter; however, evergreen trees can be placed strategically to block cold winter winds.

Exploring Types of Structure

By Dustin Stoll

One of my favorite undergraduate classes at SIUC was Arc 361 “Structures One”. This class involves a lot of math and calculations, but it is also very important in helping one learn how a building is constructed. Arc 361 is all about steel construction, but the methods of calculation taught in this class can also be applied to later structures classes. John Dobbins is the instructor for the course and is probably the best instructor I have ever had. AND arguably a genius!

Part of the course is the understanding of how different types of structures work. For our final project, each of us was supposed to select a type of structure or structural system in which we wanted to analyze extensively.

I chose to analyze the Fink Truss, for my final project.


Definition of a truss: A truss represents a structural system that distributes loads to supports through a linear arrangement of various-sized members in patterns of planar triangles. The triangular subdivision of the planar system produces geometric units that are non-deformable (stable).

The Fink Truss was first developed by German-born, American engineer Albert Fink in the 1860s for railroad bridges. The Fink design was later developed for use in other types of structures, such as roof trusses.


References:

http://pghbridges.com/basics.htm
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/207417/Fink-truss

Statics and Strength of Materials for Architecture and Building Construction:
Barry Onouye & Kevin Kane

Clean the Environment Before it is Too Late

By Cray Shellenbarger

Over time, the negative effects of various air pollutants are becoming more evident. There are an overwhelming number of respiratory issues that have been directly linked to air pollution. The causes of said pollutants are obvious and can be dealt with. Automobiles are the leading cause of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. Laws have been set in place to counteract this problem and yet the problem continues. A series of Clean Air Acts has been in place since 1967. The human have the technology to control the pollution. There are control devices in place such as mechanical collectors and fabric filters. Is this enough to fight air pollution? Where do the Environmental Wisdom and Planetary Management worldviews fit into this?

Air Pollution has been attributed to an alarming number of health problems. One extremely harmful air pollutant is carbon dioxide. Most of the emission of carbon dioxide can be attributed to the overuse of the automobile. The theory of global warming is becoming more widely accepted. The rise in temperature has been linked to various environmental problems. Some of which being more intense storms and warning of devastating floods. Respiratory issues are another of air pollutions vast affects on the planet. According to Wikipedia.com, nearly 4.6 million people die each year as a result of air pollution. Indoor Air pollution is a major contributor to these deaths. Many of the common materials used in home construction give of extremely toxic chemicals. For example, both carpeting and plywood emit formaldehyde, a chemical labeled as a carcinogen. Indoor air pollution is an easy problem to fix. In new construction it is a top priority to ensure proper ventilation to reduce the probability of these harmful chemicals building up in the built environment.

The problem of air pollution is not an easy problem to fix. However, it is simple to identify the causes. As mentioned, the most prominent of source air pollution is carbon monoxide emissions (Wikipedia). The finger is always pointed at the automobile as the only cause. This is understandable considering that every gallon of gas burned in an internal combustion engine results in nearly twenty pounds of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Who Killed the Electric Car?). There are, however, many other causes. Some of which include combustion fired power plants, controlled burn practice, and marine vessels. After researching, one will see that the causes are vast and cannot be singled out as being worse than another. This problem is not one whose cause can be placed on and individual.

Although the causes are many, steps have been taken to control this serious problem. In 1967, the United States Congress passed the first Clean Air Act. This act was aimed at reducing the smog problem in the more populated areas of the United States. This act was amended several times in the following years. These acts set a standard in clean air quality to ensure a better and longer life for the American citizen. As a result of this, every car in the United States was required to have a catalytic converter installed on the exhaust system. This device helped keep emissions down and in many cases actually improved gas mileage in American automobiles. Factories were also impacted by these laws. Industries were required to control the waste that was emitted from the production of their products. Many were required to install mechanical collectors such as dust cyclones. Wet scrubbers were also and are still widely in use.

Is all of this enough to counter the damage done to the environment? Many scientists say no. Much more should and can be done. Over time it would be great to see all consumer driven gas vehicles off the market. Battery technology is advancing well, offering longer ranges on rechargeable vehicles. Most of the major motor companies now offer a “hybrid” type vehicle. These “hybrid” cars combine the combustion engine with the use of chargeable batteries to greatly increase fuel efficiency.

There are two opposing worldviews to be discussed. One of which is the Planetary Management worldview. In this view, it is believed that humans are the most important species on the planet. Also, there is no need to worry about running out of resources because humans will develop more. The success of the human race depends on the proper manipulation of the earth to sever us as a race best (wadsworth.com). The other view is Environmental Wisdom worldview. Those with this view believe that nature exists for all species. Therefore, humans are not in charge of the earth. Also, resources are limited. But most of all, the success of the race depends on learning how the earth sustains itself and integrating our actions into that cycle (wadsworth.com). It is essential to find a balance between the two of these, for that is where the best solution lies. As a race, we must incorporate the idea that we can develop more resources with the fact that the ones we have are limited.

The most useful thing that humans have is the environment. If the environment were to collapse, the race would fall. Through laws, regulations, and whatever else it takes, we must fix what has been damaged before it is too late. The balance between the worldviews needs to be reach and used in a productive way. The future of the human race depends on it.

Future

By: Vince Burdi

Understanding systems and how people work is an important part of what we do here in architecture school. As an undergraduate we are exposed to all parts of architectural design. Here, undergraduates can develop their skills and knowledge of the architectural profession. A strong foundation will always lead to a great building and hopefully a great architect.

In the work place we will be accepted to know how to implement our education to everyday tasks and challenges that will arise. When presented with a problem we should know how to solve it or at least begin to find a solution. It takes time to develop a full understanding of the built environment (world); we as students will soon be heading towards, but we can use our education to problem solve. We will be joining the work force in hard economic times, but as we know in times of struggle the strong survive. So, take this as an opportunity to step forward in time, to define a new principal in which we hold ourselves to. Architecture can and should be part of a new developing future.

Chicago Cultural Center

By Tara Loughman

While I was in Chicago, IL for the GreenBuild Convention, I was able to go around the downtown area with a friend and experience some of Chicago’s finest architecture. Walking down E. Washington Street, we decided to stop into the Chicago Cultural Center. My first expectations for the center weren’t as positive as one would think, until I first stepped into the building. Once inside I could not believe my eyes; the amount of detail and character expressed throughout the space had me speechless.

The Chicago Cultural Center is located in the downtown loop area across from Millennium Park. Built in 1893, the building was originally designed for the city's central library and Grand Army of the Republic Museum. In 1981, the building then became known as it is today; The Chicago Cultural Center.


The buildings envelope is made up of Bedford Blue Limestone on a granite base with two Tiffany stained-glass domes capping the roof that leave you in awe. Upon entering the 3-story vaulted lobby, a grand staircase, made of white marble, flanks the room’s ornate details. As you begin to walk up the staircase, you begin to see the dramatic and timeless applications used throughout the space. My favorite detail was that of the intricate mosaic tile flooring. The mosaics were made with glass, stone, and mother of pearl tiles. The part that made this my favorite, was not only the tile and its layout, but was the particular pastel-like color mixture applied.

Each floor leads you to exhibitions and or programs that cover a wide range of performing and visual arts. On the third floor, the center was exhibiting a collection of photographs, drawings, and mock models of the late architect, Louis Sullivan. This was very interesting, not only as an architect student, but as a tourist because a lot of his influences were used throughout the city and Chicago’s School of Architecture.


The Chicago Cultural Center was definitely a place I loved seeing. The beauty and history it holds for the city is something I definitely didn’t know about until I was there and I’m definitely glad I was able to experience it.

Taiwan

By Kang-Hsin Fan


Taiwan is an island situated in East Asia in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is 245 miles long and 89 miles wide. According to an official report, Taiwan’s population was estimated at 23 million in 2010. Taiwan’s quick industrialization and rapid growth during the latter half of 20th century has transformed itself into an advanced economy as one of the Four Asian Tigers. Technology industrial plays a key role in the global economy. About 4,000 years ago, ancestors of the current Taiwanese aborigines settled in Taiwan. The Spanish landed and occupied northern Taiwan as a base to extend its commercial trading in 1629. The colonial period lasted 16 years until 1642. Japanese forces entered the capital at Taiwan, and quelled this resistance in 1895. Taiwan under Empire of Japan rule ended after it lost WWII and signed the instrument of surrender of Japan 1945. Japanese culture influenced Taiwan by 50 years.

With its high population density and many factories, some areas in Taiwan suffer from heavy pollution. Scooters are a very common means of transportation in Taiwan and contribute to urban air pollution. According to official public transportation report, there are approximately 13 million motor scooters and 5 million cars as of 2010.

Electrical power generation is nearly 55% coal-based, 18% nuclear power, 17% national gas, 5% oil, and 5% from renewable energy sources. Nearly all oil and gas for transportation and power needs must be imported. Taiwan is rich in wind energy resources, with wind farms both onshore and offshore. To some extent, solar energy is also a potential resource.

Over 93% of the Taiwanese population are adherents of a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism; 4.5% are adherents of Christianity; and 2.5% are adherents of others religions, such as Islam. As of 2009, there are 14,993 temples in Taiwan, approximately one place of worship per 1,500 residents.

There are two phenomena in Taiwan. First one is karaoke (KTV), drawn from contemporary Japanese culture, is extremely popular in Taiwan. KTV business operates in a hotel like style, renting out small rooms and ballrooms varying on the number of guests in a group.

References: http://www.gio.gov.tw/