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Improvement of thermal environment and reduction of energy consumption for cooling and heating by retrofitting windows
Mochidome Takashi, Hokoi Shuichi, Ogura Daisuke, Takamura Masahiko, Suzuki Jun
Front. Archit. Res.. 2013, 2 (1): 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.10.006
Various techniques for creating a comfortable thermal environment and saving energy have been proposed and employed in residential buildings in many countries, including Japan. For these techniques to be introduced, existing houses should be renovated. Among the techniques available, installation of additional inner windows is effective in creating a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. In the present research, the effect of additional inner windows on the thermal environment and energy saving was investigated by measuring indoor windows on the thermal environment and energy saving was investigated by measuring indoor concrete building. Air temperatures, the humidity, the global solar radiation on horizontal and vertical surfaces, radiant temperatures, and the electricity consumption of air-conditioners were measured. A comparison of these values before and after the installation of inner windows showed that the thermal environment and energy saving had improved. Results obtained from a thermal model agreed well with measured results by changing the value of solar transmittance and heat transmission coefficient of the glazing following renovation. Furthermore, in a questionnaire survey conducted in summer, more than half of the occupants answered ‘‘comfortable’’ to a question on the overall thermal comfort.
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Research on parametric design method for energy efficiency of green building in architectural scheme phase
Borong Linn, Qiong Yu, Ziwei Li, Xiaoru Zhou
Front. Archit. Res.. 2013, 2 (1): 11-22.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.10.005
Based on a large number of researches and engineering practices both domestic and overseas, it is shown that the building parameters to be determined during scheme phase can exert a great effect on the building energy consumption. In this paper, through a combination of the popular design method of building parameterization at present and the design goal of energy saving during the scheme phase, the author carries out researches on the design methods and tool development which are applicable to parameterization of building energy saving in this stage. In connection with the characteristics of both modeling process of parameterization and energy saving design, and by means of steady calculation as well as simulation, this paper establishes an simplified model to calculate the overall energy consumption of air-conditioning, heating, lighting and equipments, and ultimately gives suggestions on design of scheme for energy saving by optimization with the genetic algorithm (GA). On the basis of the model, a software platform is developed by computer language QT and openGL interface and is oriented to the design users and sets up the MMI (human–computer interaction) software interface for parameterization of building energy saving, which achieves automatic modeling of parameterization and promotes research on practical design cases.
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A parametric investigation of the acoustical performance of contemporary mosques
Mostafa Refat Ismail
Front. Archit. Res.. 2013, 2 (1): 30-41.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.11.002
Acoustics is an important factor in mosque prayer halls that had not been given extensive concern during the architectural design stages. Eventually, the importance of speech intellig- ibility became more important, given the integration of other activities into the prayer halls, such as the holy Quran recitation, speeches, and lectures. Early attempts have been made to control the propagation of sound and to maintain good acoustic quality within the prayer spaces. Architects during the conceptual design stage had barely paid attention to the design issues that affect the acoustic environment inside the prayer zones, which is either due to lack of time during the project development or, in most cases, a lack of simple design guidelines to overcome any drastic acoustical defects arising from the incorrect design, shape, or material selection. The basic guidelines for designers to select the appropriate shape, geometry, size, and finishing materials are an essential design tool. This work examines the three common design topologies of mosques, which differ in size, shape, and finishing materials. In this study, a geometric and material parametric analysis was conducted based on the shape, surface area, volume, and finishing materials of each of the three designs. For the geometric acoustics, a computer model employing the ray tracing theory was employed to investigate the three configurations. Different acoustic treatments were tested relative to the geometric disposition of each design. Finally, basic recommendations and design guidelines were presented.
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Role of architectural space in blast-resistant buildings
Mahdi Bitarafan, Sayed Bagher Hosseini, Sayed Javad hashemi-fesharaki, Armin Esmailzadeh
Front. Archit. Res.. 2013, 2 (1): 67-73.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.11.003
The design of all spatial scales in a manufactured environment is part of the architectural skills and knowledge. Therefore, an architectural design should be drafted to reduce the vulner- ability of humans and buildings against unexpected events, such as terrorist attacks and bombardments. Human casualties and equipment destruction inside the buildings could be prevented by designing a suitable architectural space. This study addresses the absence of a codified and detailed criterion to evaluate architectural spaces and their design. Hence, all proposed indices for architectural spaces have been extracted using the ideas of experts in the field of architecture and explosives. Questionnaires were presented to 25 experts to weigh the effective indices using the analytic hierarchy process method. The human-oriented (ergonomic) characteristics of the building space is found to be the most important factor in facilitating crisis management, followed by the location of critical spaces.
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Ownership, structure, and performance of architectural firms
Adedapo Adewunmi Oluwatayo, Dolapo Amole
Front. Archit. Res.. 2013, 2 (1): 94-106.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.12.001
With architectural firms, owners are often managers whose characteristics may influence the firm structure. This study investigated the relationships between ownership characteristics, organizational structure, and performance of architectural firms. Utilizing a sample of architectural firms from Nigeria, a questionnaire survey of 92 architectural firms was carried out. Data were analyzed using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and regression analyses. A generally low level of specialization of duties was observed even though professional service firms were defined as highly specialized firms. For most of the firms, level of formalization was moderate or high, while level of centralization was mostly low. Results revealed a direct significant relationship between legal ownership form and formalization dimension of structure. In addition, the centralization dimension of structure influenced firm performance. However, no direct relationship between ownership characteristics and performance was noted, although different fits of ownership characteristics and structural variables were observed. The results suggest that principals of architectural firms should match their characteristics with the firm structure to enhance performance in relation to profit.
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Conceptualizing mega-event flagships—A case study of China Pavilion of Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Ying Deng
Front. Archit. Res.. 2013, 2 (1): 107-115.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2012.11.004
Mega-event flagship (MEF) is a dual instrument for staging a mega-event and catalyzing regional urban renewal. Despite its unfailing popularity and controversial nature, many initiators seem to equate MEF development with signature architecture, resulting in a persistent issue of underuse among MEFs in the post-event era. Although research findings indicate that the early stages hold the key to the future of MEFs, insufficient research on this crucial matter has been done to provide useful analyses as to how to achieve this. To rectify this, this paper presents a case study of China Pavilion (CP) as the most spotlighted MEF initiated by Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Through participant observation, archival records, and documentation, the case of CP was extensively explored to learn how the client organization has addressed the issues of form, function, and future positioning at the early stages. By linking the pre-Expo conceptualization with its post-Expo performance, the case brings a renewed attention to the early stages of MEF development. Although it is a single-case study, this research yields results that indicate the possibility of having beneficial spillover impact on broader-scale urban renewal by balancing an MEF’s dual mandate.
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