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  |  Channel: Design Process, Research Journals

AUTOMATING PRACTICE: Defining Use of Computation in the Architectural Design Workflow

Computation in architectural design, specifically algorithmic/generative design, is a byproduct of advances in software development that have enhanced the digital tools available for explorations in all design disciplines. It is also quickly becoming a sub-discipline with a broad inter-disciplinary range. Currently, computational design methods have extended design and analytical capabilities in software tools available to... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Education, Research Journals, Sustainable Communities

SYSTEMS THINKING: Seven Reasons Why It Is Good For You And Everything Else

Concerns over the effects of climate change affect not only the architectural design world, but the larger web of society as a whole. As such, the solutions developed need to address the complexity of factors leading to current atmospheric carbon levels. Moving forward, new ways to work, collaborate and structure fees need to be considered... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Energy, Research Journals

A STUDY FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY: THE IMPACT OF DECISIONS, DESIGN AND ENERGY: Transforming Residence Life

This research focuses on the factors that impact the carbon footprint of a residence hall building, particularly the steps and considerations required to achieve carbon neutrality. Beginning with a definition of what it means to be carbon neutral, the study dispels misconceptions and stresses the importance of carbon-conscious decision making throughout the life of a... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Innovation Incubator, Research Journals, Resilience, Sustainable Communities

URBAN WASTEWATER: A Renewable, Reliable Water Resource for Urban Farming

This article proposes a new urban ecological paradigm that values urban wastewater as a renewable, reliable, freshwater resource for urban farming. The potential benefits of time-tested solutions applied in urban settings have been largely unexplored due to lack of societal acceptance. The research presented herein investigates various aspects of closed-loop systems that localize wastewater treatment... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Material Performance, Research Journals

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FLOORING MATERIALS: Environmental and Economic Performance

The environmental impact of flooring materials is the aggregate of impacts of raw material properties and composition across all stages of the product life cycle including extraction, manufacturing, packaging and transportation, use and disposal. In this analysis, linoleum, vinyl composition tile (VCT), nylon carpet tile, composite marble tile, ceramic tile, terrazzo, cork and rubber flooring... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Energy, Research Journals

HYGROSCOPIC CLIMATIC MODULATED BOUNDARIES: A Strategy for Differentiated Performance Using a Natural Circulative and Energy Captive Building Envelope in Hot and Moisture Rich Laden Air Environments

The operation and construction of buildings account for almost half of the energy use in the United States. To meet global climate change targets, energy consumption of buildings in the long term must be reduced as well as carbon dioxide emissions. This article explores a theoretical building envelope that generates energy and produces water by... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Energy, Research Journals

THE EFFECT OF HEAT FLOW AND MOISTURE ON THE EXTERIOR ENCLOSURE: Working with Standards and Modeling Software to Make More Intelligent Exterior Enclosure Decisions

This article describes the importance of the effect of heat flow and moisture on the building’s exterior enclosure. It provides a basic understanding of the concerns of why understanding heat flow and moisture is important to the design of exterior walls, its basic physics and traditional, yet obsolete solutions. It provides a technique for making... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Energy, Research Journals

CELL WALL: Resolving Geometrical Complexities in the Shanghai Nature Museum Iconic Wall

The “Cell Wall” is the iconic feature of the Shanghai Nature Museum and the main design feature from the initial competition phase. It is comprised of three layers, each with its own unique geometrical pattern and organic form, organized in an elliptical cone shape envelope of the atrium. At the core is the main layer,... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Research Journals, Water

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR POOL ENVIRONMENTS: Cold Climates

The natatorium environment is one of the most challenging environments to design and build in northern climates. This is due to the large swings in levels of humidity and temperature between interior and exterior conditions. The challenge remains how to balance the interior pool environment, requiring a consistent temperature and humidity level with the exterior; while taking into... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Energy, Research Journals

ENERGY MODELING GUIDANCE: Guidelines for Energy Analysis Integration into an Architectural Environment

Designing energy efficient buildings requires an understanding of the energy impact of design features and how they interact with each other during the design process. This article outlines how and when an energy analysis can be conducted including guidelines for what to expect in an energy modeling analysis and how to interpret and understand the results. Guidance is... Read more »

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  |  Channel: Design Process, Education, Human Experience, Research Journals

STUDENTS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW: Discovering How and Where They Learn Best

This article explores various educational theories, research and factors that can be correlated to or have an impact on the physical spaces in which learning takes place. As school design and planning becomes more in tune with the influences that affect education, the connection between physical space and the learning process becomes more relevant. Drawing from sources such... Read more »