Laboratory simulation techniques in the design process to promote sustainability in architecture

Julian Martin Evans

Research Centre Habitat and Energy, Laboratory of Bioclimatic Studies, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism, University of , .

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the implementation of techniques and spatial simulation during the design process and to document studies, which have been carried out in the Laboratory of Environmental Studies, Research Centre Habitat and Energy, FADU, UBA. These studies, with artificial sky, wind tunnel and multiple sun heliodon, complemented by numerical simulation, allow the design team to evaluate initial design decisions, to improve design features and construction characteristics that contribute to sustainable buildings. These studies and laboratory tests supports the integration of results in project development. The examples of different character and scale demonstrate a variety of aspects that contribute to sustainability in practice by controlling climatic impacts, evaluating design alternatives and assessing results at early stages of the design process. This is promoting innovation in architectural practice, through research, teaching and transfer to professional practice.

Conference Topic: 2 Design strategies and tools Keywords: simulation, sustainability, design process, environmental impact.

INTRODUCTION 2. STUDIES IN THE LABORATORY

Architecture projects are generally conceived, The laboratory studies presented in this paper defined and developed as visual objects, expressing correspond to different scales: urban, architectural their three-dimensional shape through drawings and and construction. To obtain relevant results in each models. The visual emphasis in the design process case, different tests were carried out, using the wind minimizes the importance of the environmental impact tunnel, heliodon, artificial sky and/or computer of the project. On the other hand, architectural software applications, such as numerical simulations morphology and construction details have a great of natural lighting, thermal performance, heat flow, air influence in the conditions of the building: solar flow, shading, solar radiation impact and acoustic impact, daylight, running costs, natural ventilation, performance. right to light, thermal performance and indoor comfort. The different cases analysed include projects in Energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, the early design stages, built examples and re-cycling ventilation and other environmental characteristics of and modification of existing buildings as well as the building are a direct result of design decisions. research studies and students projects. A selection of The environmental quality of indoor and outdoor different cases and alternatives are presented in spaces depend on visible elements as well as factors Table 1. difficult to visualize, such as wind patterns, heat flow A wide diversity of the examples are shown in the and natural convection, resulting from building shape paper, from different and often extreme geographical and three-dimensional characteristics of the urban locations, covering the varied climates of Argentina tissue. In this context, there is a need to develop and other countries, including Spain and Uruguay, techniques, which will let the design team visualize, demonstrating the importance and scope of the tests study and comprehend environmental phenomena. carried out. This paper presents a series of different projects, from international competitions, students work, design 2.1 Objectives concepts and built examples in different climates, Test in the laboratory have shown benefits in scales and contextual situations, studied from early pursuing and improving the sustainable qualities of design stages through simulation tests in the projects, making good use of efficient lighting, and Laboratory of Environmental Studies, LES. energy initiatives, with the aim of optimising comfort It demonstrates the way in which laboratory tests conditions of future occupants. With smoke from wind have contributed to project development, improving tunnel tests, air flow is visualized in indoor spaces conditions for sustainability, controlling climatic and around buildings. Shadows in the heliodon show impacts and providing a quantifiable and objective e•posure to direct radiation and shadows, according base to support the design process. to hour of day, latitude and season [1].

The Laboratory of Environmental Studies, LES, has different items of equipment, measuring instruments and numeric simulation programs which allow experimentation and simulation of the performance of projects, through the use of scale models and virtual models during the design process. Also, different equipment has been used to verify the behaviour of existing buildings. The development of numeric simulation programs which allow visualization of different phenomena, such as the impact of the solar radiation and wind, thermal energy flows, acoustic performance and lighting behaviour of a building. The calibration and testing of these programs is only possible by means Figure 1: Directly controlled multiple sun heliodon of measuring the physical phenomena. Without and low speed open-jet wind tunnel. measurements and physical tests using scale models, simulation programs can offer convincing but often erroneous results. This situation shows the importance of complementing numerical studies with parallel tests in the Laboratory, to verify and calibrate results for research, teaching and practice, providing support for design. From the beginning, a strong emphasis was placed on the ease of use by students and members of the design team, to promote understanding and comprehension of the visual and spatial phenomena observed. Most important of all is the possibility of allowing designers and researchers to modify and compare alternatives in the laboratory, testing Figure 2. Instrument for measuring potential sunshine different strategies and alternative solutions, at specific latitudes on site, indoors and outdoors. especially in the initial stages of the design process.

2.2 Equipment The Laboratory of Environmental Studies [2], initiated in 1986, houses the following equipment shown in Figures 1-4: Heliodon: 4 m diameter multiple sun model, for all latitudes from equator 0° to poles 90°, using 150 watt clear incandescent bulbs, with a horizontal fixed working plane for easy visualisation and manipulation of working models. Wind tunnel: The low speed open-jet tunnel with simulation of wind gradient sharing the heliodón working plane, and variable wind speed allows direct observation and recording of test results. Artificial sky: 2,6 m • 2,6 m mirror-type sky with Figure 3: Meteorological station with instruments for stretched membrane diffuser, producing 6,000 lux on measuring solar radiation and illuminance. the working plane and calibrated CIE diffuse light distribution [3]. Met station: The station, the first of it’s type in Latin America, is located on the roof of the faculty, with 4 years of continuous records. Measurements of temperature and humidity are recorded at half hourly intervals, while solar radiation and illuminance are registered at one minute intervals. Instruments: Different measuring instruments, such as light-meters, photometers, pyranometers, hot-wire and vane anemometers, are essential tools to quantify the different environmental variables which affect sustainability, comfort and sensations of well- being. Mini-data loggers, instruments for measuring reflectivity, humidity in walls, and hours of potential sunshine are also employed both in the laboratory Figure 4: Mirror-type artificial sky [2] and photometer. and measurements on site.

3. LABORATORY CASE STUDIES

3.1 Testing projects and competition proposals

Figure 5: Provincial Education Board, Neuquén. Figure 8: Ezeiza International Airport, Buenos Aires.

Heliodon and wind tunnel studies, showing the Sun path studies in a large scale projects, permanent shade from building and wind break tree comparing different structural solutions and façade barrier, using multiple shadows. Verification of solar alternatives to the control of thermal and visual penetration and wind protection in public spaces and conditions indoors. its incidence in the surrounding areas. Morphological study of the building and characteristics of exterior spaces.

Figure 9: Shadows of Towers, Barcelona, Spain.

Figure 6: Site selection for optimum solar orientation Sun path and shading studies, visualising hours of and views in an ecological complex, Merlo, San Luis. sunlight and conditions in the surrounding spaces and between building elements, to justify variations in Study of the topography at an early stage in the building height. This analysis shows the importance of design process to analyse the surroundings, select project testing at early stages of the design process. building locations and verify the influence of the surroundings on the project.

Figure 10: Palace of Justice, Barcelona, Spain. Figure 7: Cultural centre, Punta del Este, Uruguay. Sun path test. Measurement of solar impact on Studies of solar incidence on glass roof and its the building and hourly incidence on different facades, influence in interior conditions using heliodón and e•terior spaces, as well as reflections between thermal simulation. Studies of alternative glass types elements and on the atrium roof, in order to and shading devices, together with analysis of solar recommend design strategies and ensure suitable protection alternatives in accessible public spaces. comfort conditions.

Figure 11: Sun penetration and visual comfort study, Figure 14. House in Colonia, Uruguay. Galicia Bank Tower, Buenos Aires. Sun path study. Verification of solar protection in Tests to analyse potential overheating problems outdoor galleries and eaves. Sun reach in open and verification of indoor lighting conditions, as well spaces. Design election over the disposition of as impact of building form in surrounding areas. architectural elements. Studies of alternative shading devices were also undertaken for different orientations.

Figure 12: Justice Palace, Las Palmas, Spain. Figure 15. Curutchet House, , Buenos Aires.

Illumination, wind tunnel and sun studies, Performance study of brise soleil at different supplemented with computer aided programs which angles, architectural elements for solar protection in guided decision-making by the design team on built facades and in open spaces in the Curutchet house, form, facades solutions for different orientations, designed by . Morphological study of the atrium design for effective natural illumination and use building: its construction details and spatial qualities. of active and passive solar systems. Measurements of interior conditions in the house.

3.2 Tests of e•isting buildings

Figure 16. Miró Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.

Lighting studies and visual quality provided by Figure 13: Barcelona Pavilion, Barcelona, Spain. elements designed to allow sun light distribution

depending on use and orientation. Test of solar protection in public spaces using the heliodón, and artificial sky studies of light-ducts to verify indoor illumination conditions.

3.3 Tests for research and student projects

Figure 20. Interpretation Centre, Ecological Reserve, Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires

Figure 17. Urban Boulevard Project, former AU3 Sun path test. Verification of impact in the interior motorway, Buenos Aires. of the building and hour incidence on facades, e•terior spaces, passive and active solar systems. Analysis Study of areas of wind acceleration and and verification of the surroundings and its influence permanent winter shade produced by buildings within in the project. Natural illumination studies, with tests the urban pattern, showing the importance of of alternative geometries with the aim of improving preliminary analysis during the design process. performance and visual comfort.

4. CONCLUSION

The test carried out allow evaluation of design decisions, on terms of environmental conditions and sustainable qualities of buildings, demonstrating the way in which they contribute to project development, improving environmental quality, controlling adverse climatic conditions and providing quantifiable bases to support the design process. Taking into account the broad field of application, the use of studies in the LES is a versatile design Figure 18. Catalinas Norte office complex, support tool, used by students as well as skilled contrasting with conventional urban tissue, Bs. As. designers and researchers. Also, it allows the evaluation of the environmental behaviour of e•isting Analysis of the impact of new building and urban buildings, to analyse their achievements or detect forms compared with the consolidated conventional failures and evaluate possible solutions. urban pattern, showing the influence of built form in As can be deduced from the examples presented, the urban conte•t on the habitable conditions using the LES allows the development of studies on a broad the Heliodon and wind tunnel simulations. band of projects, with diverse scales, geographical locations, habitable conditions, interior environmental quality and impacts on surroundings. Test on models of buildings designed by great architectural masters, such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, show the level of knowledge and the success and limitations of bioclimatic design resources applied in their projects. In the case of test carried out in the LES for projects in development stage, studies at the initial stages can be used not only to verify decisions but also as a design tool, complemented by further more detailed studies during the later stages of project development. In some cases, due to the development on the definition of the project and a late analysis and Figure 19. School in Barracas, Bs.As. laboratory tests, it was not possible to revert the

problems detected without making substantial Test of a student design project, a public building changes to the project. that demonstrates the importance of integrating solar The relevance of the test in the laboratory protection, ventilation and natural illumination in the demonstrate the importance of evaluation of design design of class rooms and circulation spaces. decisions and the capacity to modify them with

precise knowledge of the impacts produced by the architecture, pp 5.06, Congress proceedings, TIA building to its surroundings and as direct result, 2000, O•ford Brooks University, O•ford. interior conditions. In both cases, the highest priority is given to the [2] ASADES, Evans, J. M, de Schiller, S., y Perea, J. relation between the environmental conditions C. (1988), Equipamiento del Laboratorio de Estudios obtained with the project and the response given to its Ambiental, pp 231, Actas de la 13 Reunión de occupants and users of the surrounding spaces. Trabajo de ASADES, Catamarca.

[3] Evans, J. M., Baroldi, G., y Marmora, M. I. (1997) REFERENCES Diseño y construcción de un cielo artificial, tipo espejo, pp 121, Avances en Energías Renovables y

[1] Evans, J. M., (2000), The environmental Medio Ambiente, Vol. 1, N°1. laboratory. E•periences and applications in teaching

Table 1. Examples of tests carried out in the Laboratory of Environmental Studies.

Study Scale Equipment Climate Application Architectural Construction Artificial sky E•isting blgs Wind tunnel competition Warm / hot Temperate Cool / cold Research

Location, building type and designer Heliodon Project / Othe Urban

rs

Projects of houses by Baliero • • • * Miró Fundación Museum, Barcelona, J. Sert • • • • School in Alem, Missiones by Soto y Rivarola • • • • • • Houses by Vladimiro Acosta • • • • Curuchet House in La Plata, Le Corbusier • • • • • Urban Intervention in Barracas, Buenos Aires • • • • Models of solar ovens • • • • Madero Port urban development project • • • • • Bank of Tokyo, tower building • • • • • • • La Buenos Aires, office tower • • • • • • • Conurban, circular office tower, Buenos Aires. • • • • • • • College in Barracas, Buenos Aires • • • • Technical School in Barracas • • • • Bioclimatic and solar houses in Argentina. • • • • • • José Hernández Tower, Belgrano, Buenos Aires • • • • Palace of Justice, Canary Islands, Spain • • • • • • • • • Greenpeace offices, Buenos Aires • • • • • • • Biosphere Reserve, Yabotí, Misiones • • • • • • • University of La Pampa • • • • • • • • • • Fuentes López solar house, Bariloche • • • • • Urban Boulevard Project, former AU3 motorway • • • • • Catalinas Norte office comple• • • • • • • Urban tissue studies, Buenos Aires • • • • • • • Visitors center, Ecological Reserve, Bs. As • • • • • • • • Cultural centre, Punta del Este, Uruguay • • • • • • Project for new terminal, Ezeiza Airport • • • • Ecological development, Merlo, San Luis, Arg. • • • • • Palace of Justice, Neuquén • • • • • • • • Education Council headquarters, Neuquén • • • • • • Bank of Galicia office tower, Buenos Aires • • • • • • • • House in Tandil, Buenos Aires • • • • • Legislative comple•, Government, Bs. As. City • • • • • Hospital in Caleta Olivia, Patagonia • • • • • Hospital in San Juan • • • • • Arturo Illia municipal housing project, • • • • • • • ‘Casa del Escritor’ Authors house, Buenos Aires • • • • • Shopping center, Avellaneda, • • • • • Phamaceutical Laboratory, Buenos Aires • • • • Telephone communications center, Bs. As. • • • • Residential towers in Barcelona • • • • Office, water company, Pilar, Buenos Aires • • • • •