Designing a Sink
Inaki Abalos' approach of categorizing the thermodynamic properties of the interiors of temperate and cold climates into "sources" and "sinks" is a thought-provoking strategy for designing interior spaces. While the thermal properties of materials like tile are often considered when designing a home, Abalos' theory sheds light on the larger picture of creating a comfortable living environment.
For our studio project, we have considered the unique needs of our clients, who are sensitive to temperature due to Down Syndrome. Our project is in a temperate climate with a high percentage of hardscape, contributing to an uncomfortable heat island effect. To address this, we have created a "sink" through a mechanical louvered roof system that diffuses sunlight and creates a cool, shaded space for the residents to enjoy indoors and outdoors.
The aluminum roof system serves as matter, deflecting and diffusing the sunshine to cool the site. Its form is strategically designed to shade the buildings, and its mechanized movement adjusts according to the sun's position throughout the day (time). We have also employed VAV and mini-split systems to efficiently heat and cool the interior spaces according to the client's preferences.
Our design is rooted in biomimicry (beauty), mimicking the natural canopy that diffuses light to create pockets of both dark and light, providing a naturally occurring place of prospect refuge. This approach creates a comfortable living environment for our clients and contributes to a sustainable future by reducing the heat island effect in the surrounding area.
I find it interesting how we as a studio have primarily worked in southern sites. We have always been working and designing interior spaces to protect hot, humid climates rather than cold ones. We have yet done a design (and will not during our time in school) for a climate that is extremely cold year round. I suppose some students may have gotten some exposure during COTE 10 studio, I myself even worked in West Virginia which has four seasons unlike some of SC. But I would argue the majority of us have none to very little experience working in the north. As you mentioned, form, matter, and time are huge factors to how we design; and in the reading it talks about stoves and fireplaces being in the center of homes to properly heat a building throughout the majority of the year. I would argue that even in COTE 10 we did not focus on heating/cooling with the exception of passive strategies (primarily cooling, which professors asked us to do not matter the climate almost) simply to learn about how it's done. I wonder what a studio project would look like if we were to design a building in New England or even Canada. I'm sure form, construction technology/typology, the envelope and interior would be much different.
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