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DESIGNING ENERGIESHuman Thermal Energy in Architecture
Juan Carlos Garduño
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requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture
at
Portland State UniversityPortland, OregonJune 2016
DESIGNING ENERGIES
Human Thermal Energy in Architecture
byJuan Carlos Garduño
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Thesis Committee:
Advisor Aaron Whelton Assistant Professor of Architecture
__________________________________ ________________ Date
Committe Member Sergio Palleroni Professor of Architecture, Director of Center for Public Interest Design
__________________________________ ________________ Date
Committe Member Loren Lutzenhiser Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, Portland State University
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITYSCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURECOLLEGE OF THE ARTS
The undersigned hereby certify that the Masters thesis of
Juan Carlos Garduño
the degree of Master of Architecture
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To my sisters Miriam, Nancy, Kenia, and Martha, they have been my support and inspiration. To my loyal friends and colleagues (UIC and PSU) who have pushed and challenged me to expand my design and architectural sensibility.
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A return to an architectural design approach which observes architectural elements (wall, roof, stairs, etc) together with spatial-atmospheric elements (heat, moisture, air, etc) through current technological tools has been at the forefront of both academic and professional architectural practice beginning as early as 1960. Rayner Banham was one of few architectural critics at the time who pointed towards this new paradigm, in Architecture of the Well-Tempered Environment (1969) he writes:
“The idea that architecture belongs in one place and technology in another is comparatively new in history, and its effect on architecture, which should be the most complete of the arts of mankind, has been crippling. In the eighteenth century, at least as late as Isaac Ware’s Complete Body of Architecture (1776), that body had indeed been complete, and the technology then available had found a comfortable place within its compendious pages. Thereafter, however, the art of architecture became increasingly divorced from the practice of making and operating buildings.”
Contemporary architects such as Thomas Herzog, Phillipe Rahm, and Sean Lally practice in a way that engages this discourse, all observing atmospheric energies in their own ways. The new model surpasses the avant-garde architectural approach, which poses an individualistic separation of the artist-architect, to become an inclusive and collaborative creative model which includes other expertise with the goal to create an architecture that works for, and works with, a contextual energy ecosystem. The practical goal of this approach is to increase the self-
the impact of each design to our environment. The overarching goal of this approach is to propose a new symbiotic program and design process that will create an increased awareness of our space-use, experience, and ecological interdependence.
Abstract
Understanding energy hierarchies as an architectural element places the human body, which alone or in clusters of tens to hundreds to thousands occupies the built environment, at the center of this discussion. The human body is known to produce about 100 watts of energy (341.4 BTUs/hr). Of course, we are more than a lit lightbulb. The human body has been at the center
studies by Vitruvius and Le Corbusier among others; spatial perception and experience included. In this thesis, I observe the human body as an energy source symbiotic to an architectural program and ecosystem recognizing thermal energy as an element of architecture. Computer simulation technology in tandem with existing design tools are utilized to propose an architectural design which is inclusive of the human body and its symbolic interaction with its surroundings, an architectural ecosystem, and a contextual response to microclimate and social use. Furthermore, understanding space use based on human activity and its combined thermal heat can create programming and an awareness for a society of reciprocity, where, excess heat from a large group of people can be used to warm a smaller group. This thesis is not about building science, building systems, professional practice, or compositional theory as independent topics. It is an observation and inclusion in technique, design sensibility, and social awareness that integrates these multiple aspects of design and building composition. Human thermal energy and presence are at the center of this discussion.
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In 1943 Leslie A. White published a revolutionary essay in American Anthropologist, titled Energy and the Evolution of Culture. White states: “The satisfaction of spiritual and esthetic needs through singing, dancing, myth-making, etc., is possible, however, only if man’s bodily needs for food, shelter, and defense are met. Thus, the whole cultural structure depends on the material, mechanical means with which man articulates himself with the earth.” White goes on to credit the development of culture and society to the increased availability of energy
of animals, cultivation, industrial revolution, etc). We have reached a point, however, where our energy demand renders an immediate toxic waste from the creation of the same. Global warming has brought our society to a crossroad where we need to make a decision that will affect us in the immediate future.
his 1977 revolutionary essay Energy Strategy: The Road Not Taken. In it, he writes: “Using the white-hot temperatures of a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, so red-hot wire can heat a house to 70 degrees, is inexcusably crude, like cutting butter with a chainsaw.” Architecturally, buildings produce about a third of all CO2 emissions here in the US. The urgency
discussion. As mentioned, architecture has steered itself away from the essentialities of “space” design. Observing human
in architectural design and extends the same discourse to a broader conversation that affects us all. One hundred years from now, any and all forms of energy will be harnessed and work symbiotic to all forms of architecture.
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Research Question
How can we introduce human thermal energy to the architectural design process in order to better understand its spatial, symbiotic, and ecological relationship to architecture?
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Table of Contents
2116 ................................................................................................... 2
Visualizing the Invisible .................................................................... 4
Human Thermal Energy 4
Physiological and Architectural Thermoregulation 10
Human Thermal Energy as Architectural Element 12
Social Reciprocity ............................................................................16
Keeping Each Other Warm 16
Elements of Architecture ................................................................18
Heat Transfer Simulation 18
Harnessing Atmosphere 20
Microclimate/Context 22
Thermal Energy Programming 24
Interdependenc-e ............................................................................26
A Symbiotic Relationship with Architecture 26
Play, Eat, Work, Sleep 34
Conclusions .......................................................................................40
Human Thermal Energy in Architecture 40
Appendix A: List of Figures 46
Appendix B: Bibliography 48
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It’s been about 50 years since we became independent of fossil fuels to power our homes, buildings, cars, and factories. Well, a minor industry sector still uses these energy resources although they are not perceived with favorable attention. I still remember, when I was just seven years old, watching a gasoline fueled car drive past my house as I was playing in the front yard. The kids in my neighborhood, including myself, were confused with the loud raucous the car was making. The gray smoke coming from the rear of the car was an interesting sight, to say the least. It’s hard to believe that just one hundred years ago most of the cars and buildings were powered by such “fuels.” I can’t imagine why, when having a giant nuclear reactor full of endless energy in our skies, we would turn to digging into the ground in search for these so called fuels. Not to mention all other natural resources found in our wind, rain, waves, and geothermal resources to name a few; heck, we are part of these energy resources! My phone, watch, glasses and other small devices are charged and responsive to my every movement, well, that’s at a small scale at least. My
energized and heated by our neighbors. Although the energy provided by such individuals is additive to the other architectural passive strategies of the building, there’s something beautiful about the idea of sharing heat as a society and being part of our ecosystem. In a way, the building depends on human activity and heat to operate at its full potential...
2116
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infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce
images of that radiation (thermograms); emitted by all objects
with a temperature above abzolute zero; see without visible light.
will have inputs for climate, envelope, internal heat gains
from lighting, equipment, and occupants; heating, cooling, and
ventilation systems.
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Visualizing the InvisibleHuman Thermal Energy
as well as an elusive representation, although, it is something that we often don’t have a visual representation of. As a culture,
the word in order to visualize the same. This assumption can be observed in the use of thermal imaging cameras for example. While we know that our body is at a constantly regulated temperature of about 98.6 deg. Fahrenheit (37 deg. Celsius) and produce about 341.4 Btu/h (at rest) we can visualize the same with the use of thermal photography. The same photography can be used to calculate or quantify the temperature of our body and its relationship with our environment. The idea to observe energy, in this example human thermal energy, with a literal different lens allows the creative mind to observe and design our environment with a different approach not available to us
as a glowing energy source can be empowering, it enhances our self-perception as well as our relationship to our surrounding; it places us next to other natural energy sources such as the sun, wind, geothermal, etc. Let us observe a few interpretations of energy surrounding the human culture and body, beginning with current architectural practice technology.
software to provide building operation assumptions, this, based on a set of algorithms and collected climate data. The software provides its user with data and a visual representation of the simulation which allows the architect to interpret and develop
will have inputs for climate, envelope; internal gains from lighting, equipment, occupancy, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. While such simulation software is useful to provide data-driven energy studies, they are often used post concept design. The implementation of energy simulation can be used to aid in the concept design process by providing a visual
Energy Storytellingwalk in the park
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distributed in the human body through seven Chakras and 72,000
Nadis. Represented from top of human head to bottom of feet
(Brightness, Hotness, Heat, Wind, Humidity, Dryness, Coldness).
of electrical coronal discharges; an object on a photographic
plate is connected to a high voltage source, an image is produced
on the photograpic plate.
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the design. Of course, the same technology should not be taken
sketchpad, render, etc to the design process. One shortfall of this simulation technology is the grouping of “occupancy” with the rest of the “internal gains” inputs. In this case, occupancy represents the human presence and human thermal energy in the simulations. Part of my interest in observing this energy source
extends outside of an algorithm and collected data. The human presence in architecture provides a link between such energy
A representation of energy extending outside of architectural practice is the observation of cultural representations of energy
Ayurveda, energy is distributed in the human body through seven chakras and 72,000 nadis. These are represented in the human body as brightness, hotness, heat, wind, humidity, dryness, and coldness; from head to the bottom of our feet respectively
other cultures (Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek) yet they remain similarly tied to our environmental elements and energy.
directly to our mind and body’s well-being. Current technology has provided the implementation of Kirlian photography. Similar to thermal photography, the imagery provides a
provides a representation of our body’s well-being. While the representation of such imagery can be debated, it is rooted in a cultural belief that our body and mental energy is tied to our environmental elements and energy sources; an interpretation of our natural connection to our environment.
Pop culture has taken these same representations of human
Energy Storytelling
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reality as perceived by most humans is a simulated reality called
“the Matrix”, created by sentient machines to subdue the human
population, while their bodies’ heat and electrical activity are
used as an energy source.
way, is a metaphysical, spiritual, and binding power that holds
enormous importance for both the Jedi and Sith; the Force is
sensitive beings.
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in which reality, as perceived by most humans, is a simulated reality called the matrix created by sentient machines to subdue the human population, this, while their bodies’ heat
human body as a viable source of energy provokes analyzation
the energy forces produced by characters from Dragon Ball
representation (Dragon Ball Z) is rooted in real life martial arts beliefs through Kung Fu and Tai Chi. The Chi and Ki harnessed from the practice of these martial arts have a direct connection
Force Awakens, the force is a metaphysical, spiritual, and binding power that holds enormous importance for both the Jedi and Sith (protagonist and antagonist of the series). The “force”
obsession with the human body as a source of energy. Modern physics has in fact proven that the basic principles of energy are that “energy can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it transforms from one form to another.” This observation implies that our own thermal energy has a source and is transferred to our surrounding environment.
Energy Storytellingtraining for the marathon
bone
muscle
fa
CONDUCTIONLAYERS
97.8 f
93.2 f
roomtemp
THE LADY in red, she in the chile con carne red,
Brilliant as the shine of a pepper crimson in the summer sun,
She behind a false-face, the much sought-after dancer, the most sought-after dancer of all in this masquerade,
The lady in red sox and red hat, ankles of willow, crimson arrow amidst the Spanish clashes of
music,
I sit in a corner
watching her dance first with one man
and then another.
-Dancer-Carl Sandburg
THERMAL EXCHANGE BETWEENTHE HUMAN BODY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
Radiation - direct/indirect reception from heat energy; heat radiating from skin; accounts for 60% of heat loss
Conduction - heat transfer loss 3%
Convection - loss through ventilation 15%
Evaporation - sweat loss 22%
Increased BodyTemperature
Thermostat in hypothalamusactivates cooling mechanism
Sweat glands secretesweat; evaporates
Blood vessels in skindilate; capillaries fill; heat
radiates from skin
Body temperaturedecreases; thermostat
shuts off cooling mechanism
Homeostasis;Internal Temperature
of 96.8-100.4 f
Decreased BodyTemperature
Skeletal muscles contract;shivering generates heat
Blood vessels in skinconstricts; reducing
heat loss
Body temperatureincreases; thermostat
shuts off warming mechanism
Thermostat in hypothalamusactivates warming mechanism
THERMO-REGULATION
INGESTED ENERGY (IE)=
GROSS ENERGY (GE)
DIGESTIBLEENERGY (DE)
METABOLIZABLEENERGY (ME)
NET (METABOLIZABLE)ENERGY (NME)
fecalenergy
combustiblegas (from micro-bial fermentation)
urinaryenergy
surfaceenergy
heat ofmicrobial
fermentation
obligatory thermogenesis,(excess heat relative toglucose during ATP synthesis)
ENER
GY
CA
SCA
DE
IN H
UM
AN
NU
TRIT
ION
non-obligatorydietary
thermogenesis
thermogenesisdue to cold,
drugs, etc.
net energyfor mainte-nance (NE)
basalmetabolism
physicalactivity
equi
librio
cept
ion
noci
cept
ion
prop
rioce
ptio
n
ther
moc
eptio
n
olfa
ctio
n
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at
skin
air
undergarment
air
clothing air
architecturalenvelope
ground
Trying to feel the thinness of air,
Running through your fingers like silk
Gently pushing around you in a soft embrace
Intangible tendrils wisping around your face
Ever present,
And forgotten
Air is no thing
Or so Ithought
But it pushesGently, at my skin
Separating
Edging its way in
Through my pores
And in my veins
Sliding swiftly up
To brace my brain
Filling spaces
That once I thought
Was nothing
tast
e
audi
tion
visio
n
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Physiological and Architectural Thermoregulation
Thermodynamics, while a complex branch of physics, can be
of an isolated system is constant, it can be transformed from one form to another, but cannot be created or destroyed.” The
from a hotter to a colder body.” The human body, in this case, combines both laws to transfer, or lose heat, to its surroundings. Our physiological body is in constant thermoregulation: Internally if we are in an active state (running, dancing, etc) our hypothalamus “thermostat” will signal our sweat glands to secrete sweat, it will also signal our blood vessels near our skin to dilate causing heat to radiate from the skin. As our body temperature decreases our thermostat will signal this “cooling” mechanism to slowly shut down until our body reaches homeostasis or an internal temperature of 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Through this process, our body emits about 60 percent of heat energy through radiation, about 20 percent by sweat
the material is colder than our body). The basic principal of human thermal transfer is dependent on atmospheric conditions to avoid overheating or under-heating of the human body or to achieve thermal comfort. This constant thermoregulation of the human body extends to depend on our surrounding environment, after our clothing layers, for our body to respond. It is assumed that thermal comfort relates to productivity, health, and “delightfulness;” or the idea that our comfort is a result of varying thermal sensations (cool breeze on a hot day, a warm bath during a cold night). The idea of obtaining a gradual thermal delight through architecture is essential as we study existing building design and mechanical systems.
In Thermal Delight in Architecture (1979) Lisa Heschong writes: “Thermal qualities – warm, cool, airy, radiant, cozy – are an
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important part of our experience of a space; they not only
about the space.” This idea, while radical on its own merit, has been present in architectural discourse since classical times. It becomes a relevant discourse, however, since the introduction of mechanical systems to “thermo-regulate” our environment. A direct observation to this notion is made by Matt Johnson. In “The Milieu Interieur” Johnson states that since the modernist age of Le Corbusier we have been “mandated” to maintain an
This meant that we need to maintain a concealed building in order to control and maintain this temperature along with hiding any piping or mechanical system that would make this possible. While the idea to hyper-insulate a building to maintain an incubated atmosphere might work on some occasions (depending on climate zone) the majority of our ecosystem provides a range of delightful thermal options. Technological advance, while important for cultural development, cannot be used as the sole answer to solving a problem that in essence, already had a solution. We have developed a dependency on the use of the air conditioner, for example, when the invention of the same had the purpose of cooling machinery, not the physiological body. We are essentially “using a chainsaw to cut butter,” as Amory B. Lovins points in his 1977 essay.
In Thermally Active Surfaces in Architecture (2010) Kiel Moe States: “The Human body is a hydronic, thermally active surface system.” According to Mo, the future of building science and systems will mimic how the body actually functions; through our body’s hydronic system in his view. The analogy of the building functioning like a human body points to the gradual thermoregulation of an architectural space, as oppose to the
as the main source of human thermal exchange, the human body is treated as “perturbation” to the pristine, incubated, architectural space contained by the building’s envelope. Moe goes on to explain how our “dependency” for the air conditioner,
had been used in history primarily as a radiant heat provider, a convective transfer would also be used and developed; especially during the late 18th century to mid-19th century with
be used in tandem with cross ventilation strategies in order to provide a conductive heating strategy; initiated by health issues with the ventilation systems of the time. This same strategy was later improved by the implementation of mechanical fans to direct air into a contained envelope, primarily to mask “foul air of mill buildings in England” (early 19th century). Once the combination of ventilation and heating technics were centralized in the same distribution system, according to Moe, it followed that the same technics could be used to cool air.
The momentum gained by air conditioning practices would be partly to blame for the development of a tightly sealed architecture envelope, which led to the need to get rid of internal heat loads, which leads to decrease of solar heat gain design, which leads to an increase of electrical lighting. While seemingly exaggerated, the reliance of conditioned spaces would seem to have led us down a rabbit hole. As Moe’s radiant surfaces mimic past architectural technic and principles (roman hypocaust, Trombe wall, Korean ondol, etc) they provide an example where technology can be used to the advantage of gradual human thermal delight. Pointing to the air conditioning aids in identifying the two primary methods to thermo-regulate our environment and hence our body. This points to the separation of architectural practice, the practice of making and operating buildings, as architectural designs were handed over to the mechanical engineer to maneuver and implement the new technological systems into the design. This statement does not disregard the role of the mechanical engineer in architectural practice, rather, it calls for the implementation of the same expertise earlier in the design process. Firstly, however, an understanding of such technological/mechanical systems by the architect is key to communicate with the expertise.
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Human Thermal Energy as Architectural Element
“We live submerged at the bottom of an ocean of air.” – Evangelista Torricelli, 1644
We do in fact live submerged at the bottom of atmospheric elements such as air, heat, humidity, and light. These can be a composition of convection, radiation, evaporation, conduction, or pressure among other energy manifestations. The inclusion of atmosphere as a stand-alone element and composition contrasts itself with elements of architecture (walls, roof, columns, windows, stairs, etc.) and the composition of the same (addition, multiplication, symmetry, asymmetry, etc.). The inclusion of such elements is at the core of architectural theory and practice, although as mentioned earlier, a separation of this practice has been a culprit to the separation of the artist-architect from the architect of making and operating buildings.
Recognized architects such as Thomas Herzog, Renzo Piano, and Frank Lloyd Wright among many others, showcase a mastering of the architect as designer, artist, and maker of operable buildings. By operable I’m referring to the essential implementation of atmospheric elements and composition to the architectural design process. Observing Renzo Piano’s Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, for example, we can see the elegant effortlessness of the architect to harness local winds to provide natural ventilation at times while using the same formal expression of the cultural center to block heavy winds at other
and Sean Lally push the notion of harnessing and designing energy further by isolating these same energy elements to design nonphysical architectural boundaries. In Jade Eco Park, for example, Phillip Rahm used existing landscape conditions to amplify the variation of these atmospheric conditions: cool
of the site and introducing existing technology (mechanical) to
SPACE / ATMOSPHERE“We live submerged at the bottom of an oc
Evangelista Torricelli 1644
SOLID / VOIDAn iconographic plan presents exactitude that allows
one to immediately compare size, position, and shape.
ELEMENTS OFARCHITECTUREWalls - Roof - Columns - Windows - Stairs
ELEMENTS OFATMOSPHERE Heat - Humidity - Air - Light
COMPOSITION OFARCHITECTUREAddition - Multiplication - Inclusion - Symmetry - Asymmetry
COMPOSITION OFATMOSPHERE Radiation - Convection - Evaporation -
SOLAR(RADIATION)
POTENTIAL OFRENEWABLE ENERGIES
use / program
+
use / program / new
EARTH’SRADIATION
BUDGET(174 PW, 100%)
current use: 0.2 (exajoules/year)theoretical potential: 3,900,000
GEOTHERMAL current use: 2.0 (exajoules/year)theoretical potential: 2,000,000
WIND current use: 0.2 (exajoules/year)theoretical potential: 6,000
OCEAN current use: NA (exajoules/year)theoretical potential: 7,000
HYDRO currentheore
1 ExaJoule = 1x10^18 Joules1 J/s = 1WATT
1 PetaWATT = 1x10^15 WATTS
reflected byatmosphere(10 PW, 6%)
reflected byclouds (35 PW, 20%)
reflected from earth’ssurface (7 PW, 4%)
radiated to space fromclouds and atmosphere(111 PW, 64%)
absorbed by atmosphere (28 PW, 16%)
absorbed by clouds (5 PW, 3%)
conduction and rising air (12 PW, 7%)
absorbed by land and oceans (89 PW, 51%)
earth’s surface
carried to clouds and atmosphere by latentheat in water vapour (40 PW, 23%)
radiation absorbed byatmosphere (26 PW, 15%)
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Energy. The soul instinctive a higher power connected to all life, earth, and beyond the galaxy.
ean of air.”
Conduction - Pressure
t use: 10.0 (exajoules/year)etical potential: 150
radiated directly tospace from earth(10 PW, 6%)
100 WATTS = 100 J/s (at rest)
HUMAN THERMAL ENERGY
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“augment” these atmospheric elements. Similarly, Sean Lally observes energy as a standalone element to create boundary
columns, windows, etc.
In The Air from Other Planets, Lally states: “One of architecture’s
that a boundary is a spatial divider that creates a type of
same architecture. Lally’s energy boundaries are made up of electromagnetic, thermodynamic, acoustic, and chemical energy. Similar to Phillip Rahm, Lally implies that in the near
source to create new boundary types, hence new programmatic types and experiences. As oppose to Rahm, Lally views energy as a truly Einsteinian energy source where everything around
that at the root of architectural practice is the design and making of atmosphere for the delight and use of the human body and presence; temperature, lighting, and sound among other elements shape the experience of the human inhabitant. The atmosphere, or space, is created by the manipulation of boundaries both material and atmospheric (electromagnetic, thermodynamic, acoustic, chemical, etc.). As Lally and Rahm point out the goal of architecture is the making of environment to provide atmospheric experiences to the human body and presence; we currently use boundary to manage such atmospheres. Inverting this role then places the human body and presence as an energy source and as an element of atmosphere and architecture.
Stockholm, Sweden
Kungsbrohuset Office Building
Heated water pumped from the Stock-holm Central Station to heating pipe system saves about 25% on energy bills
Other Sustainable Strategies:Triple pane windows -
Air tight envelope -Geothermal heat/cool (Lake Klara) -
Chilled beam system -14.9 EUI (kBtu/ft2) -
Stockholm Central Station
250,000 Railway travelers/day(1 person at rest = 100 Watts)
Air to water heat exchange system (heats underground water tanks)
CASE STUDYKUNGSBROHUSET
ACTIVE
PASSIVE
Large GroupGymDanceConcertRetailRunningTrain StationBus StationKitchenPlazaMarchingStadiumSports...
ACTIVE:ready to engage,
physically energetic
main ave.
x ave.
1st st.
2nd st.
RETAIL ZONE
RESIDENTIALZONE
M
S
L M
S
LTRAIN STATION
APARTMENTS
OFFICE | seating
GYM | running
MIX
As a Golden Rule technology of neighbor helping neighbor, it implies a willingness to live in harmony. What could be more selfless than sharing heat from the tiny campfires in your cells? I’ll warm your apartment today, you’ll warm my schoolroom tomorrow. It’s as effective and homely as gathering around a hearth. Sometimes there’s nothing like an old idea revamped. - Diane Ackerman
Wf
Cool air (fresh)from outside
Stale airto outside
e
sexhaust
supply
heatexchange
core
Heat Exchange System(basics)
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:PASSIVEnot participating, influencedfrom external source
Small GroupOfficeDining
ClassroomReadingLibrary
SleepingLounge
MassageFishing
SeatingLiving Room
Resting...
M
S
L
Warm air (stale)from inside
Pre-heated air(fresh) to inside
exhaust
supply
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Social ReciprocityKeeping Each Other Warm
Observing an example that poses the human thermal energy as an element of architecture we turn to Stockholm’s
of the art envelope and mechanical technology to decrease its carbon footprint. One of its strategies is the use of preheated water from the neighboring Stockholm Central Station. With
with getting rid of the excess heat emitted by its visitors. The excess heat includes thermal loads from lighting, mechanical equipment, kitchen utilities, etc., but is mainly a source from passersby. Using an existing heat-to-water exchange system the excess heat is harnessed to preheat water that is pumped to
the savings on energy bills and consumption, the idea that the
special interest. In a 2012 NY Times article, Diane Ackerman writes the following when analyzing the same building: “Part of the appeal of heating buildings with body heat is the delicious
pumps, and water). What could be cozier than keeping friends and strangers warm? Or knowing that by walking briskly or mousing around the shops, you’re stoking a furnace to heat someone’s chilly kitchen? How about the reciprocity of a whole society, everyone keeping each other warm? As a Golden Rule technology of neighbor helping neighbor, it implies a
apartment today, you’ll warm my schoolroom tomorrow. It’s as effective and homely as gathering around a hearth.” Indeed, the technological aspect of this example can be achieved using existing technology, let alone an implementation of innovative technology to come. A programmatic observation can be made on the contrast of activity and occupancy. In this case, the more active Central Station’s visitors are an energy source to the
35 C (95 F)Human Thermal Output
Energy2D Simulation
20 C (68 F)Background Temp.
PASSIVE
Heat rises as it expands and becomes less dense than the sorrounding air. As it encounters a horizontally flat surfaces, it will passively disperse under the surface to accumulate or escape at each end of the same. This basic observation can be exemplified in the warm attic space or the warm top bunkbed in a single room. By introducing an opening (mezzanine) to an active/busy space, one allows for the excess heat to passively find its way out through this same opening.
FUNNELING
The introduction of a diagonal surface over an active/busy atmosphere will direct any excess heat towards a desired space. Using this strategy, excess heat can be distributed, and reused, among multiple floor levels. Using diagonal surfaces will render an unusual type of architecture in hopes of providing new programmatic expe-riences and interactions. The strategy can be the most effective in directing excess heat to any outside or neigh-boring programming.
UNDULATING
The smooth wavelike motion of heat through the atmosphere provides a clear example on how to manipulate it. The oval provides a proportional distribution of heat to the human body; the same can vary in scale to ‘hug’ around a single human body or around a group of people. The trought can be manipulated to provide enough space for circulation or to serve as a semi-space divider. The boundaries used with this strategy implies a gradual definition of form.
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Elements of ArchitectureHeat Transfer Simulation
Isolating and simulating human thermal energy in an architectural envelope render an observation of heat transfer within the same envelope. In this study, three formal strategies were explored: the cube, the diagonal frame, and the undulating free-form.
atmosphere provides a baseline to simulate and direct heat by means of these formal iterations. In a cube, for example, heat
to the perimeters and towards the ground (assuming perfect envelope insulation). The inclusion of a mezzanine provides a
homes). Observing the diagonal envelope, vent, or funnel, heat is diverted or directed. The best example for this observation is the existing stack-vent strategy. Stack ventilation occurs when heat is directed outside of the house/building creating an air vacuum and natural air/atmosphere circulation. The undulating free-form provides a good method to maintain heat proportional to its inhabitants; as it hugs the body for example.
While the latter formal strategy provides a good thermal management at a smaller scale, the diagonal form is the best option to direct and harness heat in a larger scale. Looking back to the Stockholm Central Station case study, the implementation of a funnel/stack vent formal strategy can be used to concentrate and amplify the excess heat by using this same formal strategy. Rather than attaching heat exchange modules inadvertently throughout a building, the same can be expressed deliberately through design with the intention to concentrate
THERMAL PROPORTIONALITY OF THE ACTIVE HUMAN BODY* thermoregulation is dependent on heat retention or heat dissipation
341.4 Btu/h
3,410 Btu/h
1,364 Btu/h
CASE STUDIESRESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
NEW + EXISTING(HUMAN THERMAL ENERGY)
A lamination of two metals together with different thermal expansion coefficients simply deforms when heated or cooled
With the emergence of smart materials, an elevated interest in utilizing unconventional build-ing systems and an urgent need to build sustain-able structures, our buildings can be more sensitive to the environment and the human body, raising the level of effectiveness while altering our perception of enclosure. By laminating two metal alloys (sheet thermobimetal) with different coefficients of expansion together, the result is a thermobimetal that curls when heated and flattens when cooled. As the temperature rises, this deformation will allow the building skin to breathe much like the pores in human skin. - Doris Kim Sung, USC
Interactive Floor by Max Meinders
Vestibule: is an anteroom (antechamber) or small foyer leading into a larger space, such as a lobby, entrance hall, passage, etc., for the purpose of waiting, withholding the larger space view, reduc-ing heat loss, providing space for outwear, etc. In ancient Roman architecture, vestibule (vestibulum) referred to a partially enclosed area between the interior of the house and the street.
a.
b.
“Any means of controlling and modifying the constructional physics of the building envelope - especially those properties affecting the energy balance - are directly related to questions of internal comfort and energy consumption. The aim of this project (Changeable Surfaces) was to develop building surfaces that could change their state, thereby allowing the control of radiant transmission through the facade. This includes regulating the ingress of external radiation (sunscreen) and the egress of internal heat (thermal insulation).” - Thomas Herzog, Architecture + Technology
19
ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS TO MANAGE+ HARNESS ATMOSPHERE ELEMENTS
(HUMAN THERMAL ENERGY)
WINDOW/DOOR* room gets hot, open window or door
VESTIBULE/REVOLVING DOOR* mediate inside-to-outside atmosphere
FLOOR/WALL* open ‘space’ to accomodate higher occupancy
(mezzanine, atrium, stack vents, etc.)
INSULATION/MATERIAL* blocks or absorbs sorrounding atmosphere(trombe wall, phase change material, etc)
in
out
FACADE/ORIENTATION* blocks or absorbs solar light/energy
* directs natural ventilation
solid
temp rise
liquid
temp out
20
Harnessing Atmosphere
Existing elements of architecture used to manage atmosphere
envelope or façade, and the orientation of the building in response to site context and microclimate. Of course, these are but a small sample of the vast elements of the discipline although these can be observed to summate the relationship of architecture to harness or manage atmosphere. The operable window, for example, has the role of allowing light in as well as provide a dual visibility into or out of the building. The same can be used to allow cool fresh air into the building or allow for excess heat to escape. This element is usually designed to work in tandem with the façade of a building, as well as its orientation, to maximize a building’s operation and management of microclimate. The use of the vestibule in contemporary architecture serves as a gradient, or chamber, to manage internal and external atmosphere; its original application was to provide a waiting area in anticipation of the larger space across the doors.
As Vitruvius observed the human body and its proportional relation to space, the same observation can be made about the activity of the human body and its proportion to space. A standing person is producing about 341.4 Btu/h, or about the same heat as an incandescent light bulb; hence, the space needed to maintain thermal comfort is small in scale. An active, exercising, person can produce up to 3,410 Btu/h; or ten times the heat emitted at rest. The space needed to maintain comfort would require an increase in scale to allow for heat dissipation. This observation can be programmatically visible in the use of a small room at home (at rest) or the open gymnasium at the local community center (active). Besides using formal strategies and existing architectural elements, an inclusion of new technologies are key to advancing the practice of operating buildings. Kiel Moe’s ‘thermally active surfaces’ are an excellent example; other examples include phase change materials and responsive smart materials to name a few growing-innovative technologies.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
90F
80F
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60F
50F
40F
30F
20F
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
100%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec0%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec0%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
E (10%)
S (21%)W (12%)
N (10%)
NW (24%)
Jan 165% Apr 1
61%
Aug 418%
Oct 137%
Dec 1168%
moderate rain (17%)
light snow (7%)
light rain (44%)
Jun 2459%
Oct 460%
Dec 2899%
Aug 1419%
Feb 2351F
Jun 2374F
Sep 2074F
Nov 1451F
Dec 2744F
36F
51F48F
39F33F
{temperature varies from 33°F to 82°F, rarely below 24°F or above 93°F.}
Median Cloud Cover
Precipitation Probability
Wind Direction Average (3mph-13mph)
Daily High and Low Temperature
skidmoreold town
governmentcenter
culturalcampus
retailcommunity
retailcore
housing
breweryblocks
retail
psu
newretail
Active Downtown Portland
A
M
L
union bankosu foundation
portland monthly magazine
hennebery e. architectscafe voilaskyline interiors
rolling gourmet fusionflora
tender loving empire
redish undergroundliterary artsoregon symphony ticket office
woonwinkel
century linkad butcherthe bensonel gaucho portland
escape
new avenues for youth
jive software
finnegans toys & gifts
under 4u menmagpiejohnny soleimmigration counselthe national beauty
oregon humanities
the fresh potboora architectsthe shutterbug on broadway
cadmus grpderek’s shoe repairoregon wines
pizzicato pizza
mercantile portlandclogs-n-more
food carts
sw 10
th a
ve
sw oak st
sw stark st
sw washington st
sw alder st
sw b
road
way
sw p
ark
ave
sw 9
th a
ve
sw ankeny st
sw morrison st
A
PORTLAND, OR45.52 N, 122.68 W | 50’ Elevation
Data based on historical records from 1982 to 2012 (weatherspark.com).Portland, Oregon has a mediterranean climate with dry warm summers and mild winters. The area within 25 miles of this station is covered by forests (62%), croplands (23%), built-up areas (11%), and lakes and rivers (4%).
Portland Streetcar A Looppsu/city center/lloyd center/omsi
Portland Streetcar North South Linenw 23rd/city center/south waterfront
MAX Blue Linehillsboro/city center/gresham
MAX Red Lineairport/city center/beaverton
Bike Boulevardmarked pavement/directional signs
21
S
100’200’
ACTIVEDowntown Portland
Portland’s downtown retail and business cores provide an active-busy pedestrian and occupant area. This is further enhanced by Portland’s Midtown Blocks and its tri-urban plazas: Director Park, Pioneer Square, and O’Bryant Square. Of these three, Director Park and Pioneer square are successfully used as open plazas; O’Bryant Square has been identified as an unaproachable plaza due to its physical barriers and visual obtructions from the outside. The use of this plaza is minimal and can be re-designed to provide a destination for locals and visitors.
There’s a window of opportunity in accordance with Portland’s plan to make downtown a “living room” for locals and a vibrant destination for visitors; an enclosed architectural design is proposed. The focus of this design is to provide active programming, as identified in earlier studies, for the harnessing of the human thermal energy and its connectivity to our sorrounding. At the same time creating a social concience of energy use, a “reciprocity of a whole society keeping each other warm .”
The site is bounded by SW Washington St to the south, SW Park Ave to the east, SW 9th Ave to the west, and SW Stark St to the north, all one-way small streets. The latter oneway (east) street is part of a main bike-lane artery that connects east and west Portland. The proposed site currently sits over a one level underground parking structure which provides about 20,000 sf of parking space; the entrance to this underground parking is located on the north side of the square on SW Stark St. Immediate context includes a number of local café and food shops, small to medium retail shops, hotels, major bank, government office, civic space, as well as a complete block of local food trucks. The “food truck” block is important as the redesign of this site would enhance the surround-ing local businesses in bringing people to the area and providing a shelter for the same.
Context
22
Microclimate/Context
Let us observe microclimate and context in the city of Portland, Oregon, in order to propose an architectural design that might encompass the human thermal energy as an element of architecture. Microclimate and context are one of the most important elements in architecture as the architectural design will depend partly on the location of the building and its need to heat or cool the same building. Observing Portland, Oregon, as a case study for microclimate provides us with a unique temperate climate with an average annual temperature
winters. The need to heat a building during the “cool rainy winters” is minimal compared to colder microclimates. Placing an architectural design in a dense, busy, urban context provides an existing human presence into these buildings. Downtown Portland, like many growing cities, is expected to double in size (population) within the next few decades. New development
its Downtown Development plan. The 200’x100’ site in the heart of Portland’s downtown (p. 21) is a good site to propose an architectural design inclusive of the human thermal energy of its
and hotel typical of Portland’s urban development; with access to local and neighboring cities through public transportation.
Portland’s rainy climate during the winter provides the opportunity to harness the same external resource of energy.
water can be collected, pre-heated and distributed to the same building or a neighboring building in need of such source by means of an existing air-to-water heat exchange system and directed by existing architectural elements. The cool North-West summer winds can be used as natural cross-ventilation during the same season with the aid of an operable window
following sections to develop a concept design dependent on human thermal energy.
sw park ave
Locker Rm4,500 sf
90 occupants(30,726 Btu/h)
Flex(dance, assembly)
10,000 sf200 occupants
(408,400 Btu/h)
Cafe/Bar(seat, kitchen, storage)
7,000 sf250 occupants
(341,000 Btu/h)
Office 24,500 sf
90 occupants(30,726 Btu/h)
Exercise10,000 sf
200 occupants(682,000 Btu/h)
Sleep2,000 sf
40 occupants(6,820 Btu/h)
Office15,000 sf
150 occupants(51,210 Btu/h)
WC1,000 sf
20 occupants(3,410 Btu/h)
SYMBIOTIC THERMAL PROGRAM(activity studies)
PROGRAM CASE STUDIES
CENTRL Office provides a range of flexible workspace options including day passes, dedicated desks, private workrooms and open desks. All options require membership* and includes unlimited use of common spaces, free access to our social/educational events, and discounted pricing for meeting/event spaces. Centrl Office is a collaborative workspace in Portland, Oregon's creative district – The Pearl. We provide flexible full-service workspace for some of Portland's leading entrepreneurs, free agents, start ups, and work groups in the historic GE Supply Co. building, featuring bow trusses, steel windows and concrete floors. (centrloffice.com)
“A hotel with no beds.a house without the barkingdog. a pub without thedrunks. a coffee shop withmeeting rooms.”
“I don’t care where you work– chances are, your office just isn’t this cool. Brooklyn Boulders is a young co-working concept that now lives in four cities around the United States. It’s part shared office space, part gym, part climbing facility. You can get in a day of work at a shared desk space, then sweat it out on the walls to end your day. It’s the kind of place where you want to spend both your work hours and free time - now all it needs is a restaurant and bedrooms.” (www.thecoolist.com)
BROOKLYN BOULDERSSomerville Massachusetts
Total: 50,000 sqft1,040 Occupants = 1,554,292 Btu/h
Bike Shop
Flex
Cafe/Bar
Bike Transit
Office
Indoor Soccer/Basketball
LockerSleep
SPORTS COURT
CAFE/BAR FLEXBIKE SHOP
LOCKER ROOMBIKE HUB
OFFICEOFFICE
SLEEP
THERMAL ENERGY LAYOUT(square footage/occupancy studies)
Heating GuideClimate Zone 4
40 Btu/sf
2,000,000 Btu/h needed(50,000 sf)
1,554,292 Btu/h available(1,040 Occupants)
Energy Layout+ Thermal Volume
...
SPORTS COURT
CAFE/BAR FLEX
BIKE SHOPBIKE HUB
OFFICE
SLEEP
SLEEP
OFFICE
SPORTS COURT
CAFE/BAR FLEX
BIKE SHOPLOCKER ROOM
BIKE HUB
OFFICE
OFFICE
SLEEP
sw washington st
SEFAIRAMassing/Energy
Simulations
23
170.5 Btu/h
3,410 Btu/h
1,023 Btu/h
341.4 Btu/h
1,364 Btu/h
2,042 Btu/h
Typical household (natural gas)furnace is rated at 80,000 Btu/h
HUMAN THERMAL ENERGY
Laying down
Sitting down
Sitting down+ light work
Standing
Slow walking
Walking at avghuman speedof 4.5 ft/s
Standing light tomedium work
Standing mediumto hard work
Active movement
Active/Rapidmovement
Constant motion
Agile movementSprinting/Jumping
1 Watt = 1 J/s = 3.41 Btus/hr
24
Thermal Energy Programming
Observing human thermal energy as a source of energy symbiotic to an architectural design depends on human activity within the same. There is a correlation and a spectrum of human thermal energy depending on activity or programming. The more active person will emit more thermal heat, the least active person will emit less thermal heat. Placing this same spectrum in an architectural program we can have an exercise space at one end of the spectrum, and sleeping space at the other end of the spectrum. This, with the idea that excess heat from the more active programming will be harnessed and shared with the resting programming. As mentioned, this would occur mostly during the winter season. During this time the building would depend on human thermal heat to operate at its fullest; the roles would invert during the summer season where the buildings inhabitants would rely on the building’s ability to provide cool ventilation for these same inhabitants. A massing study using Sefaira energy simulation software provides the designer with an iterative option for design.
(assuming full occupancy based on square footage). In this climate zone, the same building is recommended to have a total
represents a total of 77% of the needed heat source. Assuming
would represent a total of 19% of the needed heat; this is still a formidable percentage of human presence and activity as a
the combination of programming and the symbolic interaction of the same expands the meaning of the human thermal energy, its presence, and its activity as a symbiotic energy element of architecture.
25
A.
26
Interdependenc-eA Symbiotic Relationship with Architecture
... It’s pretty amazing to look down my atrium window and see a busy group of people working out at sublevel and others eating
from the busy people below. The giant transparent water tanks above us represent, I think, our connection to our building and environment. The water in the tanks, collected from the winter
internal heat sources (kitchen, lights, etc) and it is used for the building’s radiant heat system, this during the winter days. During the summer days, the building uses natural ventilation to keep us cool!
In 2116, all building designs will take into consideration the energy produced and required by all of its inhabitants. An automated sensor system will indicate the building its capacity to heat or cool its spaces. The programmatic makeup will consist of a mixture of active and passive activities; in this example, a gym will be used as a direct source of heat energy from its inhabitants to warm the resting visitor in the upper hotel rooms. The levels between the gym and the hotel rooms above will
outside visitors for meetings, lunch breaks, or just to catch up with an old friend. Meanwhile, the heat emitted by their moving
vents” placed throughout the most active areas of the ground level (the same occurs with the sub level exercise and dance hall area). The vents will not only direct radiant heat, it will also incentivize its users to use the stairs within these spaces to further harness human thermal energy emitted by the active user. The
27
B.
28
collaborator. Hotel visitors will have the opportunity to visit the city while taking advantage of the lower levels’ activities; this
the framed transparent water tanks will also provide a visual connection to the building’s inhabitants at all levels. More than visually connecting its inhabitants, the atriums, and transparent water tanks will represent the connection between the same inhabitants. In this example, the hotel visitor will know that his room is being warmed, partly, by the active exercising group below during the daytime; and by the dancing local visitors during the night time (sub level programming). At the same time, active visitors in this sublevel will be working out or dancing under the luminous light rays similar to those visible underwater on a sunny clear day. The tanks represent a connection between the human thermal energy and outside atmospheric elements. Water collected from the rain is preheated by the excess heat produced by the same inhabitants, as well as solar light rays. Most mechanical systems are located along the slanted roof spaces; after the water is fully heated, it is distributed to the building’s radiant heat system using gravity as a distribution system. This produces an energy loop where excess heat from
into the collected rainwater tanks.
Other technologies that can harness human energy are
kinetic and heat transfer harnessing; among other emerging technologies. An existing example of such applied technologies is the harnessing of kinetic energy through exercising equipment. While these examples are to be developed further, they work as a material application to the larger formal expression of an architectural design. As we look for alternative and additive sources of energy, the human thermal energy will play a key role in providing such energy. Paired with the existing technologies and practices, the basic concept behind this design proposal is to contain and harness human thermal heat, use existing
-16’
GROUND
13’
25’
35’
44’
54’
14’6”
12’
11’
9’
8’
8’
280,700 cubic feet556,240 BTU/h
166,400 cubic feet184,140 BTU/h
140,000 cubic feet168,000 BTU/h
93,500 cubic feet40,000 BTU/h
59,00 cubic feetharnessing volume
15,000 gallons
2,000 gallons
1,000 gallons
Piezoelectric Floor (19,000 sf)60 - 100 kWh
* Typical desktop computer, monitor, and shared printer use ab
PROGRAM VOLUME
29
5’10’25’ W
30,000 gallons 4,000 gallons
1,000 gallons
1,000 gallons
bout 200 Wh
A.
B.
30
31
Contain
3,410 Btu/h 2,042 Btu/h 1,364 Btu/h 1,023 Btu/h 341 Btu/h 170 Btu/h
External Harnessing
32
Share + Internal Harnessing
Ventilation + Shading
and new methods to direct and harness the energy, combine with external environmental energies, and use an envelope to harness both internal and external architectural elements.
Visualizing such energy enables us to observe our space through a different lens; we can almost see the transfer of energies that occur all around us. This same visualization can turn into a realization of our connection to our surrounding environment and to ourselves. After all, we are “submerged at the bottom of an ocean of air.” Understanding our surroundings through such lens poses existing and emerging technologies to harness such energies as a unique opportunity to take advantage of the same. Using natural passive heating and cooling strategies, along with existing technologies (heat exchange system, radiant heat system, etc) and human thermal energy places the human presence as part of a symbiotic system that includes formal and atmospheric scales of architecture.
5’10’25’
sub 1 plan
ground plan
GYM + DANCE HALL8,000 sf (160 occupants)
3,410 BTU/h each542,600 BTU/h
LOCKER (2), SHOWER/WC (2),OFFICE, STORAGE, MECHANICAL
2,000 SF (40 OCCUPANTS)341 BTU/h each
13,640 BTU/h
DINING, BAR, LOUNGE9,000 sf (180 occupants)
1,023 BTU/h each184,140 BTU/h
N
sw 9th ave
sw park ave
sw stark st
sw w
ashi
ngto
n st
33
34
Play, Eat, Work, Sleep
a ground for new architectural exploration. We already see these explorations as pointed out by Rem Koolhaas’ “culture of congestion.” As our buildings get taller, we have the opportunity to design human thermal energy the way we design programmatic layout within a building; producing a new, changing interaction between its vertical inhabitants. In this example, program layout based on human thermal production renders an active lower
passive human thermal production, this at a small scale. This observation resembles the Vitruvian proportionality studies
height observing the same thermal proportionality surrounding human activity. At a larger scale, we can design neighboring
In this concept, the programmatic activity resulting from such
study programming at second and third levels, and a series
would occur through south, north, and east side of the building with emergency and service accessibility to the west of the building. The formal expression of the building points to these entrances as gradual access points with the use of the vestibule. Vertical circulation is available through a north core as well as a set of stairs that lead to the sub level exercising and dancing
be arranged towards the perimeter of the building as well as around the atrium vents to take advantage of natural lighting and radiant heating. Hotel room arrangement would follow a similar logic and would include a visual connection to both
Program - All50,000 sf total
4th Floor - Hotel
(public, private)
(public, private)
Ground - Dining, Bar, Lounge
Sub 1 Floor - Gym, Dance Hall
d l
2nd floor plan
3rd floor plan
OFFICE (MIX)11,000 sf (220 occupants)
400 BTU/h each88,000 BTU/h
OFFICE (MIX)10,000 sf (200 occupants)
400 BTU/h each80,000 BTU/h
35
4th floor plan
5th floor plan
HOTEL6,000 sf (120 occupants)
200 BTU/h each24,000 BTU/h
HOTEL4,000 sf (80 occupants)
200 BTU/h each16,000 BTU/h
36
SOUTH ELEVATION EAST ELEVATION NORTH ELEVATION
Floor Composition*floor height decreases as it nears roof
2x2 Cross-Brace Frame14x24 Column Grid
NW Elevator Core+ Stair for Vertical Circulation
37
WEST ELEVATION
Transparent Water CollectionSystem
Primary Envelope/Skin* ground to roof wrap
* operable windows
Secondary Skin/Facade
Natural light +Sun heat management
washington st
stark st
9th ave
park ave
N
38
39
40
ConclusionsHuman Thermal Energy in Architecture
As we grow to depend less on fossil fuels to power our lives and make better use of technological innovations to supplement the same energy, our very presence, activities, and social perception will change to adjust to these same changes. Forty-seven years after Rayner Banham’s warning to the architecture practitioner to include technology in their design process, we
architecture to the same architectural design process once more. The use of existing technologies, in the form of simulation and operation, aids the design of an existing architecture that has harnessed our environment to provide shelter to its inhabitants. Furthermore, the presence of the human body, alone or in large groups, provides a formidable energy source and a programmatic mixture symbiotic to the existing architectural design strategies.
Observing the human body both for its presence and energy
An architecture of experience resulting from a formal and
or a self-contained universe within each of its skyscrapers; while the latter resembles an architecture of sustainability, or an architecture that works as part of an ecosystem. The
converge at the very presence of the human thermal energy. The programmatic arrangement based on thermal activity creates an interdependent program use and occupancy. At the same time, observing such thermal activity as more than an algorithm and set of data (through energy simulation software) empowers a society of reciprocity. It creates a social awareness of our own symbiotic relationship to our natural and built environment.
The architectural design proposed in this thesis is but an observation of the architectural design process inclusive
41
42
of the human thermal energy. The design of such energy is dependent on existing architectural elements, both formal and atmospheric, with a programmatic outcome that points towards a societal perception of our own energy as we are part of the same transformed energy system all around us. Visualizing and including such energy points to the urgency of our times. One hundred years from now, the homes, buildings, and cities that we inhabit will depend on human thermal energy and activity as part of our larger symbiotic relationship to our environment. As the role of the architect returns to an inclusion of operating buildings, it will provide a platform for creative solutions to the urgency of designing for such relationships. Before we begin to amplify Sean Lally’s Einsteinian energy resources, we must
architecture that depends on the same energies through existing and innovative technological practices.
The future is bright. More than an architectural response to our energy crisis, the realization of the same urgency needs to be addressed outside of the architectural practice. In Reinventing Fire, Amory Lovins writes: “Business-as-usual is no longer an option: Too much is changing too quickly. The new energy era is already rising up all around us. We must gaze piercingly, understand deeply, plan humbly, and act bravely.” This call to action is aimed at all of us, not just the architect, to become innovators in the way we think, live, and behave. It is through
of the human thermal energy to the architectural design process.
one hundred years from now, analyzing the mistakes that led us to our existing energy moral.
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Thank You
I would like to thank Aaron Whelton, my thesis advisor, for his candid feedback and assistance throughout this process. I would also like to thank my thesis committee members; professor Sergio Palleroni and professor Loren Lutzenheiser for their insight into existing architectural technologies and techniques as well as current social energy practices and discourse. Thanks to all my Portland State University School of Architecture cohorts and faculty, I’m honored to be a part of this emerging professional program.
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Figure p.1: “Gradients” - 200 lb white vellum Artifact and photography by authorFigure 1.1: “Couple Kissing” - FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera Photo taken by BuzzFeedBlue http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141120/technologyFigure 1.2: Building Energy Analysis - Hevacomp Simulator V8i
Figure 1.3: Energy Anatomy https://healingtones.org/tag/energy-anatomy-2/Figure 1.4: Bioenergy http://www.ascension-healing.com/bio-energy.php
uncategorized/Figure 1.6: Star Wars, The Force Unleashed II http://www.myfreewallpapers.net/starwars/Figure p. 4,6,8: “Energy Storytelling” - FLIR b60 InfraRed Camera Photos taken by authorFigure 2.1: Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center - Renzo Piano http://nastygaljenn.blogspot.com/2013/03/jean-marie tjibaou-cultural-center.html?view=snapshotFigure 2.2: Jade Eco Park - Philippe Rahm http://www.philipperahm.com/data/projects/taiwan/ index.html NR_FairfaxCounty_GW%20ristmill%20N.R..Figure 2.3: EOS Series / Untitled One - Sean Lally 2014 http://www.weathers.cc/
http://news.cision.com/se/jernhusen/i/schibsted-sverige-
http://www.andro.gr/apopsi/sweden/Figure p. 17-18: Energy 2D Interactive Heat Transfer Simulator Simulations by authorFigure p. 19: Prototyping a Self-Ventilating Building Skin With Smart Thermobimetals - Doris Kim Sung (USC) Image by Doris Kim Sung p. 4Figure p. 19: Mechanical Flooring - Max Meinders https://www.purestform.tumblr.com/
http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/residence.htm
Figure p. 23: Brooklyn Boulders http://brooklynboulders.com/blog/workout-of-the-future/
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Azar, Elie and Carol Menassa. “Sensitivity of Energy Simulation Models to Occupancy Related Parameters in Commercial Buildings.” From the Construction Research Congress. Indiana: ASCE, 2012.
Bachelard, Gaston. The Poetics of Space: The Classic Look at How We Experience Intimate Places. Boston: Beacon Press,
Banham, Reyner. The Architecture of the Well-Tempered Environment. London: Architectural Press, 1969.
Brown, G.Z. and Mark DeKay. Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies. Second Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2001.
Crandall, Jillian. “Transgressing Limits: Performance and the Sentient Event.” In Thresholds 42 Human, ed. Tyler Stevermer. Cambridge MA: Journal of the MIT Department of Architecture, 2014.
Crosby, Alfred W. “Masters of Science.” In American Institute
Fernandez-Galiano, Luis. Fire and Memory: On Architecture and Energy. Cambridge MA: The MIT Press, 2000.
Ferracina, Simone. “Translucent Bodies.” In Thresholds 42 Human, ed. Tyler Stevermer. Cambridge MA: Journal of the MIT Department of Architecture, 2014.
Gibson, Michael D. “The Active Thermal Manifold Skin: Feasibility, Prototyping, and Performance Studies of a Wall System Integrating Distributed Solid State, Solar Powered
Cooling and Heating Technology.” Muncie IN: Ball State University, 2008.
Gutierrez, Maria Paz. Urban Future: Adaptable Resourcing. UC Berkley: BIOMSgroup Presentation, 2011.
Guzowski, Mary. “The Next Generation of Architectural Education: Integrating a Regenerative Approach to Sustainable Design.” Proceedings of the American Solar Energy Society National Solar Conference. Raleigh NC, June 2011.
Hensel, Michael and Achim Menges. “Inclusive Performance:
Approach for Design.” In Architectural Design Vol 78 No 2, ed. Michael Hensel and Achim Menges. London: Wiley Academy, 2008.
Herzog, Thomas. Architecture + Technology. Ed Ingeborg Flagge, Verena Herzog-Loibl, Anna Meseure. Munchen, London, New York: Prestel,2002.
Johnson, Matt. “The Milieu Interieur.” In Thresholds 42 Human, ed. Tyler Stevermer. Cambridge MA: Journal of the MIT Department of Architecture, 2014.
Kristin, Lara and Derrick Mead. “Source Materials.” In Metropolis Magazine. April 2014. http://www.metropolismag.com/April-2014/Source-Materials/?cparticle=3
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Latour, Bruno. We Have Never Been Modern. Cambridge MA: Harvard University Press, 1993.
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