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Now showing 1 - 10 of 127

Building the Carbon Positive City: Architectural Experiments in Mass Timber and Bio-Diversity

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2019-11) Marble, Scott ; Organschi, Alan ; Yocum, David ; Dortdivanlioglu, Hayri

This book documents the architectural projects produced in the Portman Prize Studio in the Spring 2019. Within the M. Arch. professional degree program at Georgia Tech, the Portman Studio is the final in a sequence of five introductory and advanced architectural design studios at the School, and takes the form of a semester-long, integrated building design assignment.
Structures and types of differentiated street grids: The generation, analysis, and sorting of universes of superblock designs

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2019-05-22) Feng, Chen

The design of urban street networks is critical to how a city looks, feels, and functions. Moreover, the arrangement of streets inside the “superblocks”, which are the large urban areas divided up by the primary street network of the city, gives cities unique characters. This dissertation studies the street network designs at the scale of a square superblock that measures half a mile, or 800 m, on each side—a particularly common dimension for the spacing of arterial streets in the U.S., China, and many other countries. The contemporary urban landscape has been significantly shaped by two distinctive traditions for organizing streets at the scale of a superblock. At one extreme is the deployment of a uniform grid, differentiated only by street widths or intensity of development along the streets. At the other extreme is the “tree-like” pattern in which most separate branches or disjoined enclaves or loops are attached to the main streets, imposing a segregating hierarchy defined by mobility and access. This study explores street network designs that fall between these extremes; the designs in question can be described as differentiated grids. More specifically, we ask: (a) How to create differentiated grids by progressively deforming a square grid? (b) What different kinds of differentiated grids are there? (c) What is the relationship between the different rules that can be applied to creating differentiated grids and the emerging types of differentiation? To study those questions, eight different “syntactic operators” have been developed to progressively deform a street network. For each type of operation, a generative rule/algorithm was created to sequentially apply the operation on a uniform grid up to a specified number of times. An additional generative algorithm was also created to allow operations to be mixed in random sequences. Each generative algorithm was applied to generate a total of 600 differentiated street grids. This resulted in a “design universe” consisting of 5400 differentiated street grids that could be analyzed comparatively and queried for the presence of properties of interest. Such properties include graph connectivity, street density, block size and shape, intersection density, geometric regularity, directional reach, directional distance, and the diversity in syntactic conditions. In addition, the centrality structure of designs was studied. The aim was to formulate and test alternative definitions of “integration cores” and to develop relevant typologies. Consistent with space syntax literature, an integration core is defined as comprising the streets that are closer to all parts of the street network in terms of directional distance. Query algorithms were developed to select designs based on the definitions of alternative types of integration cores. Four main conclusions were reached. First, different types of operations have different capacities to influence the properties of a street network. Second, there are multiple dimensions of differentiation (e.g., differentiation in geometric alignment of streets, differentiation in configurational properties such as DDL, differentiation in block shapes, etc.). In many cases, measures along the different dimensions of differentiation are related. Their predictable relationship can be quantified. Third, while the relationship between different dimensions of differentiation usually has a consistent direction, its slope can vary, depending on the type of operation used to create the differentiation. The variation in slope suggests that properties that may be desirable (for example the creation of a diversified street grid) can be achieved with varying costs regarding properties that may be undesirable (for example the creation of less accessible streets). Fourth, the (local) generative rules used to generate designs do not necessarily lead to specific emergent global properties of the street network of the superblock. Although we cannot predict the specific syntactic type we get by applying a specific generative rule, we know that by applying certain generative rules, we are more likely to generate designs of a specific syntactic type. Thus, the thesis makes two significant contributions to the field of space syntax studies. First, it demonstrates how the systematic generation and querying of universes of designs can be used to rigorously define and enrich key syntactic ideas that have hitherto remained intuitive, such as the ideas of “deformed grid” and the “shape of the integration core”. Second, it demonstrates that in principle, the design of street networks at superblock scale can be studied according to the typologies of interface between local and global integration and according to the typologies of differentiation of the street grid.
A conceptual framework of adaptive architecture: A cybernetics approach to bio-inspired strategies

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2019-05-21) Mehta, Shilpa

This thesis develops the conceptual framework of adaptive architecture, where adaptability is defined by the capacity of an organism or a system to act in response to variations in natural conditions. This research considers how living beings catch, convert, store and process energy, water and daylight. It asks how does nature chill off, warm up, give shade, and control light. In contrast with living creatures, buildings are ordinarily considered as static, lifeless objects. However, a building's environment and its inward conditions are dynamic, and there exists the potential to use inspiration and examples from nature to cultivate greater adaptability of the façade for upgraded building performance. To implement this process of adaptability in architecture one needs to understand the change and a sense of intelligence that architecture must possess. This research examines principles of cybernetics, to learn from it, and to establish a bridge between intelligence and architecture that can lead to adaptability. Cybernetics can help bridge organic and inorganic aspects of architecture and machines. This thesis will help develop a better understanding of climate adaptive architecture and other disciplines contribution to it. Essentially, architects need to develop an understanding of the framework that involves design computation, intelligent environment and role of nature coming together for achieving adaptive architecture while it addresses the issue of climate change
What is leftover: The residual space

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2019-05-01) Rickles, Carley Jaclyn

By considering the existing value of undesinged space in the city, the residual space, alternative perspectives on field research, analysis, and the representation thereof were examined and offered. The urban design research process was reformatted applying a multi-tiered, dialectical approach to research with the scrutinized examination of an artist. Prior to analyzing and reflecting upon findings, empirical evidence relied on photography, video, writing, and drawing, allowing for the aesthetics and unseen factors to be revisited at a later time. Through the act of composing empirical findings with ecological and socio-cultural data and histories a deeper understanding of the importance of the residual space was uncovered and expressed dialogically.
A framework for coordinated models of architectural precast concrete facades

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2019-02-28) Collins, Jeffrey

Architects are often unaware of details, constraints, and variables that define and deliver architectural components. Many factors such as constructability, budget, or scheduling commitments, force changes to design concepts – potentially resulting in time-consuming redesign or loss of design aspirations – because incorporation of fabrication and expert knowledge occurs too late in the process. At the same time, fabricators, obligated to re-model these components – typically via error-prone manual translation – may be unaware of critical architectural properties envisioned but difficult to represent in design intent documents. The focus of this dissertation is to establish a new framework for coordination among project actors, linking currently disparate global and local descriptions of architectural intent and corresponding components via parametric digital models, with the aim of improving representations, enabling more informed conversations, and streamlining exchanges during early stages of design. In order to show the potential of this framework, research is focused on architectural precast concrete façades. Building façades are especially relevant to both architectural theory and practice as they are critical to a buildings’ character but remarkably complex in assembly. The architectural precast façade offers, in particular, a system whose parts are discreet through surface panelization, customizable via extensive features, and fundamental to the overall buildings’ aesthetic. Protocols and techniques for generating and linking customizable digital models for coordination are documented for a variety of surface patterns and panel feature types found in precedent buildings with architectural precast concrete façades. These models are used to demonstrate the process of developing parametric maps, both as a means of engaging issues of fabrication in early stages of design as well as to demonstrate benefits of incorporating such maps in future state workflows. Knowledge gained from recording various processes undertaken, conversations held, and documents produced by precast fabricators during the shop drawing phase of their work informs the parametric maps from both global and local perspectives. The strategies from the precedent analysis are then implemented through the exploration of design and fabrication issues raised by novel student proposals. The research suggests that the current disconnect between architectural intent and fabrication knowledge contributes to limited design exploration, and ultimately, reduces use of architectural precast concrete façades and furthermore, that linked digital models can stimulate interaction between designers and fabricators – bridging currently disparate workflows and value systems – while simultaneously enabling design exploration, incorporating fabrication details, and allowing new opportunities for precast buildings to emerge.
Equitable, Ecological, Transit-Oriented Development

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2019) Dunham-Jones, Ellen ; Alawamleh, Yasmeen ; Ashok, RajhaSurya ; Dave, Neerja ; Duan, Ruiyan ; Ghosh, Debmalya ; Huang, Shuyi ; Johnson, Jennifer ; Li, Siqi ; Ma, Hoaxing ; Moo-Young, Tiffany ; Majid, Moutushi ; Oh, Yeinn ; Siodmok, Naomi ; Xu, Jingxin

What if the proposed MARTA light rail down Campbellton Road to the proposed new transit hub near the Greenbriar Mall were designed to drive revitalization in the area that was equitable and ecological? Six proposals by teams of Georgia Tech MS in Urban Design graduate students present different answers to that fundamental question. These proposals are intended to help community members and stakeholders envision a range of possibilities and foster conversations about desired futures.
Optimizing microgrid distributed energy resources with varying building loads: Analysis and simulation

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018-08-09) Haroon, Sohail

As microgrids continue to evolve and become more prevalent, there arises a need to understand how best to design while addressing the fundamental objective of meeting energy loads. As a localized energy entity, a microgrid brings together distributed energy resources such as photovoltaics and energy storage systems with an array of building loads within a well-defined electrical boundary. Microgrids can vary considerably in scope, co-existing with the utility grid infrastructure, or being able to operate independently of it, or some combination in between of grid-tie and off-grid operation. Many challenges face the design and operation of a microgrid involving intelligent controllers and dispatchers, balancing generation resources, interacting with the utility grid, and doing all this in a cost-effective manner. This study examines the role of building load profiles in optimization of distributed energy resources, in particular, photovoltaics and storage system. The grid is assumed to be stable and contrasting rate structures are explored. Similarly, contrasting load profiles can shed light on a microgrid’s ability to meet demand versus energy loads. Modeling and simulation is done via an industry standard tool, HOMER GRID. Detailed hourly load profiles for various building mix profiles are generated via an expanded building energy modeling tool, Energy Performance Calculator (EPC), developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Demand response is also handled via EPC. Optimization is across the spectrum of net present cost, operating cost, return on investment, and a redefined levelized cost of electricity metric. A simple methodology is derived that can aid in the general design of balancing and optimizing distributed energy resources based on the findings of optimization across scenarios. Of vital importance to a microgrid stakeholder is risk mitigation in the deployment and usage of distributed energy resources, operating costs, and load fulfillment. This study paves the path of better understanding of integration of microgrids within an evolving smarter utility grid. Future studies will explore an even wider mix of buildings, the effect of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations via the building load profiles, and the evolution of microgrid rate structures from the perspective of Independent System Operators (ISO) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO). In addition, scope will be expanded to include microgrids that service villages and islands where grid stability cannot be assumed thus covering the gamut of microgrid presence worldwide.
A functional modeling framework for interdisciplinary building design

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018-08-01) Cavieres, Andres

The process of Building Design, as in many other forms of design, requires the effective integration of different types of knowledge. However, and in the specific context of Building Information Modeling, only structural knowledge is formally represented. Other types of necessary knowledge, such as those related to the functionality of design, and the set of causal behaviors from which such functionality is delivered, remain tacit or indirectly referenced by using structural properties as proxy representations (e.g. geometry). The lack of a more comprehensive and rigorous representational framework to formally describe various behavioral and functional aspects of buildings limits the scope of semantics required to support more effective interdisciplinary collaboration and design integration. In particular, there is a lack of computational support to describe cross-cutting behavioral interactions and side-effects that occur among different building sub-systems, which often play a role in the satisfaction of functional goals. To address this problem, the research proposes the development of a representational framework for the functional and behavioral characterization of building systems and components based on the Functional Representation (FR) schema developed by Chandrasekaran and Josephson (2000), and its recent formalization following the DOLCE foundation ontology, by Borgo et al. (2009). A subset of FR axioms has been translated into Description Logic using the Web Ontology Language (OWL-DL) to explore query capabilities of the proposed framework to support identification of behavioral interactions based on inference capabilities of available OWL-DL reasoners. The dissertation provides a theoretical basis for the formulation of functional modeling capabilities currently not available in Building Design. In particular, these capabilities are intended to support the incremental elucidation of behavioral interactions that emerge across different building sub-systems, based on the principle of co-participation of structural entities in a same behavioral phenomena (category of perdurants). The elucidation is expected to be supported by computational inference from structural relations asserted in BIM models by various stakeholders, and at different stages of the design process.
The synergistic effects of thermal environment and visibility upon the popularity of street retail area: A case study of a retail arcade in Guangzhou

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018-08-01) Li, Yifan

For every building design process, three elements should be taken into considerations: building type, geometry and environment. These elements mutually influence one another; the aim of architectural design is to find the most appropriate combination of them. The three elements could be analyzed and modeled by using tools and methods in the fields of architecture typology, space syntax, and building performance simulation. The use of such tools supports not only qualitative research and evaluation, but also quantitative comparison. This work focuses on the arcade, a type of street retail space in South China. The overhanging 2nd floor not only moderates the thermal and environmental quality of the passage beneath it, but also affects the visibility of store fronts. In this study the conditions created in arcaded environments are compared to those in a normal street retail environment. Several analysis tools are used: Isovist and daylighting analyses are combined in order to model the visibility of store fronts; environmental simulation is used to assess thermal performance (e.g. temperature, wind speed, and humidity). The results are used to characterize the attraction of stores which are similar regarding size, location and retail type but are interfaced to different types of outdoor space. By combining the results of the analysis with observations of the stores’ popularity the research concludes with recommendations about the design of store environments that are more likely to attract visitors. Tools: Depthmap, Grasshopper, Diva, Ladybug, Honeybee, IES-VE
From physical layout to spatial experience: Understanding the impact of visual interfaces on teamwork in primary care clinics

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018-07-31) Lim, Lisa

Teamwork among healthcare providers is critical for the safety and quality of patient care. Multiple national strategies and programs have been developed and recommended for implementation of a team-based approach to primary care, and many healthcare organizations are adopting team-based primary care clinics. However, little is known about how clinic layouts can support the teamwork of staff members in team-based primary clinics. To date, there has been little agreement on how clinic layouts should be designed to support the teamwork experiences of staff members and patients. Thus, different healthcare organizations advocate for unique and significantly different types of team-based clinic layouts. This study looked at four team-based primary care clinics to empirically investigate the relationships between visibility metrics and both patients’ and staff members’ teamwork experience. The results of the study showed that the visual interfaces between staff members and patients, as well as between different groups of staff members, were found to have significant associations with awareness, communication, backstage communication, and overall perception of teamwork. While no specific differences in awareness perceptions were reported between clinics, some negative consequences resulting from the lack of staff’s ability to see the clinic area and other staff members were observed. Staff members had to spend additional time searching for each other and had their patient care process obstructed when they could not see the clinic area or other staff workstations. The visual interface between staff workstations also significantly predicted staff communication patterns. Clinics providing more visual connections between staff workstations reported stronger perceptions of timely and frequent communication, and staff members talked frequently to other staff members whose workstations were visually and physically connected with their own workstations. Furthermore, clinics providing more visual connections between staff workstations reported higher teamwork perception. Surprisingly, more visual connections between patients and staff workstations were associated with lower teamwork perceptions from the patients’ perspective. The visual connections between patients and staff workstations (visual exposure to patients) also negatively affected staff backstage communication patterns. Clinics with higher visual exposure levels reported higher levels of concern for privacy while communicating patient information, and the staff members across all four clinics preferred not to talk about patients at visually exposed areas, even if the locations were inside team areas. The findings of the study support designing team-based primary care clinics to enhance the teamwork experience of both staff members and patients. It is worth noting that this study investigates the teamwork experience of not only staff members but also patients, who are critical entities of teamwork for patient-centered care in primary care clinics. The design implications are expected to be applicable for the teamwork of other settings, especially for strong programs where both inhabitants and visitors exist as main user groups of the spaces.