Practice Exercise - Module 3

Goal 1: Use materials that are sustainable and durable.

Sustainability and durability are two of my main guiding design goals when choosing the building materials for the exhibition space. The material choice should showcase resilience to time and respect for the environment.

• Measure:  Using Life Cycle Assessment,
• embodied carbon (total carbon footprint from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal)
• recyclability (percentage of materials that can be recycled)
• lifespan (expected duration of material performance before replacement or maintenance)
• Targets:
• minimally acceptable value
• Embodied Carbon: Exceed industry sustainability benchmarks.
• Recyclability: Ensure at least 70% recyclable content.
• Lifespan: Meet the average lifespan of similar products in the market.
• desired / target value
• Embodied Carbon: Achieve a 30% reduction compared to industry standards.
• Recyclability: Strive for 90% recyclable content.
• Lifespan: Aim for a product lifespan 2 times longer than market averages.
• Strategies:
• Collaborate with suppliers that offer responsibly sourced materials such as mass timber from local production facilities.
• Prioritize materials with high recyclability and design modular components for easy disassembly and reuse.

Goal 2: Create a visual impact and user experience that complements the surrounding natural environment.

The design should seamlessly weave into the fabric of its surroundings, creating a visual impact that not only captivates but also harmonizes with the natural environment. Not only will the nature-inspired design align with the existing visual elements in the environment, it will also contribute positively to the overall visual appeal of the surroundings as well as the user experience.

• Measure:  
• Percentage of building surface covered by elements like green walls, living roofs, natural materials, or green spaces.
• Percentage of occupied spaces with access to natural daylight.
• Impact on local biodiversity such as wildlife habitats and plant diversity.
• Targets:
• minimally acceptable value
• Cover at least 20% of the building surface with nature-integrated features.
• Ensure 70% of occupied spaces have access to natural daylight.
• Maintain the local biodiversity from pre-construction levels.
• desired / target value
• Target 40% coverage, promoting a stronger visual connection with nature.
• Aim for 90% of occupied spaces with access to natural daylight.
• Strive for a 10% improvement in biodiversity compared to pre-construction levels.
• Strategies:
• Integrate green roofs and walls to enhance the building's connection with the natural environment.
• Include an abundance of courtyards with native plants and landscaping to support local ecosystems and create a seamless transition from indoor spaces to nature.
• Use large windows and skylights to maximize natural light penetration.
• Implement bird-friendly glass.

Goal 3: Improve user comfort during their visits.

The design is centered around providing visitors to the exhibition space with a welcoming and comfortable environment. The goal is to create an enjoyable experience where users feel at ease, allowing them to fully engage with the exhibits and the space.

• Measure:  
• Effectiveness of climate control systems in maintaining optimal temperature and ventilation.
• Level of noise control and sound quality.
• Quality of lighting to enhance visibility without causing discomfort.
• How well the design facilitates smooth movement and minimizes congestion.
• Targets:
• minimally acceptable value
• Maintain a comfortable temperature range (e.g., 20-25°C) with proper ventilation.
• Ensure noise levels are within acceptable limits.
• Provide balanced lighting to avoid glare and discomfort.
• Ensure smooth visitor flow during non-peak hours.
• desired / target value
• Aim for a more precise control range with the ability to adjust by +/- 2°C depending on user preference (inspired by Y2E2 meeting rooms).
• Ensure that noise from corridors cannot be heard from exhibition rooms or office spaces.
• Integrate dynamic lighting systems for adjustable ambience.
• Minimize congestion and ensure smooth visitor flow even during peak times.
• Strategies:
• Incorporate sound-absorbing materials and quiet zones.
• Use state-of-the-art HVAC systems for precise temperature and ventilation control.
• Optimize the layout of rooms and passages for efficient crowd flow.