Design for Climate [Change]

A desired climate in the US has been selected by each freshman student to design a shelter while addressing one or two issues of the climate. The design process included three steps:

• Precedent Analysis and Concept Development: a design concept has been developed inspired by vernacular architecture or nature after analysis of successful/failed cases from the associated climate. The design concept would address issues such as carbon emission, flooding, resiliency, daylighting, energy saving, solar heating, and overheating. Simple simulation tools for analysis of wind and solar radiation were applied.

• Details Development: a detail model can be provided with a focus on a portion/component of the proposed shelter. The preference is for models that are not static and can show the dynamic features of the proposed shelter. Skylights, shading devices, and detachable roof components represent some examples.

• Modularity: The assemblage of the components/modules of the proposed shelter should be considered in design.

Snow Shelter

To withstand the severe winter snow storms in Casper, Wyoming, the focus of the design has turned to insulation, daylighting, and air flow. The structure of the Mongolian Ger with a circular floor plan becomes a source of design inspiration as it can retain heat inside. The curved vestibule works as a buffer zone between the indoor and outdoor temperature. The main climatic feature of the structure is the roof design which is inspired by the polar bear fur. The hollow fur can capture heat/light and carry them to the inside. Similarly the skylight windows became the main source of heat and light for the building. Angled/tilted skylights along with mirrors located on their interior bases guarantee access to daylighting throughout the whole year. The use of thermal glass would also obviate any issue due to the accumulation of snow on the roof.

Naturally Ventilated pneumatic facade inspired by human skin

Inspired by the function of skin pores a pneumatic facade has been proposed to cover a modular shelter. The skin allows adjustment of light and air. The modularity of the shelter makes it easily transportable to be built in a desired location. in This climate temperature ranges from about below 90F to the freezing point. Therefore there is a potential for natural ventilation. The recycled plastic bags when inflated would let the air in for free cooling. Installation of solar panels on the roof makes the application of renewable energy a possibility.

Nature-inspired wind turbine

A wind turbine inspired by natural forms/functions of the Nautilus Shell was inserted to the designed shelter to provide a portion of the shelter’s required annual energy. The turbine will be located on the back of the shelter since wind direction is strongest on the south in this location of Seattle in Washington. The funnel form of the dogtrot in the middle of the shelter increases the wind velocity to take full advantage of the wind velocity in turning natural energy to electricity. Several wind turbine forms were studied using CFD simulations and were 3D printed for experimental studies to find the appropriate form for the turbine.

Quick-RESPONSE Temporary Shelter

A quick-response shelter using lightweight modular mat panels has been designed such that it can be easily folded, transported, and assembled. The open slots on the skin provides flexibility in folding the mats and can be closed with a second mat layer moving on the rail system underneath. Therefore the slots can be opened/closed depending on the need for natural ventilation.

Design for Flooding and Storm

As a small residence in Eustis, Florida, this design would be resilient to flooding and wind with its raised floor as well as a form which takes pressure away from the structure following the flow of the wind. The modular awning are easy to assemble and in addition to shading effects can fold to protect and shut the window openings against strong winds. At the heart of the house a small shelter in red color bring the whole design components together while being preserved with the peripheral buffer zones/rooms of the residence.

Detachable Shelter

After several experimental studies the form of the dome was proposed, which can be used as a detachable floating shelter in the case of flooding. A natural ventilation system with hollow pipes was inserted in between interior and exterior walls to exhaust the stale air at the end from the dome outward.

TORNADO-Relief Shelter

Through wind analysis and simulations the form of a temporary shelter was designed which can be set up quickly in windy plateau geographic locations. The modularity of the shelter and its details for connecting the parts together were the subject of the design analysis.

Morgan James