Design Journal Entry - Week 1

When I was thinking about the main features/characteristics of my project, several inspiring and vivid ideas emerged in my thoughts. I want to emerge the aesthetic and sustainability into one place. This fusion aims to embody a philosophy where elegant design and environmental responsibility coexist in perfect synergy.

Below, I list several key features of the exhibition centre inside and outside:

Vertical Gardens and Solar Panels

Firstly, this integration significantly enhances the building's aesthetic appeal, transforming it into a living artwork that resonates with eco-conscious values. Vertical gardens will improve air quality and provide natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. Meanwhile, solar panels will contribute to energy efficiency, harnessing renewable energy to power the building, thus reducing its carbon footprint. Together, they will create a mixture of form and function, making the exhibition space a beacon of sustainable architecture and a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and technology.

Metrics for Vertical Gardens:

• Use native and adaptive plants to minimize water usage and maintenance.
• Install an efficient drip irrigation system that recycles water.
• Integrate a composting system to create fertilizer from organic waste.

Metrics for Solar Panels:

• Opt for high-efficiency photovoltaic panels to maximize energy generation.
• Implement solar batteries to store excess energy for use during peak hours or on cloudy days.
• Consider solar thermal systems to provide hot water and assist in heating.

Life Example

One of the most renowned example of utilizing vertical gardens in urban architecture is Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy. The concept behind of Vertical Forest is “home for trees that also houses humans and birds”.

Bosco Verticale in Milan integrates vertical gardens and solar panels to create an eco-friendly urban habitat. Its facades, covered with a vertical forest of trees and plants, provide natural insulation and air purification, while solar panels generate renewable energy. This innovative design merges sustainability with modern living, reimagining the urban landscape. The design and sustainability features are a great live reference for me to use in my work.

https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/project/vertical-forest/

Living Roof / Heating and Cooling

Building on the previous concept, I am motivated to utilize a living roof (green roof). It will enhance energy efficiency by providing natural insulation, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. Additionally, living roofs will aid in stormwater management by absorbing and filtering rainwater, extending roof lifespans by protecting underlying materials, and increasing urban biodiversity by creating habitats for various species. Beyond practical advantages, they will add aesthetic appeal to the building that is equally important for me.

An automated ventilation system on a rooftop takes advantage of the natural air currents to regulate temperatures inside the building and reduce reliance on air conditioning. This system also improves indoor air quality by continuously exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for occupants, and also provides cooling the building in ways that reduce our dependence on traditional HVAC systems and chemical coolants.

Metrics for Living Roof:

• Choose a variety of plants that provide year-round coverage and benefits, such as insulation and habitat for local fauna.
• Use a layered roofing system that includes waterproof membranes, drainage layers, and soil systems designed for root growth and water retention.
• Integrate the living roof with rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and non-potable water uses.

Metrics for Heating and Cooling:

• Use thermal mass materials in construction to naturally regulate indoor temperatures.
• Install energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to improve air quality and reduce energy loads.

Life Example

This is personal favourite example of utilizing the above-mentioned features in a real life. California Academy of Sciences’s extensive green roof, covered with native plants, provides natural insulation, reducing energy needs for heating and cooling, and manages rainwater to prevent runoff. Its innovative heating and cooling systems utilize groundwater and outside air, significantly cutting down on energy consumption. These features, along with maximizing natural light, position the Academy as a leading model in sustainable architectural design.

Natural Lightning

Incorporating natural lighting will reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint by lessening the dependence on artificial lighting, aligning with environmental conservation efforts. The ambiance created by natural light will be warm and inviting, positively impacting visitor experience and mood. Thus, natural lighting will be a key element that will harmoniously blend environmental responsibility with an enriched visitor experience.

Metrics for Natural Lightning:

• Average Daylight Factor (ADF): I aim for an ADF of at least 5% for the central open space, ensuring that enough daylight reaches indoor spaces to reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
• for that, I want to have an open space in the central part of the construction
• Glazing and Transparency: I will use high-transparency glazing materials in any surrounding windows or skylights to maximize light entry.
• Reflective Surfaces: I plan to incorporate materials with high light reflectance values (LRV) on the surfaces around the open space, including ceilings and walls, to reflect sunlight deeper into the interior.

Life Example

There are many examples that showcase use of natural lightning in their exhibition spaces:

Construction Material

I have three main “requirements” for construction materials that will be used in the construction: high durability, sustainable, and visual attractiveness. Of course, low-cost will be a plus. Taking these into account, I have several ideas: Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Recycled Steel, Bamboo, High-Performance Glass, Recycled Glass are some that comes to my mind.

Life Examples:

Prototype

I wanted to have combination of natural elements and advanced technology that will not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also embodies the building's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.