Arch 213: Ecological Issues in Architecture

Building for the Future-Sustainable Design-

Assist. Prof. Dr. Harun SevinçAssist. Prof. Dr. Pınar Uluçay

Sustainable DesignAccording to the AIA (American Institute of Architects) & IUA (Union Internationale des Architects):

“Sustainable design integrates considerations of resource & energy efficiency, healthy buildings & materials, ecologically & socially sensitive land use, an aesthetic sensitivity that inspires, affirms, & ennobles …”

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• By daylighting issues, which is one small part of larger picture:

Energy & environment Formal & aesthetic implications Human implications

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Daylight can maintain human’s biologic rhythms & connections to rhythms in nature.

• Biological needs for daylight Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Rickets – deficiency of vitamin D 15 minutes of sunlight sufficient Use of phototherapy Time-related cycles Colour for therapeutic benefit

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Experience of time through lightPhysical responseEmotional sensation

• Cannot be quantified or measured

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Visual comfort

Sick building syndromeBuilding-related illnessesComputer vision syndrome

Eye & vision problems related to near workduring computer use

Quality of life

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• By bioregional approach, which describes how a specific region influences daylighting :

Sun pathSky conditionsNature of siteClimate

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Seasons, which influences daylighting Impact of summer & winter solstices; fall & spring equinoxes Solstice

Longest day of year (21 June) Shortest day of year (21 December)

Equinox (equal night)Two times of year when length of day & night approximately equal (21 March & 21 September)

Northern & southern hemisphere

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Geographic locations and its climate zones, which influences daylighting

Hot arid climate Minimize heat gain Control glare Relief & protection from intense sunlight

Hot humid climate Maximum ventilation Maximum control of heat Maximum control of direct sunlight

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Geographic locations and its climate zones, which influences daylighting

Temperate climate Greater flexibility Modest temperatures Modest seasonal changes Greater connections inside to outside

Cold climate Tremendous seasonal changes: temperature, precipitation, & sky conditions

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Spatial location in building

Interaction of light & form According to Kahn: “Light is mood.”

Colour characteristics Overcast day Clear Sky

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?

• Architectural consideration of daylight

Factors that affect flow of light:

Building massingPlanSectionWindow design

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?• Architectural consideration of daylight

Building massing: Linear forms Central forms Clustered forms

Palmetto Residence,Southern Florida: Hot-Humid

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?• Architectural consideration of daylight

Plan & Section: Room depth & height Room surfaces & characteristics Ceiling characteristics

Palmetto Residence,Southern Florida: Hot-Humid

How can “Sustainable Design” be achieved?• Architectural consideration of daylight

Windows: Size Location Position on wall Orientation Detailing

Mt. Airy Library, North Carolina