plan of action.

original posted on 12.13.13. download.
update posted on 01.17.14. download.
update posted on 01.21.14. download.
update posted on 03.25.14. download.

lighting depth
Create a new lighting solution for the scrim, lobby, classroom, and lecture hall based on the concept of connection and interaction through biomimicry of a deciduous tree. Biomimicry of a tree inspires the lighting to conceptally connect the architecture and students of the program. Complementing the architect's original concept of analytical model, an holistic and spherical analyitcal model provides the foundation for the solution.

electrical depth
In response to the above lighting solution, the electrical depth includes a redesign of branch circuits and a short circuit analysis. Likewise, a cost benefit analysis and energy efficiency study of using NEMA-Premium dry-type transformers instead of NEMA-Standard dry-type transformers will be completed. Additionally, a similar cost analysis will be conducted for changing unit substation transformers from dry-type to fluid-filled transformers.  Advantages and disadvantages will be discussed.

mae depth
A daylight analysis in DIVA/VIPER/Grasshopper will be conducted for a typical eastern floor layout; metal curtain-walls will be replaced with Kalwall (with Aerogel technology) to diffusely transmit daylight into the space.  Advanced modeling and Kalwall construction will integrate with the proposed architectural and mechanical breadths.  Parametric modeling and optimization will study the optimal amount of Kalwall area for a typical southern facing room: competing daylighting metrics and energy use will have to balance to inform the design.   In this way, all aspects of the proposed thesis are related, cohesive, and applicable.  This depth hereby encompasses topics discussed in AE565 (Daylighting).  Annual daylighting metrics and renderings will be reported.

architecural breadth
Using Grasshopper, Rhino, and Diva, Kalwall construction will allow for daylight optimization in the eastern block faculty and post doc offices.  To further increase daylighting, interior plan alternations will introduce an exposed ceiling system.  The floor plan will become an open office; noise and privacy issues will be considered.  With this in mind, it is proposed that introducing Kalwall construction to the eastern office block and increasing the ceiling cavity would allow the interior section of the eastern block to be better diffusely lit by natural daylight; a less enclosed space will be created.  Deliverables include a schematic rendering/elevation of the exterior façade and a rendering of the open office plan (before/after).  A construction management assemblies cost estimate of the changes will be calculated.

mechanical breadth
The main objective of this breadth is to determine whether added daylighting will impose an additional energy load and if the energy savings from daylight will offset this potential load.  Ideally, daylighting will be improved and mechanical load decreased; an optimization algorithm will be created using parametric modeling techniques.  Architectural changes as a result of an optimized daylight and minimized mechanical load is an intriguing challenge.  Additional plug-ins into Grasshopper include EnergyPlus, Ecotect, or Geco.  However, these programs are also applicable as stand-alone software.  Effects on the existing perimeter mechanical system will be studied and documented.  Energy models will be generated (before/after) allowing for a check of the associated perimeter mechanical equipment.  Implementation of a simplified mechanical layout will be explored and presented in plan.  Cost savings/increases will be noted.