"YOU'RE HOT THEN YOU'RE COLD"
Last weeks continued discussion on phenomenology and technology brought up another element of architecture that some of seem to forget about- thermal comfort. There has been a shift in many architecture firms and practices to begin to go green- or to reduce the amount of non renewable energy needed to use and run equipment such as HVAC machines and units. However these technologies have enabled us to create varying spaces that people desire to inhabit due to the comfortability provided by them. The air and environment that is created between physical spaces is another aspect that does not need to be sacrificed in order to obtain a more sustainable heating and cooling system. This is why we as a designer must begin to think of these technologies through every process of the design and construction and plan ways in which our architecture can assist these technologies in their orientation and configuration.Unfortunately MEP systems such as HVAC is considered at the end or not incorporated in the design. There needs to become not an either or or solution but a hybrid to leverage modern technology along with passive solutions in the design of our forms; these forms are then created with the desire to advance technology.
AFTER THOUGHT:
EK, great thought. I agree that during design, systems tend to lag behind in the coordination phases and for me it comes about honestly because I am not familiar. Technology is advancing and there is always some new and improved way to do what I have not thought of yet. I think its a lot of pressure to be all knowing and it would benefit the design and occupancy comfort if systems and fields coordinated often and frequently in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI believe air conditioning is important and a major blessing that we Americans are spoiled with. I think that with passive strategies we can be more intentional and reduce the use of the HVAC systems, but from my experience in Lee 3, HVAC is important to incorporate. Your example photos shown are a good example as to how we as the designers need to be aware of how these systems work and how we can better integrate them into our designs, versus leaving it to the mechanical engineers.
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