4.0 Geometry
Geometry One of the most important elements of architecture is geometry. The architectural experience is decided in the design process. The outer geometry and inner spaces determine the functionality of the building and give the building character. The basic geometries – the building volume and atriums, the spatial proportions and facade design, for instance the dimensions and depths of windows – form the configuration of the building and are the most difficult elements to change. Technical installations can be replaced as improved technology become available and the user behaviour can be changed. Geometry forms an important part of the passive properties of the design – which do not consume any energy in the operating stage. The building’s orientation in relation to the sun and the adjacent buildings, its compactness, room heights and room depths have a substantial influence on the energy consumption – and thus the need for artificial lighting, heating and cooling.
Geometry forms an important part of the passive properties of the design – which do not consume any energy in the operating stage. The various parameters should be evaluated as a whole. By varying the parameters and simulating the consequences for the buildings, it is possible to optimise the design according to the formulated objectives for energy-efficiency. The connections between the various parameters are complex and influence each other both positively and negatively. The building’s orientation on the site depends on its use, as the light changes during the day and year.
In addition, the surrounding city or landscape has an influence on the building orientation. There is a difference between whether the building is situated in shadow cast by a large adjacent building or in an open landscape. It is a widespread view that energy-efficient buildings must be compact. Round buildings are thus considered more energy-efficient than square buildings as they have a smaller surface area and are thus less exposed to the climatic and urban context. PhD Michael Jørgensen’s research shows that compactness is a less important factor than often estimated. This owes to the fact that elements such as the amount of daylight and insulation thickness can increase or decrease the facade’s influence on the energy consumption. Today, many buildings are very well insulated and the energy loss thus small. Research shows that the balance between facade openings, room heights and depths – which distribute the daylight inside the building – is far more important. In modern building, this has a significant influence on the total energy savings. Geometry also supports the social interaction of the building. In an atrium, for instance, the daylight inside the building is distributed from within. This is a good example of how a design parameter influences several sustainable qualities in a building, both social and energy-related qualities. By optimising and qualifying the balance between these parameters, their quality is further strengthened. DESIGN WITH KNOWLEDGE |
21