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ECO DORM COMMONS
PANORAMIC
PHOTO
THERMAL PROPERTIES
LIGHT
READINGS
East Window
Dining Area 1
Cafeteria
Center Wall
Artificially
Lighted
Outside East
Entry
SOLAR
ANALYSIS
Lumen Micro of Existing Space
Lumen Micro of Proposed
Space
Solar 5 Analysis of Existing Space
Solar 5 Analysis of Proposed Space SURVEY
Comments
Day
Temperature
Night Temperature
Dining Room Air
Lounge Air
Reading Light
Relaxing Light
CONCLUSION
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Nothing was discovered that contradicts our
hypothesis: Our observations, survey results and data
collection support our theory that people will be drawn to spaces that
provide adequate light, fresh air and thermal comfort. The spaces
selected by the residents also proved to be the most used by those of us
who collected data within the spaces. One reoccurring parameter
which was not part of our original hypothesis is that a nice view tends
to draw people to spaces as well.
There is a psychological need for daylight and
fresh air. When pointing the favorite spot, several
residents coincided in the front patio. They like this space
because of the light and the air quality that this area has. This
happens with two other favorite spots.
- The front porch is often used even though very few accommodations
are present. It appears to us that this could be a
potential space for a better design. By improving its
design and adding sitting spaces the porch will be more
actively used as a outdoor living space.
- Chairs near the east window, comments indicated that these were
popular places to relax and read.
- The picnic tables near the center of the living room, these were
the most popular places for people to eat. It is interesting
to note that the dining room is rarely utilized for its
purpose. Instead the residence prefer the living room.
We believe it is because of the abundance of light and the
outdoor views. This is consistent with our hypothesis.
There is an misunderstanding between
climate and human needs. The design of the building has
not developed shading devices or proper insulation to prevent external
climate to control the interior space. The space
appears to be either "too hot or too cold" for the
residents.
In our proposal for the redesign we did include
vertical and horizontal shading devices to limit heat gain through the
windows and walls. Insulation was not put in the walls in this proposal
but would be very easy to implement in the next phase of design using
Solar 5.
Mechanical equipment could work for the benefit of
the place or not:
- Uncomfortable climate due to a
centralized heating system . One person controls the
thermostat for the whole building, this causes over-heated and under-heated
areas. Due to the different amounts of direct sun light that
heats the south vs. north wings, at least two distinct thermostats
should be incorporated.
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