I thought a lot about what I wanted to focus on with my building. I’m focusing my design around one big idea regarding sustainability: Nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). I also plan on including a couple of other building sustainability ideas that intrigue me: Heat Pumps and Lighting/Daylighting.
Journal thoughts: I believe SMRs will play a big part of our energy future. We need energy. According to many sources, the built environment consumes a large part (~30%) of the world’s energy through construction and operations. In my opinion, we won’t be able to rely on renewable energy sources like solar or wind for the amount of energy we will be using in the future. Especially when it comes to providing the base load of a grid. This is where I think SMRs are critical and may be able to provide the solution. Not only can nuclear provide the base load for grids, they may also be used for self-contained facilities. There are many wild estimates regarding future energy demand, but many estimates consistently point to 2-3X demand due to increased compute. Facilities and campuses with their own energy source will be able to come online without having to wait for a spot on the grid.
Considering the journal thought above, I’ll be exploring the idea of SMRs powering future facilities, and an exhibit that will be able to showcase that.
As I mentioned above, I’ll also be exploring ideas for exhibits that will showcase heat pumps and lighting/daylighting. Below is a snapshot of an SMR exhibit that that incorporates the aspects of my favorite exhibits I shared in a previous exercise: Grand spaces, and bright light. This sketch is a very inspirational space that I plan on using to develop my building and its exhibit spaces. I LOVE how open and bright it is.
Below are snapshots of sketches for a heat pump exhibit. Again, grand space and lighting are what I’d like to pursue in the design. Also, a smaller exhibit like this one would be good to show off sustainable materials that can be used in construction, like polished concrete, reclaimed wood or metal panels for the side walls, low-E glass windows, vertical gardens that purify the air and can add a beautiful, green aesthetic, and even cellulose insulation made from recycled paper or denim. Lastly, as seen in the lower snapshot, it would be good to somehow show off the versatility of the heat pump to both heat and cool.
