digital aptitudes - Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 - 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Technology Continued
CFS - Cross Fabricated Scales
Wendy Fok, University of Houston
Sue Biolsi, WE-DESIGNS.ORG
Cross-Fabricated Scaled is an investigative prototype of experimental
cross-fabrications between geometry and materials research, serving
as a crossover between architecture and art—with a high concentration
on the developmental nature of experimentation and details, relating
to the scalability of a singular, yet repeated, patterning unit.
The emphasis of this piece is the seamless transition between scales
of a composite geometry, which is an evolution of topologies, exploring
the physical properties intrinsic within the technique of digital and
analog design experimentations. In fostering the synthesis of repetition
and variation within a scalable logic, Cross-Fabricated Scaled
anchors its design experimentation in exploring the challenges of
producing a continuous surface condition through a composite unit
which has the ability to seamlessly scale up through the minimized
connection of parts.
The form-finding investigation and evaluation included active lab
testing of physical models, in conjunction with computer simulation
and optimization processes through a CNC (3D) milled prototype of
each individual module, which attaches to a framing system. In addition,
the fragility of the forms and differentiated materials were conceptually
assessed through experimentation during the design development
research process.
The final [whole] wall is constructed of modular self-supporting aggregates
that seamlessly unite through a minimal connection of parts,
creating a gradient of tessellation across scales. The collective units
could possibly scale ad infinitum, yet the perception of its parts is
diffused through its design that expresses a maximum variation for a
minimum amount of parts, which also allows for ease of transportation
and construction. In order to fully express the effect of the scalar
transition, the repeated units are best viewed as a formalized wall partition
system, which can divide or constructed within a taciturn space.
Climate Changes: Thermal Response Verification of
a Building Envelope Using Transient Heat Transfer
Analysis
Kyoung-Hee Kim, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The rapid expansion of the world’s economies demands enormous
consumption of fossil fuel and construction materials. According to
2011 Energy Information Administration Data, world marketed energy
consumption grows by 53 percent from 2008 to 2035. The rapid
growth and increasing emissions of greenhouse gas are expected to
accelerate global climate change. Scientists expect that the average
global surface temperature could raise an additional 1 to 4.5° F within
the next 50 years which are attributed by both human and natural
causes.
The environmental impacts of a building are alarming and it is important
to understand how global warming in future is going to
affect the energy performance of a building. Certainly, there are
many building systems that can play a role in implementing sustainable
concepts and mitigating impacts from climate changes.
Among various building systems, a building envelope system - an
immediate mediator between outdoor and indoor climate conditions
– requires through understanding of its response to climate
changes. The primary purpose of the presentation is therefore to
address the impact of climate changes on the energy performance
of building envelopes and further on the built environment. As a
pilot study, a transient heat transfer analysis using finite element
modeling was used to simulate the thermal response of a building
envelope based on hourly recorded weather data in Charlotte.
Further, the presentation also will discuss about challenges and opportunities
using transient heat transfer analysis method in class or
seminar environments as an efficient learning tool to visualize the
dynamic nature of the built environment. Detailed analysis results
will be presented in the conference meeting.
Electropolymeric Dynamic Daylighting System:
DisPlay Technology for Bio-responsive Mediated
Building Envelopes
Bess Krietemeyer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Increased awareness of the negative effects that limited natural
light exposure has on the human circadian rhythm has drawn attention
to the role of daylight in buildings. Human health and energy
problems associated with the lack of control of natural light
in contemporary buildings have further necessitated research into
dynamic windows for energy efficient buildings. Existing dynamic
window technologies have made moderate progress towards
greater energy performance for curtain wall systems but remain
limited in their performative response to dynamic solar conditions
and variable user requirements for thermal and visual comfort. In
contrast to existing façade technologies, emerging display technologies
could actively reconfigure their basic patterns to respond
to fluctuating bioclimatic flows while simultaneously adjusting to
the changing visual desires of its occupants. Recent breakthroughs
in the field of information display provide opportunities to transfer
emerging display technologies to building envelopes that can
achieve high levels of variety and control over the passage of solar
radiation with immediate switchability. Electroactive polymers are
one such emerging technology that, when deployed within insulated
glazing units (IGUs), could significantly increase the range
of solar heat gain coefficient, U-value and visible transmittance for
windows. Integrating electroactive polymers within the surfaces
of an insulated glazing unit (IGU) could dramatically improve the
energy performance of windows while enabling user empowerment
through the control of the visual quality of this micro-material
assembly. The Electropolymeric Dynamic Daylighting System
(EDDS) is a dynamic glazing technology that could respond to
Digital Apptitutes + Other Openings - Boston, MA - 55