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Architectural Design V

The project, structured around two critical phases, delves into urban design through the lens of ‘Townscape Appraisal’ and subsequent Urban Intervention. Phase 1.1, the Preliminary Studies phase, emphasizes understanding the character and uniqueness of the designated urban area. Through a comprehensive Townscape Assessment, students evaluate various aspects of the town's identity, such as historical morphology, urban structure, and landscape character. This meticulous analysis employs nine indicators, including a S.W.O.T analysis, enabling students to identify both strengths and weaknesses while uncovering opportunities for responsive architectural designs. This foundational knowledge is essential for creating effective urban spaces.

During the first three weeks, the Townscape Appraisal equips students with insights into the visual and aesthetic qualities of the urban setting, fostering a firm grasp of the site’s content. This groundwork prepares students for practical application in the following phase.

Phase 1.2 centers on Urban Intervention, where students use their findings from the Townscape Appraisal to propose innovative solutions. Over the subsequent two weeks, the challenge involves designing pedestrian-friendly pathways that enhance walkability, safety, and inclusivity. The design solutions must harmonize with the existing activities of the urban landscape, demonstrating a careful consideration of user experience and environmental integration.

The project culminates in a collaborative outcome, where groups are tasked with producing comprehensive documentation of their Townscape Appraisal, a detailed Urban Intervention proposal, and a video presentation showcasing their designs. Ultimately, this project not only nurtures students' understanding of fundamental urban design principles but also encourages a thoughtful approach to creating meaningful and responsive urban environments.

In this initial phase, students embark on an individual assignment that leverages insights gained from the Preliminary Studies. The goal is to formulate a strategic architectural response that addresses the complex needs of the urban environment and the behaviors of its users. Students will synthesize their findings from the previous project to identify specific issues pertinent to their proposed site, thus establishing a strong "sense of place." This requires a comprehensive analysis that considers both the community's context and the themes of the year, such as arts, trade, and health.

As the semester progresses, students are expected to explore relevant precedent studies that inform their design approach, ensuring that their strategies are grounded in successful examples. They will also perform site synthesis, incorporating SWOT analyses to clarify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to their chosen environment.

By the end of Week 7, students are anticipated to produce a preliminary schematic design that showcases their architectural strategy. This includes outlining building programs, circulation flows, and responsive spatial arrangements that align with user needs. The design must also reflect a holistic understanding of structural, spatial, technical, and environmental considerations, incorporating building services and green strategies as integral elements.

This phase emphasizes the importance of architecture as a problem-solving tool and narrative vehicle, where each design choice articulates a response to the unique challenges and aspirations of the urban community, ultimately contributing to a vibrant, inclusive urban space.

Phase 2.2 of the project focuses on developing an architectural design for a placemaking initiative that caters to the urban community within a specified urban context. The primary objective is to create a building that embodies the principles of placemaking, promoting meaningful public interactions and enhancing the social fabric of the area. The proposed design will be a 1200 m² structure, standing between three to five stories, strategically positioned on a corner lot to maximize visibility and accessibility.

An essential component of this project is the holistic integration of form, activity, and circulation to foster a vibrant urban environment. The architectural strategy will respond to the surrounding context, taking into account the character and scale of nearby buildings. This includes a thoughtfully conceived façade and building envelope that resonate with the local architectural language while ensuring compliance with UBBL standards, including fire safety regulations.

The design will emphasize tropical architecture, addressing the climatic conditions through strategies such as natural ventilation, shading devices, and sustainable materials. A key consideration will be the incorporation of urban planning theories, including Kevin Lynch’s elements of urban structure, Jan Gehl’s contact points, and Bentley’s responsive environment design. These theoretical frameworks will guide the creation of multifunctional spaces that encourage community interaction and engagement.

The outcome will be a comprehensive design proposal for an urban heritage gallery that reflects a deep understanding of construction strategies and urban regulations. Detailed drawings will illustrate the design's relationship to the urban context, showcasing a thorough knowledge of construction techniques and drawing conventions. In essence, this project aims not only to create a physical structure but also to contribute to the vitality and identity of the urban environment, supporting a rich tapestry of community life.

Energy and Architecture

​https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCZb2ApShIO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCZa0BKyvMm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The project comprises two interconnected assignments aimed at fostering an in-depth understanding of low energy building strategies through literature research and practical engagement. 

Assignment 1a focuses on the literature research and descriptive evaluation of a selected low energy building or net zero structure, either locally or internationally approved by the tutors. Working in groups of three, we will begin by analyzing the impacts that energy-efficient strategies have had on both the built environment and global energy demands. A thorough evaluation will be conducted on key components such as the building's façade, lighting systems, HVAC systems, renewable energy sources, and waste management practices. Among these, we will select one strategy for a detailed exploration, effectively illustrated through graphs, infographics, images, and descriptive text. To bolster this analysis, post-occupancy evaluation (POE) feedback will be integrated to provide insights into the building's energy performance from an end-user perspective. The culmination of this assignment will be presented in an engaging infographic video format, allowing us to effectively communicate our findings.

Assignment 1b requires a hands-on approach with a site visit to recognized energy-efficient green buildings, particularly focusing on solid waste management practices. During the visit, we will document our observations through a vlog format, where we will outline a clear structure and script to facilitate coherent storytelling. Each member of the group will take on distinct roles—director, videographer, and narrator—ensuring an equitable distribution of responsibilities while showcasing our collaborative efforts. 

Together, these assignments aim to deepen our understanding of sustainable architecture and energy efficiency, providing us with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in evaluating and communicating the principles of low energy construction. These insights will underscore the importance of sustainable design strategies in shaping a more energy-conscious built environment for the future.

The project entails conducting a comprehensive walk-through audit of my own home to evaluate its energy efficiency and propose strategies for energy savings. This individual assignment focuses on several key areas, including passive cooling, lighting, retrofitting lighting systems with LED light sources, effective waste management, and controlling heat and glare through façade devices.

Phase 1 involves analyzing the home's façade and climate profile. I will document the orientation, sun path, and wind direction, as well as measure external and internal temperatures, humidity levels, illuminance, and air speed. Additionally, I will calculate the U-values of both the walls and roof to understand heat transfer dynamics.

Phase 2 centers on creating detailed energy load profiles, which will be recorded on an hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly basis for electrical appliances. By analyzing my latest electricity and water bills, I will develop an inventory list that includes the wattage of each appliance, usage hours, and cost comparisons between weekdays and weekends. This analysis will also identify the habits and activities of occupants that contribute to differences in energy consumption.

Phase 3 includes evaluating energy consumption patterns through charts and graphs, leading to insights into energy systems and savings potential. I will propose innovative strategies for improvement based on the findings, such as implementing effective waste and water management practices, installing LED lights with dimmers, and exploring passive cooling techniques.

In the concluding sections, I will reflect on the knowledge gained from the module, highlighting the importance of energy conservation. I will suggest specific short-term and long-term actions to reduce monthly energy consumption, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable household and reduced carbon footprint. This audit not only serves as a practical application of theoretical concepts but also empowers me to advocate for a more energy-efficient lifestyle within my home and community. 

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