Using Sensors To Create Reactive Environments

Can a building be alive? Can a smart passive system save energy and create comfort for the user?

The final project in studio this semester was to explore the usefulness of information technology tools towards accomplishing goals of sustainability. The working hypothesis is that artifacts that are able to sense and respond to changing environmental data could provide more comfortable spaces that consume fewer overall resources.



With the assistance of Bryce Beamer, we would learn about ARDUINO, sensor controls, and how to make an object that could react to inputs to increase human comfort ranges. We divided into two teams after learning the basic code structure to work on conceptual designs. One team being Cass and Colm, the other being David, Maryn, and myself. Our team started thinking about ways to change a roof structure so that it could allow heat and light while preventing rain and without compromising insulation.

Reactive Roof Panel

Our initial design was a rectangular panel that would collect solar energy on one side, and a moving ventilation area on the other. This was a single unit trying to serve ventilation, daylighting, solar reflection, and solar collection needs. After working with this design for about a week, we thought it may be more beneficial to break the system apart and create a modular panel instead.

We then designed three panels to work together: (1) a solar thermal collection panel, (2) a daylighting panel, and (3) a ventilation panel. By changing form from a square to a hexagonal shape, it would allow us to contour the roof to non-flat surfaces. Also, by dividing the jobs into three separate panels, we are able to introduce them at different quantities to suit geography.

Building the Ventilation Panel
We met in Dave’s basement in New Jersey to prototype the ventilation panel. Unfortunately, we lacked the time and tools to create a polished model, but as you can see we made due with what we had. The panel was made of two sheets of 2" rigid polystyrene epoxied together, held within a wood frame. A plexi top would prevent precipitation from entering the module. Cutting, smoothing and preparing the foam was much more challenging than expected. If I ever would do this again I would make sure to get a hot wire to sear through it. Dave's mechanical abilities allowed him to build a complicated elbow look amazingly simple. It would pivot the foam plug up (open) or down (closed) based on the screwgun commands.

Proof Of Concept
In class we were able to successfully show the module responding to humidity, temperature, and barometer readings. The reacting mechanism failed in lifting the insulation plug up and out, due to a weak screwgun.

Overall, the assignment was a great way to introduce us to the possibilities of reactive environments. Working in balanced teams allowed us to create a successful modular roof ventilation panel. It's amazing to see that technology like this is within short reach and that it's easily implementable.

On Mixed-Use Developments

A common social understanding is it's no longer attractive to live in the suburbs where one is geographically isolated from neighbors, services, and cities. People are realizing that urban living and smarter city planning can re-create the successful community layouts of generations past.

From Wikipedia: "Throughout most of human history, the majority of human settlements developed as mixed-use environments. Walking was the primary way that people and goods were moved about, … People lived at very high densities because the amount of space required for daily living and movement between different activities was determined by walkability and the scale of the human body. This was particularly true in cities, and the ground floor of buildings was often devoted to some sort of commercial or productive use, with living space upstairs."

Today, mixed-use developments seem to be the answer when it comes to urban renewal projects, and what's not to love? — Shops, housing, restaurants, green space, and social and cultural interactions makes for an ideal place to live. Isn't that what we're hearing? Are they not the answer to re-urbanization over the next century?

Let's look at some recently completed mixed-use developments and how people are reacting to them:

1. The Piazza at Schmidts, Philadelphia, PA. Developed by Tower Investments
   From VisitPhilly.com: "Since the days of William Penn, Philadelphia’s five original squares have been prized places to rest and relax outside. And now, the Piazza at Schmidt’s — affectionately designed and named after Rome’s famous piazzas — is giving Philadelphians and our visitors a new place to hang out outside. Located in Northern Liberties, the Piazza at Schmidt’s is a 80,000 square-foot, open-air plaza with free events year-round, surrounded by three new buildings including 35 artists’ studios and boutiques and four new restaurants." Comments from Yelp Reviews:
   

   Positive: "I came here during the day on a beautiful Saturday morning to grab some brunch and see what it was all about. First I suppose I should mention that I've never been here, so it is possible I was just caught up in the modernness of it all. I love the look of the place, kind of like a planned neighborhood (like suburbs) but prettier. I'm sure the stores are expensive, but when I was there I really just wanted to see what it was all about. (…) Truly, I thought it was a great time, and a very interesting space to hang out in. I like the idea that if feels so different from Philadelphia, it basically made me want to move to the neighborhood (probably not actually in the Piazza, but a house nearby could be pretty great.) I will definitely be returning in the future to see what it's like at different times and to visit more of the shops." - Mary S
   
   Negative: "I used to live in one of these buildings. First off its way too expensive, secondly you can hear everything! … The other part about this place that bothers me is how artificial everything feels. Aly M. had a good point, why isn't there grass in the middle? … I love Northern Liberties; I've been living there for the past 2 years. There are so many fun things to do here, and the people are awesome. But the Piazza just doesn't fit in, its too fake, and trying way too hard to be cool. Plus the restaurants in there don't even come close to what you'd get at a classic place like Std. Tap (excluding Bar Ferdinand of course)." - Sean M.

2. The DOMAIN, Austin, TX. Developed by UDR
   One of many mixed-use developments cropping up around Austin (others include Triangle, Midtown Commons), the DOMAIN is the spot for high end shopping, chain restaurants, and modern living. I toured these apartments and came away very impressed with the floor plans and amenities. However the lack of a dedicated bus or rail stop that heads to downtown will be a deal-breaker for most, not to mention the restaurants and shops are all nice but expensive, and it has an exclusive feel to it. It lacks that weirdness that Austin is known for and feels like housing built around an outdoor mall. Comments from Yelp Reviews:
   

   
   Positive: "I really like how the Domain is designed. It is kind of like a nice little downtown area, with sidewalks, and I think there are apartments as well. I heard a wine bar will be opening soon, and I know a neat little gourmet grocery just opened and I can't wait to go check it out. … They have some pretty good restaurants. I have not eaten at the Steeping Room, but have enjoyed their coconut iced tea on more than one occasion. Jasper's was pretty good, we had salads and sit on the patio on a nice day for lunch (the fries were a bit saturated in grease, tho). Also love the California Pizza Kitchen. (try the white pizza & Greek salad). There are other restaurants I am dying to try. A great place to go, especially if you have self-control, shopping-wise. I do not. Especially when I go by a Coach store..." - Laura A.
   
   Negative: "The Domain reminds me of a woman who has gotten a lot of plastic surgery. She might be nuveau riche and dripping with diamonds.  She will be wearing the latest fashion.  If you're a guy, she might even be someone you'd consider jumping into the sack with, but don't let her fool you, she is definitely not as put together as she would have you believe.  There is a lot of drama lurking in her cold heart.  Approach this one with caution, she'll take your money and leave you begging for more." - Javier D.

   
   
3. Brewery Blocks, Portland, OR. Developed by Gerding-Edlen
   
   A culmination of many buildings, Brewery Blocks is a five-block shopping and professional district in Portland’s vibrant, post-industrial neighborhood known as the Pearl District. Comments from Yelp Reviews:
   

   
   Positive: "I was skeptical about the Pearl District coming in, and it has room for improvement (both figuratively and, more importantly, literally), but where it is now is already the makings of a great neighborhood. I find it odd saying this, but what it most reminded me of is the Chueca area in Madrid. There are a lot of differences between the two of course, but for some reason that was the vibe I got. And that's a good thing. If the Pearl keeps that path it will continue to be a wonderfully urban neighborhood...." - Eric M.
   
   Negative: "There is the Pearl, and there is the rest of Portland. The two are not the same. At all. Me? I prefer the rest of Portland. (…) Pearl Cons:
   * Shopping: No one needs all this crap. No one. Especially at these prices. Just stop.
   * Tanner Springs Park: I understand wanting to preserve habitat, but it strikes me as more than a little strange that we think that habitat is at its best when surrounded by high-rise condominiums.
   * Concrete Ticky-Tacky: And they (the new buildings) all look just the same.
   The biggest problem with the Pearl is its delusion of being some sort of Faux Portlandia: a mashup of Portland Bohemian with Californian Chic. The result is a scruffy, sandal-wearing, DINK couple who feel a sense of pride in paying $70 or more for their meal before driving back home in their Range Rover to their inner-eastside neighborhood (which has changed SO MUCH since they moved in when it was still a "bad area"), all the while bitching about how the city needs to "do something" about the dive joints in Chinatown." - Aaron R.

Positive Trends: Sustainable features and LEED Buildings. Providing a walkable community on pre-developed land. Located on existing urban transit infrastructure. Introduction of parks and green space. Independent restaurants, shops.
Negative Trends: Expensive housing, restaurants, and shops compared to local neighborhood. Blending of social and cultural classes creates animosity towards project.

Analysis: I find it interesting that private developers are able to create micro-communities within larger urban fabrics which are often encouraging gentrification and creating polarizing environments. By and large, these projects are necessary to move cities in a positive direction. By creating a buzz and getting people involved, these projects keep conversation alive. Because who would want a city where there's nothing to talk about?

This is an endless conversation than can spill over into development, cultural, social, and political issues. I hope this post gave you a understanding of progressive mixed-use projects that are going on today.

If you'd like to spend more time reading up on this topic, here's a few links I would recommend:

• New Mixed-Use, Transit Oriented Development Near Temple
• Mixed Bag: Builders and developers navigate the pros and cons
• Architecture Week: Mixed Use Buildings
• Related: 8 House by BIG
• Related: Modern Living by UDR