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Arch 125: Intro to Environmental Design Winter 2015Project #4: Smokebox 10% |
As we can see when we study cooling in buildings and air flow in general, much dependence is placed on the use of "magic arrows" to illustrate how the air moves in the building. But we cannot see air... so how do we know that the arrows are correct. |
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This project will help you to visualize and validate your expectations of air flow through space when you design buildings for passive cooling and ventilation . This is intended as a demonstration project, meaning, the results are not 100% accurate, nor are they quantifiable, but they are visual.
Objectives
- Understanding of basic principles of low velocity airflow in and/or through a constructed space.
- Ability to conceive of, and develop a methodology for investigating low velocity airflow in and/or through a constructed space.
- Awareness of the potential for architectural form to influence airflow patterns.
Measurable Outcomes
- Visual demonstration of basic airflow principles. watch a movie 1, (need Quicktime), watch a movie 2
- Written and graphic presentation (record) of the evidence.
- Documentation should indicate one or more descriptive characteristics of airflow which have been illuminated.
Proposed Methodology
Students are to work in pairs. Prepare a 3-dimensional transparent architectonic volume that reflects some key aspects of the spatial issues in your Junk project from Arch 193. The box should have an accumulative dimension (L+W+H) of approximately 36” and includes a minimum of 2 openings: one for intake of the smoke, and at least one for the smoke to escape. You may include interior partitions and openings. The space need not be purely rectilinear. You should be using black foamcore and thin clear plexiglass as demonstrated in class. The plexi sides should be positioned to allow us to see the interior of the box. The black foamcore provides a contrasting colour of surface so that we can see the theatrical smoke more clearly. You can use 3M Magic Mending tape to assemble the box. The best projects tend to keep the concept fairly simple. Unlike the setup at RWDI, if the object is complex and the interventions physically very small, they will not be able to be seen.
IMPORTANT!!
The air flow goes from LEFT TO RIGHT! Videotaping will only be able to occur from the front face, not the top. Please concentrate on creating a concept that is able to be both demonstrated and viewed from this perspective. Please also provide a "funnel" to direct the smoke from the machine "accurately" to your openings on the intake side and that the funnel fits tightly to prevent spillover. Spillover needs to be prevented or the smoke will pass around your box and we won't be able to see it work. The smoke is HOT. If you wish to have multiple openings on the intake face, please fashion funnels accordingly.
Dimensions of the plexi case the model must fit within are 24" wide, 24" tall, 48" long.
You may need to replace the solid side of your box with acetate/plexi just so that we can see what is happening on the inside. Please ask if you have questions as it is not possible to provide a definitive set of requirements as everyone's box will be different.
The supply store has thin plexi in stock.
Submittals:
1. Prepare a "Magic Arrow Drawing" (or drawings) to indicate your expected model performance. Colour the arrows red or blue to denote your expected hot (exhaust) and cold (intake) air flows. We will be using this to compare what you expected to happen with what really did happen during the testing.
2. The Box. As described above.
The models will be tested in the shop. A smoke machine will be provided on the day of testing. We will be photographing and videotaping the performance.
Assessment:
Magic Arrow Drawing /10
Achievement of good natural ventilation /20
Craft /10
TOTAL /40
Not being present for the presentation - loss of 10/40
IMPORTANT:please wear BLACK this day as we will be videotaping and photographing the performances and we need to cut down on reflections on the plexiglass.
