environmental mapping

environmental mapping. The following illustrations and writings demonstrates the process of analysing the recent environmental quality at home. I have taken two types of sensorial data; Sound (db) and light (lx). I used mobile applications such as Sound Meter & Photometer (both Android) to gather all the required information for this exercise.

the site. located on the ground floor of a secluded compound, the subject site is a part of multi-residential development that was built in late 80’s. IThe adjoining buildings are mostly of the same built/nature, but there are also a few highrise buildings nearby. Infront of the flat are some private car parking spaces / driveway. Behind the flat [north side] are also private car parking spaces for tenants.

the process. The initial steps in the process of mapping the environment were measuring the subject areas and locating relevant center pointsfor the data collection.

After dividng the spaces into roughly 1.5x1.5m grids, I started to tinker with Sound Meter & Photometer to determine the best way to achieve multiple data samples that will then be calculated to average total.

For the lighting test, I found that it was necessary to take incremental spin from each grid to get a variety of results (taking 30 samples per grid).

The process for the sound test was simple, in that I only needed to stand at a certain point for a bout 15 seconds to get the average result. In terms of data gathering times, I conducted the test at 1pm for the majority of times. This is an attempt to pontetially get some fluctuation in the data from potential traffic outdoors (lunctime, people moving in and out of homes, vehicle arriving etc.).

the sound test.

Due to the nature of the space, I decide to do the test for the whole flat. I started with the sound testing. I expected that I will get some variations of sound levels in the flat (being right infront of the driveway/car park).

Suprisingly, majority of the sounds from the space was coming from within the flat. The area where the highest average decibel recorded is near the refridgerator area / sink [grid zero-c]. My speculation is that I was picking up noises coming form the party-wall, where some of the existing services are located (water services). The second highest frequency area is at the entry door, picking up sounds from the outdoors (mostly birds).

The quietest area in the flat is the bathroom. My only speculation for this result is that it is facing our deck area/ rear yard and that area is mostly unoccupied during the day (we mostly stay in the living room). In general, I am very satisfied with the level of sound that we are currently experiencing in the flat.

the light test.

Right after the sound test, I follow up with the light test. As mentioned previously, I try to do an incremental spin when I am taking the test for every grid. This is to get a variety of light samples from every corner of the grid (30 samples).

After a week’s testing, the results are somewhat expected. The brightest areas in the flat are located at the main entry door (glass swing door with full height windows) and the bathroom (being located on the north side).

The bedroom does not get as much sunlight in comparison to the bathroom due the shading coming from the rear palm tree and also the building directly across the rear driveway. The bathroom has great solar access as it is situated across the main driveway (going out of the property) of the rear multi-residential building. I believe we are still getting enough adequate light in the flat in general. The floor to ceiling windows on the southern side provides enough lighting in the day for work and other indoor activities. The backyard also provides a space to get some direct sun light on sunny days and some outdoor time, which is significant as per our current circumstance.