Below are some of the questions (along with my ideas) that were suggested to be considered to help decide the bid design idea and creative building features.
Design Goals and Strategies (Module 3)
- What are the big sustainability goals that you’d like to explore in you design?
What is Sustainability? To me it is to use the resources wisely without compromising the needs of future generation.
Hence, my Sustainability goals are to achieve while maintaining cost efficiency:
Energy Efficiency
Water Conservation
Transgenerational Structure
- How would you measure them?
For measuring Energy Efficiency I would like take inspiration from our Y2E2 building and have a system that measures the Energy Use Index frequently. In US the mean EUI is about 84.3 kBtu/ft^2. My goal is to achieve half of that atleast.
For measuring Water Conservation I would like to calculate the amount of fresh water being used per person in the building. According to some data a typical water usage in educational building is about 20-25 gallon per student per month. I would like to use fresh water only where it is irreplaceable.
For the transgenerational structure I would like to create a modular building that is not easy to assemble, but also considers disassembly and reassembly.
- What types of strategies would you consider for meeting those goals?
To achieve Energy efficiency this I would like to use photovoltaic panels to use sunlight and generate electricity. I would also further look into the possibility of storing or giving back to the grid the excess electricity if any. To decrease the use of energy, I would design the building with natural lighting and ventilation that decreases the dependency on the artificial replacements. I would use good insulation material to decrease the transfer of heat between the building and the surroundings.
To achieve water conservation I would like to use reclaimed water at as many places as possible, I would also consider the use of rain harvesting systems or possibly water condenser technology in case of high humidity. If possible I would like to design a building with net positive in terms of water.
To achieve transgenerational building I would use sustainable materials that are sustainable and long lasting as well. Create a design that improves the ability of the building to be disassembled with damaging the materials, and be reused.
Building Form and Massing (Module 4)
- Overall shape and form of your proposed design
I don’t have a definite design in my mind but these are some of the buildings I would like to take inspiration from:
Apple Park: The Apple headquarters in Cupertino is a motivational building that uses a ring shaped structure with solar panels on the top, with the inner area being used for things like Steve jobs Theater, Fitness & Wellness center among other things.
Center for Postgraduate Studies: This center in Maxicali, Mexico is like a fortress against harsh weather conditions and earthquakes. It has a central atrium which is a thermal center that removes hot air through solar chimneys. This project takes into consideration the local conditions and the design not only protects the occupants but also reduces the energy consumption required to do so.
No Footprint House: It is an extremely motivational design that uses natural ventilation and light controlling elements to manage energy usage. It is a prefabricated home that is also easy to maintain. It is a cost effective method that is also environmentally friendly
