Browsing by Author "Jones, Dennis B."
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- Assurance of Indoor Environmental Quality through Building Diagnostics at Schematic DesignMetzger, A. Susanne (Virginia Tech, 1998-11-13)With increasing knowledge about the indoor climate in recent years, preventive methods to avoid health problems caused by deficient building performance may become preferable to reactive methods. Benefits from preventive actions have been suggested for late building design phases, construction, and building operations, however, few data are available that demonstrate the benefits of preventive actions in early planning phases. In a case study, expected building performance in respect to indoor air quality and thermal conditions in a large judicial facility in North America was evaluated retrospectively at the end of the schematic design and substantial completion phases. A process for evaluation of building performance at schematic design is developed from existing procedures for building diagnostics in operating buildings. Criteria for evaluation of expected building environmental quality at schematic design as available from standards and guidelines are presented. The results of the study show that building diagnostics at schematic design can be an effective mean of prevention of occupant health problems. Further findings indicate that the assurance of indoor environmental quality can be improved, if the criteria for expected building performance are defined and complied with from early on. It is concluded that implementation of building diagnostics in early project phases can reduce the likelihood of adverse health effects in operating buildings.
- Café of DanceBorges, Pedro José (Virginia Tech, 2007-05-02)A beginning of questions about architecture and humanity and searching for those answers that begin to initiate the process of design and improving the quality of life. This is an investigation and an understanding of those values which make a place unique. Once those attributes have been found then we can begin to embrace them within architecture. Inside the small town of Veron, on the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic, unique economic and social conditions are apparent there that are mirrored throughout this small island nation and throughout many parts of Latin America. There are powerful forces at work, along with nature, that are affecting local communities and degrading the social status. This is only a small microcosm of the social, economic and environmental effects of the tourism industry in this paradise nation. How do we sustain those qualities that are embedded within the fabric of a nation's culture, heritage, and begin to give the nation a voice within design. How do you provide a sustainable solution between private tourism industries and local governments and communities within the setting and conditions of the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic?
- A comparison of spatial interpretations of NASA's payload operations control center, Marshall Space Flight Center, using real world and virtual reality observationsLindsey, Patricia F. (Virginia Tech, 1996-12-22)Virtual reality (VR) is the latest technique to be used in the ongoing search for experiential simulation methods for evaluation of environmental designs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential for using VR to evaluate interior environments. The objective was to investigate whether observation of a VR simulation provides the same information as observation of the existing environment. A sample of 24 NASA engineers and university faculty members observed the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Comparisons were made of observations of the actual POCC, a VR simulation, and a second VR simulation that was altered to test for ability to recognize changes. Participants evaluated the POCC for differences in general characteristics, object visibility, distance perception, ability to reach an object, and ability to share objects and conversation. Comparisons were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, and I tests. Findings revealed few differences among the real and the VR worlds. Changes to the virtual world were generally recognized.
- Computers in the design process: comparing creativity ratings of interior design solutions using pencil-based and computer-based design methods in schematic developmentBrandon, Lynn (Virginia Tech, 1994-11-12)Computer-aided design has been integrated into the design process primarily in the latter stages as a drafting tool for detailing and accuracy rather than incorporated into the early stages as a design tool for enhancing ideational fluency. Pencil-based design (i.e., hand drawing and sketching) has traditionally been the graphic medium in the ideation process to aid in externalizing and manipulating designers' ideas. The early, creative design phases require the design medium that is used during schematic ideation yield to the deSigner's needs in generating, communicating, and evaluating ideas (Marshall, 1992). The integration of the computer-based method into schematic ideation may impact the design process by possibly affecting the designer's creative abilities and the resulting creative aspects of the design solution. This study examined the products of creativity to determine if differences exist in creativity ratings of design solutions generated using two design methods - pencil-based and computer-based - in the preliminary design phases. Interior design students (n=40) used the two design methods and generated design solutions for a small restaurant project. An established instrument was used by eight design educators to evaluate the design solutions on creathlity and six other design merit aspects. The process of creativity was also examined and the perceptions of the interior design students were assessed regarding the use of the deSign methods and the influences on creativity.
- A decision-support framework for design of natural ventilation in non-residential buildingsZhao, Ying (Virginia Tech, 2007-04-09)This study develops a decision-support framework assisting the design of non-residential buildings with natural ventilation. The framework is composed of decision modules with input, analysis algorithms and output of natural ventilation design. The framework covers ventilation with natural driving force and mechanical-assisted ventilation. The framework has two major assessment levels: feasibility assessment and comparison of alternative natural ventilation approaches. The feasibility assessment modules assess the potential of the site with the design proposition for natural ventilation in terms of wind, temperature, humidity, noise and pollution conditions. All of the possible natural ventilation approaches and system designs are assessed by first applying constraints functions to each of the alternatives. Then the comparison of alternative approaches to natural ventilation continues by assessing the critical performance mandates that include energy savings, thermal comfort, acoustic control, indoor air quality and cost. Approaches are finally ranked based on their performance.
- Development of a computer-understandable representation of design rationale to support value engineeringAlcantara, Primo T. (Virginia Tech, 1996-07-14)The life span of facilities produced by the Architecture-Engineering-Construction industry is typically 25 years or more Several distinct phases characterize the life span of a facility. Each of these phases involve numerous participants from different professional disciplines. These participants generate and use a lot of information about the facility. Current methods used by the industry to convey this information are drawings and specifications. However. these drawings and specifications reflect only a summary of the information generated and used by the project participants This summarized information only describes the product. Information about the process of generating these information becomes implicit in the drawings and specifications. Rationale is the collective term for this set of implicit process information. The main issue addressed by this dissertation is the need to communicate design rationale information. Design rationale is a subset of the entire rationale generated for a facility Design rationale refers to information about the design process. Explicitly stating design rationale information reduces the chance of misinterpreting design drawings and specifications. The primary objective of this dissertation is to determine a data structure capable of representing design rationale information. This data structure also allows a computer system to perform analytical tasks on the design rationale data. Examples of analytical tasks a computer system can perform on design rationale data include: generating a parameter dependency network and resolving data conflicts. This dissertation defines this data structure as two separate but complementary modules. The Knowledge Representation Module assists in gathering project-specific product information. The Rationale Storage Module assists in capturing project-specific process information. This dissertation discusses each of these two modules in detail. The secondary objectives of this dissertation include: (1) defining a computer program architecture, (2) creating a computer program interface, and (3) verifying the appropriateness of the data structure in representing design rationale. A proof-of-concept computer program, DRIVE, applied to an actual value engineering study project accomplishes these objectives.
- Development of a procedure for predicting daylighting in square type atriumBanerjee, Soumitra (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)The popularity of the atria after its revival since the 1970's has caught the attention of designers and opened ways for new strategies of energy conservation for large buildings. Early atria were visual statements rather than integrated energy systems. But a growing recognition of the contribution of daylight for energy conservation in atria requires study in greater depth to exploit the potential of the atrium in the use of daylight for energy conservation. Present methods for calculating daylight distribution in conventionally designed buildings are not presently configured to deal with atria. This study takes advantage of scale model simulation process to develop a mathematical model which will predict daylight distribution in a square atrium under an overcast sky. Data generated from twelve model studies representing thirty six cases were analyzed using statistical methods as a measure to develop the mathematical model. The mathematical model developed has the ability to predict illumination level on the vertical surface at different floor locations in a square type atrium within the specified limitations. This model is reliable, as the predicted illumination levels have been found to have strong correlation with the values obtained from scale model studies. The mathematical model can be effectively used to assist designers in estimating illumination levels in an atrium and to provide opportunity to test design alternatives while the design is in the preliminary design stage.
- Development of a Virtual Reality Excavator Simulator: a Mathematical Model of Excavator Digging and a Calculation MethodologyPark, Borinara (Virginia Tech, 2002-10-31)Virtual Reality (VR) simulators have become popular because of two distinctive merits. One is the capability to transfer data and information to users in an intuitive way by means of 3-D high-quality graphics output and real input devices. The other is the capability to represent physical systems in mathematical models so that meaningful responses of the systems can be predicted. Previous efforts in VR excavating machine simulator development, however, showed a lack of balance between the fidelity of the model of the physics and the visual representation of the simulated equipment. In order to ensure that a VR construction excavator simulator provides convincing operating results to users, the focus of simulator development needs to be shifted to interaction of physically valid soil and the excavator machine. This research aims to contribute to the development of a VR construction excavator simulator system by proposing a mathematical model of excavator digging and a calculation methodology. The mathematical model of excavator digging provides physically meaningful soil-bucket interaction information to a simulator. The calculation methodology provides systematic and efficient computation methods to ensure the seamless integration of the excavator digging model with a VR simulator system as well as adequate system speed. As a result, the simulator is realized as an engineering process tool equipped with real-time interactivity.
- Development of an object library for a design support systemDe Dios, Bettina G. (Virginia Tech, 1990-05-05)This thesis describes the development of an object library for a design support system presently being developed by the Fine Tools Group of the Architecture faculty. The object library is conceived as a library of “types” based on the premise that a major part of design solution is accomplished by reference to prior solutions. It contains graphical representations of physical objects that make up a building, wherein each object representation possesses the capability of being depicted as a building component or as a building product. The proposed object library is organized by a typology. The usage of terms in the typology, in turn, is controlled by a thesaurus which reflects an ordering of terms used to form object descriptors and contains classifiers derived from the CSI and CI/SfB classification systems.
- Developmental Outlines for a Desktop-based Online Tool for Collaborative ProcessesMajali, Rupashree (Virginia Tech, 2000-05-07)This research revolves around the rapidly evolving computer-based conferencing technology and the growing need for applications tailored for collaborative environments. It focuses on tools for collaborative processes using an existing software application — CyberQuest as a case study. CyberQuest is a problem solving and innovation support system its main intent being - to help people come up with ideas and with ways to implement them. The objective behind this research is to illuminate the need for desktop based tools for online conferencing, which do more than just audio-video linking and is more than just a simple Internet based "meeting" software. It aims at analyzing the existing CyberQuest software and outline the methodology to be followed to convert it to a Web-based tool for problem solving and innovation support. Chapter 1 describes the existing features of CQ and the reasons as to why this application is suited for adapting to a network environment such as the Internet or an in-company intranet. It elucidates the steps involved in converting CQ to a Web based application and briefly describes the process of how files are processed on the Web. Chapter 3 gives a brief introduction to the Internet and the Web and distinguishes between the two. It also explains what intranets are and the main constituents of a web system. Chapter 4 and 5 explain the conversion issues in detail and list the various scripting languages available and the process of translating the application from Visual Basic into a scripted language. Chapter 6 surveys the results of using an application sharing software to share CQ over 2 or more computers. Lastly, Chapter 7 lists the findings and the future direction of all that is discussed in this study. When fully developed, WebCQ (Web-enabled CyberQuest) would most certainly prove to be a valuable tool for enabling technology that will support collaborators in different disciplines by connecting them to a vast database of information to help them find solutions and improve performance in almost any field. The study also includes a set of re-designed user interfaces for the WebCQ.
- A Framework for Site Analysis with Emphasis on Feng Shui and Contemporary Environmental Design PrinciplesXu, Jun (Virginia Tech, 2003-09-30)This research proposes a new site analysis methodology in the form of an integrated framework. The framework separates the site analysis process into different models, incorporates each model, and considers the interaction between them. The most important models are the environmental models (climate, geology, hydrology, topography, and vegetation models), social-cultural models, economic models, and infrastructure models. Each model also contains several important factors. The study identifies and organizes environmental factors within the framework that influence site analysis and design. Based on the applicability of feng shui principles and their interpretations into measurable factors, this research compares and incorporates feng shui and contemporary environmental design theories, and summarizes essential environmental factors. The emphasis on environmental factors from these models may lead to a better understanding of the relationships between humankind and the natural environment. The proposed framework is implemented into a computer simulation program, titled SiteOne, to demonstrate the concepts and ideas, with an emphasis on environmental factors. This research uses the town of Reston in Fairfax County, Virginia, as the study area because of the availability of information. SiteOne analyzes a range of alternatives and then derives solutions from the suggested site conditions in the form of GIS maps. There are various modules that make up the prototype system: namely an analysis module, a database module, and a result generation module. SiteOne helps professionals collect a wide range of information and select corresponding criteria in the early stages of design. It also provides visual analysis based on selected criteria and models. Therefore, it can act as an educational knowledge component for professionals as well as the general public.
- Integration Patterns of Learning TechnologiesElmasry, Sarah Khalil (Virginia Tech, 2007-09-10)This research proposes sets of design patterns of learning environments as an innovative approach towards an intelligent architectural design process. These patterns are based on teachers’ spatial and pedagogical use of their learning environments. The study is based in the desired condition that learning environments are expected to host learning technologies efficiently, to adapt to the fact that its life span is much longer than that of any technology within it, and to accommodate a variation of teaching modes and learning styles. In an effort to address these issues; calls for designing flexible learning spaces have emerged, as well as recommendations for alternative layouts. Yet, more challenging questions emerge; how efficiently do these technologies integrate with other systems in the classroom space? What should architects and facility planners consider for a successful systems’ integration which incorporates learning technologies in the design of the classroom space? And how can these spaces support variations in pedagogical practice. This study attempts to answer these questions by developing a pattern language to support the early design phases of a technology-rich learning environment. The study is qualitative in nature, and based on interviews with a sample of teachers at academic year Governor’s science and technology schools in Virginia. The researcher attempts to capture problems and challenges related to occupants’ performance within the physical boundaries of the classroom when learning technologies are in use. The variation of teaching-learning modes is taken into consideration. In this process, the researcher focuses on integration patterns of learning technologies with the envelope and the interior systems. The findings are then translated into the design language in the form of a pattern language at the building systems scale.
- Issues involved in Real-Time Rendering of Virtual EnvironmentsMalhotra, Priya (Virginia Tech, 2002-07-19)This thesis explores the issues involved in modeling and rendering virtual environments with special emphasis on photo-realistic visualization and optimizing models for real-time applications. Architectural walk-through systems are expected to give convincingly realistic interactive visualizations of complex virtual environments (Brooks, 1986). This pursued high degree impression of reality enhanced by interactivity, leads the user into a state of immersion, or the suspension of disbelief. The use of these systems ranges from virtual prototyping of building designs, stage and set lighting design, and architectural design reviews where the demands for greater realism and higher frame rates are always increasing. Until recently, the major focus has been on quickly rendering a complex model, rather than on photo-realism. The primary goal was reducing the number of graphics primitives rendered per frame without noticeably degrading image quality. The aim of this research is to study some of the real-time rendering and illumination techniques, bringing out the limitations and advantages of each. In addition the study investigates the extent of inclusion of standard 3 Dimensional modeling packages in the methodology pipeline, providing architects and designers with some guidelines for photo-realistic visualization and real-time simulation of their models. This is demonstrated through an example model of Tadao Ando's Church on the Water. A 3D photo-realistic reconstruction and real-time simulation is attempted, using widely available standard tools. The aim is to develop a methodology for building a compelling, interactive and highly realistic virtual representation. The whole methodology is based not on proprietary commercial 3D game engines, but on international open standard programming languages and API's, while leaving the user to freely select and use his/her 3D character-modeling package of choice. However, several shortcomings in both hardware and software became apparent. These are described, and a number of recommendations are provided.
- Light Force: An Exploration of Light Through DesignChen, Tzu (Virginia Tech, 2007-04-27)What falls into the realm of light and what it means to design and the human experience? Can light be material? How does light change space into place?
- A methodology for assessing computer software applicability to inventory and facility managementPaul, Debashis (Virginia Tech, 1989-12-15)Computer applications have become popular and widespread in architecture and other related fields. While the architect uses a computer for design and construction of a building, the user takes the advantage of computer for maintenance of the building. Inventory and facility management are two such fields where computer applications have become predominant. The project has investigated the use and application of different commercially available computer software in the above mentioned fields. A set of user requirements for inventory and facility management were established for different organizations. Four different types of software were chosen to examine their capabilities for fulfilling the requirements. Software from different vendors were chosen to compare and study the feasibility of application of each. The process of evaluation has been developed as a methodology for assessing different computer software applications in inventory and facility management: Special software applications and hardware considerations for developing computer-aided inventory and facility management, has also been discussed. The documentation and evaluation of software shall provide a person the basic knowledge of computer applications in inventory and facility management. The study shall also help building managers and facility managers develop their own criteria for choosing computer software to fulfill their particular requirements
- A Prototypical Approach to Developing a Junior Golf Facility for Diverse Participants Using Survey Instruments and Advanced Computer Visualization ToolsMarshall, Antonio Devon (Virginia Tech, 2002-05-15)Can a prototypical process involving literature reviews, interviews, questionnaires, design charrettes, and advanced computer visualization tools, be applied to create golf facilities valid to the subjects involved in the process? The research attempts to create a prototypical process by exploring and applying various research schemes that attempts to solve a selected design issue. Thus, the issue selected: How can the golf course be designed to attract, accommodate, and educate today's youth? Children should be introduced to activities at an early age to build character and self worth. The golf course acts as a place for today's youth to build relationships, test and enhance their character, and expand their education. This research is a result of these ideals. It focused on creating a prototypical process to create a junior golf facility, using data collection methods inclusive to: literature reviews, interviews, questionnaires, and design charrettes. As an addendum to this prototypical process, these methods of data collection were validated through computer visualization. These preceding methods, along with the basic ideals of youths in golf, were the main focus in researching golf course design catered to the youth. The First Tee junior golf program was the model used to compare the conceptual golf facility prototype, because it is the leader in making golf accessible to the youth. The First Tee Program, established in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation, teaches kids of all backgrounds the game of golf, including fundamentals, etiquette, and sportsmanship: elements that are of value to our society. It also educates them on how to become a valuable member of his/her community. The goals of The First Tee are in two phases: to create one hundred golf facilities by the year 2000, and to reach 500,000 youths by the year 2005. While the First Tee program is successful, this research attempts to improve upon junior golf facility development by addressing the youths' interest in a customized, conceptual golf facility built upon the principles of a state-of-the-art facility created by programs like The First Tee. The results of this research could potentially serve as an addendum to junior golf development, and also act as a resource for future designers, by assisting to acquire user needs and demands for buildings, interiors, landscapes, and products. The conceptual golf facility was created from two major resources. Students in Montgomery County, Virginia, were the subject resources, while the available literature, designers, and superintendents were the professional resources. A research strategy was created to serve as a guide for better organization. As a result, the Conceptual Research Diagram was implemented to serve as the prototypical process of the research. The subjects were Montgomery County students of various ages, skills, physical dependents, and also of various cultural backgrounds. Although the subjects were randomly selected, it was necessary to have an adequate amount of subjects to each subject group for a well-formed response to the research. The subjects were given a questionnaire, asked to participate in a design charrette, and given the option to participate in the C.A.V.E. (Cave Automated Virtual Environments) experiment. The CAVE is a three-wall cell, each wall with a dimension of 10x10x9 feet in diameter, which uses a Silicon Graphics Machine, plus projection devices, to project three-dimensional computer images onto its walls and floor. As a result, life size, three-dimensional computer models are created for an experience in virtual reality. All of the data was complied to obtain requests and demands to create a custom golf facility in virtual reality. The youth input and site location was limited to the town of Blacksburg, Virginia, with an attempt of creating a prototypical process that can possibly be applied to any town or city around the world.
- A solid modeling program for designersZeigler, Patrick Scott (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)The personal computer is rapidly finding its way into the architectural working environment, at this time however it is used mostly as a drafting tool. This thesis is an investigation into programming that would allow the computer to become a design tool. The issues that are dealt with in this thesis include an easy to use user interface that will not inhibit the design process, and develop a system that will allow design changes and additions to a model in a three dimensional sketch like ability. Three dimensional models of paper, clay, wood and other materials have been used to create designs, and aid the designer in making decisions. This type of medium is difficult to make changes, and because of the scale of such materials it becomes difficult to work on interior spaces, thus more attention is usually placed on the exterior design. With the use of the computer these limitations may be eliminated, and the designer may create a design from any perspective or view point.
- Use of computer technology by the elderlyAkkan, Sultan (Virginia Tech, 1993-08-10)The information technology that is available now has been developed for other populations, such as the general public, the business community, health care organizations, or the handicapped. However, much of it can be adapted to fit the needs, desires and capabilities of the elderly and computer technology can be much "friendlier" for the elderly in both a technological and a social sense. This study examines the elderly-computer technology interface. State-of -the-art computer input devices are evaluated and an ergonomic analysis is made about the interface. Finally, a new design concept is developed to solve the problems and complications arising from the aging process in terms of accessibility, safety, efficiency, ergonomic comfort of computer technology and to introduce a new and fairly unfamiliar technology to a population group.
- "The Virtual Grocery Store: A Proposal to Improve the Quality of Life for Retail Customers through a Virtual Environment"Choi, Katrina Jones (Virginia Tech, 2004-05-13)With the prevalence and integration of the Internet in our lives, online shopping has become a popular and convenient method of obtaining goods. However, there is an important experience that occurs between the customer and the product as well as the customer and the space in the actual, physical store which does not yet occur in the virtual store (Raijas, 2002). Customers' increased use of new technology and the Internet illustrates that an incredible growth potential exists in the electronic grocery store industry. Currently, electronic grocery stores have not taken advantage of key components of traditional grocery retailing practices or information technology (Raijas, 2002). Consequently, electronic grocery stores have not yet provided customers with significant benefits for choosing online grocery shopping as opposed to traditional grocery shopping in the actual store. This finding suggests that a better quality shopping experience could be provided for online grocery store customers through the marriage of the benefits of online grocery shopping with the benefits of traditional grocery shopping. This study presents a proposal of how to combine the benefits of shopping in an actual retail store with the benefits of shopping online.