Vital Signs Home

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 

Introduction

The vision of the Eco Dorm is to be a model of sustainable living for campuses around the US. The redesign of the College of Natural Resources dormitory, otherwise known as Targhee Hall, focuses not only on resource conservation, but also on occupant comfort. Elements such as natural day lighting, energy and water conservation, and the blending of personal and community space are taken into consideration in the design process. The aim of the Eco Dorm Project is to make Targee a great place to live!

At the time of this study the Eco Dorm was still in the planning stage.  This study is intended to highlight some of the positive qualities that Targhee Hall currently possess and to help ensure that the positive qualities are retained in all future renovations.

Our Hypothesis

We hypothesize that the most popular seating spaces in the common areas have thermal and daylighting qualities that are within a comfortable range causing them to be used more often than spaces that lack such qualities.  Hyperlink to where people choose to sit.  Was our hypothesis correct?

Our Testing Strategy

We will encourage the residents to fill out a brief survey that asks where they prefer to sit as well as where they actually do sit.  HOBO's and light meters will then be used to track the daily temperature and lighting cycles.  The data will then be compared to a theoretical comfort zone. 

Additionally

We analyzed the spaces with the Lumen Micro and Solar 5 computer programs.  Lumen Micro allowed us to visualize changes in lighting levels that would occur due to some proposed changes.  Solar 5 allowed us to see how those proposed changes would effect the thermal characteristics and heating/cooling needs.