
12 minute read
MANIFESTO LAB 01
from The Interface
by kiahspraker
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
architect conceives powerful architecture that initiates positive ripples throughout communities is if the architect isn’t the sole mind behind the project. Rather, an analogy I might use is the architect as a composer. As a composer is inspired and influenced by the world around them to write music and organize a band full of instruments of different pitches, uses, timing, and more, an architect does the equivalent with buildings and spaces. As a master compiler of as many influences ranging from society, structure, material, ethics, and much more, both find purpose in meaningful production from these influences. The architect produces purpose by predicating positive power by serving the influences that surround them, not by serving themselves and imposing their vision on the world. While six weeks ago was not long ago relatively speaking, my attitude has shifted from what I believed an architect to be and should be. I think it is time I begin to let down the architect from their “high horse” and put the person before the product. Let the architect be the occupant before the designer, as that will only make the design more appreciated and cherished by the people as a whole.
Advertisement
LAB 01: SITE ANALYSIS - NATURAL SYSTEMS
Project Location: San Diego, California Project Size: 60,000 SF College/University, 30,000 SF Multifamily Housing, 10,000 SF Restaurant
Climatic Conditions: lies on the top of a hill, at approximately 114 feet above sea level. The site is directly adjacent to a sunken freeway which is followed by a sharp increase in slope on the other side. Nevertheless, the areas right around the project location are very walkable due to a relatively small slope.

Ecosystems: Encircling the map above is a variety of native plant and animal species to San Diego. The increase in urbanization is detrimental to all native species, and because of the interconnected nature of native plants and animals in providing habitats, food, clean air, and more, it is essential to have open natural spaces such as Balboa Park featured in the uppr right of the map that creates a safe spce for these plants and animlas to thrive.

Hydrology: As indicated in the upper map and the one to the left, water flow to the San Diego Bay combined with the effects of global warming will cause an increase in sea level. In a 2022 report from the National Oceanic and Atmosphereic Administration states that the ocean levels will rise by inches by 2050, which have large effect in an area like San Diego built so close to the ocean. The overall watershed that encompasses our site and most of the downtown San Diego is the Pueblo Watershed.
Air Quality: The Air Quality, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) is generally considered “good” at an average of 39. According to IQ Air, since 2018, the primary pollutant of PM2.5 in the area has improved by 32% which shows lots of positive progress. However, San Diego still is one of the worst cities in the US when it comes to smog, which indicates high levels of visible air pollution.
Goal Setting (Energy):
EDEN Singapore Apartments Heatherwick Studio Ellis Residence Coates Design Architects
SUN PATH DIAGRAM (Historic Data)
Internal Heat Gain: Through the use of material and wall assemblies with higher U-values, reducing the WWR to feature less glazing, better insulation with higher R-values, thicker walls in general, and more are various ways of reducing the internal heat gain found in buildings. Furthermore, such as in the example to the left, improved material assemblies, more efficient lighting, and less required electricity use in general also aids in reducing internal heat gains. Shanghai In-Bund Office Building HPP Architects
MONTHLY PRECIPITATION CHART (Historic Data)
Based on the Target EUI found from Zero Tool, and exmaining the load profile given by Zero Code, there are tasks that can be done to reach the Target. There is almost no difference in the EUI in kBtu/SF/yr, and the largest energy use for the project expected to come from plug loads, followed by hot water, fans, and interior lighting. This presents a solvable challenge of decreasing energy usage by optimizing applicance usage, types of lighting, cooling strategies, and more. Because the estimated Site EUI already lower than the target, only small adjustments should be made, but larger ones can still be made to make the energy Net Positive and further reduce energy usage from the baseline.
HOURLY TEMPERATURE CHART (Historic Data)
Produced by Weather.gov
WIND ROSE (Historic Data)
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
Team Matrix
LILY SCHNEEBERGER
KIAH SPRAKER
STACEY WHITE
SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YEAR
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2



Matrix
KIAH SPRAKER
STACEY WHITE
SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YEAR


Summary
The different approaches we took revolved around changing multiple factors such as shape, number of “fingers,” orientation of the shape, window to wall ratio (WWR), and the number of stories. Due to the consistently nice weather of San Diego, there were only minor differences in the resultant EUI. Nevertheless, the changes in EUI are due to measurable and intentional alterations in the aforementioned variables. Some of the most significant changes in EUI were due to changes in orientation, and WWR; the minor differences were the results of changes in floor to floor height and number of stories. To further refine our collective studies for optimal EUI, we will focus the most on optimizing orientation, combined with the shape of the building, and then using other elements such as WWR and floor to floor height to cut down EUI as much as possible to reach the Target EUI associated with the site and building function of 18 kBtu/SF/yr.
Summary
As seen in the images above, of the individual studies performed, there was little variation in EUI despite noticable differences in building orientations and widths. This, as explained in the team matrix page, has mostly to due with the very nice and consistent weather in San Diego. However, it can be noted the differences that account for the slight variations in EUI. One thing that was clear was that there was a clear correlation with a higher EUI, and more glazing exposed to the South. This intuitively makes sense, but it is backed up quantitatively with the EUI results. Furthermore, it was interesting that the U-shaped Typologies yielded the highest EUIs and S:V ratios, while the L-shaped study performed the best in terms of EUI, while having a lower S:V ratio. In an attempt to focus on form, the WWR, number of stories, and FF height remained constant throughout my studies.
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
Individual Study 1
KIAH SPRAKER STACEY WHITE
SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YR
Lab 02
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
Individual Study 2
KIAH SPRAKER STACEY WHITE
SAN DIEGO, CA 300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YR
Study Summary
TOTAL S.F.: 291,004 S.F. (97.0% OF TARGET S.F.)
# OF STORIES: 14
F.F. HEIGHT: 15
WWR: 0.632
S:V RATIO: 52:1000
This building featues a U-shape typology that opens up towards the west. Whlie it could be worse for energy purposes (such as the U-shape opening towards the South), this form and orientation still yielded one of the highest EUIs out of all the studies. because of the minimal exterior walls, the WWR is relatively high, which is also a factor contributing to a higher EUI value. One thing that found interesting is the low S:V ratio relative to my other studies, since I would expect a form with more varied surfaces to feature a higher S:V ratio compared to a simpler form.



Study Summary
TOTAL S.F.: 312,274 S.F. (104% OF TARGET S.F.)
# OF STORIES: 14
F.F. HEIGHT: 14
WWR: 0.632
S:V RATIO: 53:1000
Similarly to the previous individual study, this building form features a U-shaped typology that opens up to the East this time. Something that I’m a little bit confused about is why this iteration features a higher EUI compared to the U-shaped building opening up to the West, which should technically get harsher sun each day in this site location. This could potentially be due to higher square footage of the building, or some other feature. The WWR was similar to the first study, at 53:1000, along with the FF Height and WWR, trying to maximize the entry of daylight into the building interior.
LAB
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
Individual Study 3
KIAH SPRAKER
STACEY WHITE
SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YR
Lab 03
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2

Team Matrix
LILY SCHNEEBERGER
KIAH SPRAKER
STACEY WHITE SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YEAR
Study Summary
TOTAL S.F.: 286,802 S.F. (95.6% OF TARGET S.F.)
# OF STORIES: 14
F.F. HEIGHT: 15
WWR: 0.632
S:V RATIO: 44:1000
Unlike the previous two individual studies, this building features more of an L-shaped typology, with more of the western sun being blocked from entering the cut-in part in the South-East corner. Interestingluy, this building form and orientation featured the lowest EUI out of all my individual studies, and this is possibly due to the lower S:V Ratio (at 44:1000), or the smaller square footage of this one compared to the target. With the WWR and FF height, it is fair to say that this building form and orientation would yield more energy savings than the previous two options

Summary
The different approaches we took revolved around changing multiple factors such as shape, number of “fingers,” orientation of the shape, window to wall ratio (WWR), and the number of stories. Due to the consistently nice weather of San Diego, there were only minor differences in the resultant EUI. Nevertheless, the changes in EUI are due to measurable and intentional alterations in the aforementioned variables. Some of the most significant changes in EUI were due to changes in orientation, and WWR; the minor differences were the results of changes in floor to floor height and number of stories. To further refine our collective studies for optimal EUI, we will focus the most on optimizing orientation, combined with the shape of the building, and then using other elements such as WWR and floor to floor height to cut down EUI as much as possible to reach the Target EUI associated with the site and building function of 18 kBtu/SF/yr.
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
Individual Matrix
KIAH SPRAKER STACEY WHITE SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YEAR


Lab 03
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2


Individual Scheme For Lab 3
Kiah Spraker Stacey White
SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF 18 KBTU/SF/YR



Summary
As seen in the images above, of the individual studies performed, there was little variation in EUI despite noticable differences in building orientations and widths. This, as explained in the team matrix page, has mostly to due with the very nice and consistent weather in San Diego. However, it can be noted the differences that account for the slight variations in EUI. One thing that was clear was that there was a clear correlation with a higher EUI, and more glazing exposed to the South. This intuitively makes sense, but it is backed up quantitatively with the EUI results. Furthermore, it was interesting that the U-shaped Typologies yielded the highest EUIs and S:V ratios, while the L-shaped study performed the best in terms of EUI, while having a lower S:V ratio. In an attempt to focus on form, the WWR, number of stories, and FF height remained constant throughout my studies.
TOTAL S.F.: 305,479 S.F. (101.8% OF TARGET S.F.)
# OF STORIES: 14
F.F. HEIGHT: 15
WWR: 0.632
S:V RATIO: 45:1000
Study Summary
Open further analysis of EUI and program related studies after Lab 02, have decided to change my studies for Lab 03 to move forward with this two-finger typology with an opening towards the primary street face. This building featues a U-shape typology that opens up towards the South. Whlie it could be worse for energy purposes (such as the U-shape opening towards the South), this form and orientation yielded one of the lowest EUIs out of all the studies. Moreover, one aspect that could be contributing to a lower EUI is having less large faces of glass towards the South. Even so, the WWR is relatively high, with a large floor-to-floor height, which is contributing to the EUI not being as low as it could otherwise. One thing that I found interesting is the low S:V ratio relative to my other studies, since I would expect a form with more varied surfaces to feature a higher S:V ratio compared to a simpler form.
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
Daylight Study
KIAH SPRAKER STACEY WHITE
SAN DIEGO, CA
300,000 SF
18 KBTU/SF/YR

ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2

TWO-FINGER TYPOLOGY
With an overall building sDA value of 86%, the building is well above not only the minimum value of 55%, but even considerably over the preferred value of 75%. While this would ultimately be a balancing act between sDA, ASE, EUI, and other measurements, it is a good base to know that this form and orientation generates an sDA value that ensures plenty of access to daylight throughout the building. There are smaller (but not too small) “fingers” on the edges of the building for more individual focused programmatic spaces and a center that still receives plenty of daylight for larger public and community oriented functions.. In the back left away from direct access to sunlight would be an appropriate spot to place a core with spaces that don’t require access to daylight. An issue that would have to be addressed is glare especially coming in from the larger west face, which would have to be addressed with various shading devices.

OVERALL SDA VALUE OF 86% FOR THE BUILDING
Mass Timber Column Grid And Bay Spacing


My intention for laying out the column grid and bay spacing revolved around balancing the often changing angles and dimensions of the building footprint, with trying to maintain regular grid dimensions and angles themselves. opted to angle the grid to follow the angle of the longest continuous face which defines the logic for the rest of the building. As seen in the charts and diagrams, wanted to maintain maximum head height with a floor to floor heigh of 15 feet, which was accomplished by using spans that did not push the material’s capacity to its limit. The span of 20’ in the short direction was in reference to the CLT panels’s standard spans, and being able to push the glulam beam length to 40’ which is well within its capabilities.

ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2

Walls and Floors lined with yellow paper for a blurring effect of vertical and horizontal space and color


Perforated drooping material bringing in patterned rays of daylight.
Aluminum foil randomly spreading the patterned daylighting throughout the space

ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 3.2


A. Space and its perception are fundamental in architecture, and the manipulation of said space through light and architectural features have been thoroughly explored in my explorations in this lab. In my first mood exploration, studies have shown that a blue lit space free from distractions is ideal for practicing meditation. This experience is explored in my space through using blue tissue paper to serve as a light filter without intruding on the space within. This ambient experience can be enjoyed by the occupants in any manner, but is ideal for a calm, meditative state of being. In my second mood exploration, used a variety of means to manipulate light and space to create a space that was captivating to its occupants. This is done primarily through the use of a perforated material which lets patterned daylight hit a sheet of aluminum foil that bends from the wall to the floor to blur the real confines of the space. Furthermore, the walls lined with yellow paper further blur the boundaries of the space while also helping to reflect the randomly reflecting light throughout the space. In my third exploration, using the most unique materials and techniques to aid in my exploration, created a dramatic atmosphere using a series of intense intersecting shadows combined with larger organizing shadows from braced frames lining the side wall. With the aid of a red floor to inspire this dramatic mood, the occupants can’t help but be engulfed in the dramatic flare of the room.
Success!!
B. Light is extremely important in my studio project not only from a programmatic sense with the need for residential and office space, but also in the idea of integrating a large amount of greenery with a vertical park spreading throughout the entirety of my project. In the office spaces specifically, in their current layout be mostly found in the southern and western parts of the building, extra attention must be taken to ensure that the office spaces aren’t receiving any harsh direct light or light full of fritts or patterns that could distract the occupants or introduce unnecessary glare. This could be accomplished through shading devices that evenly spread the light across the office space such as large light shelves on the south and western facades in the upper half of the glazing on the apertures. Further and similar attention will be brought to the residential spaces, ensuring that all of the units are receiving similar and high quality daylighting to take away from the need to depend on electric lighting for any of the day.
