Lucie Nordmann

Journal Entry For
Module 4 - Conceptual Design - Building Context & Passive Design

My design process:

1st model
1st model
image

1) I created a 5 story mass compared Jasper Ridge and the Dish to see if there was a difference in how location affected EUI/cost. They ended up being about the same. Because of this, I decided to go with the Dish, simply because of personal experience and the views.

2) I thought more about the end goal of the project and decided I didn't want to have the building stick out too much from the landscape, thus I scrapped the original design and came up with the one below that is only 2 stories. I intend to have the curtain wall facing north towards Stanford and the bay. However, I would like to have an outdoor courtyard/gathering space on either sides of the building. Whichever side of the building does not have the curtain wall, will get an outdoor area regardless.

I have yet to determine the specific coordinates of the project site. I would like exhibition to have high enough elevation on the topography to have a view of the bay, Stanford, and the mountains.
I have yet to determine the specific coordinates of the project site. I would like exhibition to have high enough elevation on the topography to have a view of the bay, Stanford, and the mountains.
Summer Solstice Sun Path
Summer Solstice Sun Path

3) After doing additional research on passive solar design, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to have the curtain wall on the south side of my building. This will save energy as the building can get warmth and light from this side.

The weather at the Dish
The weather at the Dish
The Solar analysis within Revit kept crashing :'(, so I used the PV Energy feature in Insight to determine the potential surfaces to use for solar power.
The Solar analysis within Revit kept crashing :'(, so I used the PV Energy feature in Insight to determine the potential surfaces to use for solar power.

4) PV energy is something I would like to look into if it is not too costly. I have a flat roof at the moment but will consider angling it to generate additional energy.

5) I compared my min and max targets for sustainability:

Minimum Target Architecture 2030
Minimum Target Architecture 2030
Maximum Target Net Zero
Maximum Target Net Zero

Most important building factors for both Architecture 2030 & Net Zero:

  • operating schedule BIM (12/6)
  • plug load efficiency: 1.0W/sf
  • lighting efficiency: .7W/sf

Looking ahead I would like to experiment with layout and select the specific coordinates of my site.