Environment Design for Rockefeller Library of Brown University

Building Description Building has an expansive, square floor plan. All four sides of the building possess windows, allowing the invitation of natural light.

However, each side has different conditions and characteristics of how natural light enters. South facing windows receive direct sunlight, whereas north facing windows are mostly exposed to reflected light from adjacent buildings.

Elevation of East Facade

Building Description Neighboring Buildings on North side

North facing

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S

Building Description Interior Condition on North Facing Area Study space along north facing windows

25ft long overhang outside the window

High Contrast between window side and bookshelf area

Building Description Major Daylight Source : Scattered Sunlight Reflected from Neighboring buildings(Bright color)

North Facing Area & Neighboring Buildings

Impression of the Architecture

The first impression of the Rockefeller Library was the diverse influence of light into the different floors and orientation.

Expectation: South

Glaring / North however...

Relatively darker

The lower floors had drastically different lighting conditions due to the reflective light from the neighboring building on the North side. In result, the Ground floor and Second floor’s north space is brightened by the reflection of white facades, with signs of excessiveness.

Key Question

How can we manipulate the reflected natural sunlight coming into the North faรงade to be less glaring and more comfortable for the occupants sitting in the line of carrels against the North windows?

Problem 1. Natural light does not propagate all the way into the space 2. Narrow alleyway = disruption to study desks 3. Glare (from reflected light) = discomfort to study desks

Proposal 1. Light Shelf

2. Extruded Space

3. Curved Wall w/ vertical shades angled at 30° (for view)

Proposal 1. Light Shelf -

block glare hitting down from above bring natural light deeper into space

Proposal 2.

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Extruded Space increase more surface area of wall for invitation of light isolating from the extruded spaces & create private spaces.

Lounge and outdoor space usage

Proposal 3.

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Curved Wall with vertical shades angled at 30° (for view) block reflected glare hitting from sitting eye-level & from below maintain access to view through glass wall (vertical shades)

New Design Photo

Final Design

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Final Design_ plan

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BEFORE

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AFTER

Existing Conditions

HDR Visualization June 21 13:00

New Design

Existing Conditions

False Color Visualization June 21 13:00

New Design

AFTER

Existing Conditions

Top View June 21 13:00

New Design

Existing Conditions

Glare Simulation June 21 13:00

38% Glare

New Design

22% Glare

Daylight Atonomy June 21 13:00

Without Light Shelf

New Design

Existing Conditions

With Light Shelf

Heliodon

Existing Electric Lighting

Electric Lighting

Electric Lighting

Electric Lighting

Electric Lighting

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Simulation and Data

Conclusion

Existing Issues: 1) 2)

Less daylight into the space Glare problem from neighboring buildings

Design Solution 1)

Further Approaches: 1) Explore material for curved glass wall to enhance its performance.

2) Apply same idea to other facades and explore

2) 3)

Extrude space to outside overhang and remove walls Install vertical shadings Add reflective light shelf and use curved glass wall