VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Schubert, Robert P."

Browsing by Author "Schubert, Robert P."

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930 sqft of Architecture
Clark, David B. (Virginia Tech, 2008-10-20)
There is no primacy to Architecture. For centuries architects have posited formulaic approaches to creating spatial environments. Bold maxims for design have defined entire periods and styles of architecture, and each subsequent postulation attempts to disprove the former by challenging its theories against imperfect realizations. Yet nearly all have the same fault; they prioritize characteristics of architecture, attempting to design according to absolutisms of thought and process. I believe this to be a dangerous mode of operation, as absolutisms can be extremely complex and difficult to grasp conceptually, let alone to manifest into realities. Reducing architecture to processes of selection, generalization, singularities, and priorities is just clever ways of dealing with complexity in an attempt to make the intangible tangible. This "reduction" and "simplification" can only hold value as a tool for the study and analysis of architecture, not its practice and execution. Although architecture is universally conditional, it has been assigned universal qualities over time in theory and practice. I believe time requires that those qualities be subject to change and reinterpretation so that architecture may maintain proper relevance, barring one constant: all qualities must exist by virtue of the others and cannot be seen independently; one quality is no more than an aspect of the others. To better explore this notion, three criteria (qualities, generators) have been identified as a measure for critical analysis of three architectural research projects. They are built from a history of pre-defined criterion, named and redefined in an attempt to elevate a personal study and practice of architecture at a period in time. These projects have a high degree of personal influence and involvement, and so this becomes in a way a self-analysis in the study and practice of architecture. The intention of this compendium is to gain insight towards a personal definition of architecture through an analysis of architectural theory and precedence in comparison to work that is reflective of personal architectonics. In time, I hope it will have continued to develop.
The Aesthetic of Love
Blissett, Brandon (Virginia Tech, 2008-04-29)
Indigenous architecture is a loving response to the natural conditions surrounding ones inhabitation of architecture. It is designed and built by those who will inhabit it and is necessarily designed in coordination with both environmental considerations and practical (or use-oriented) considerations. The product of such a building shows the love present in it both as an independent architectural entity and as an inhabited structure. The late 20th century has seen a revival with regard to appreciating this aesthetic. The 'green' movement had hoped to open people's eyes to a certain aesthetic of conservation but unfortunately has lost sight of the ideological foundations of its existence. My proposal is to look back to these roots of architecture. Not to revert architecture to mere building, but to find the aesthetic through the love put into the creation of a purposeful structure intended for a specific set of criteria and inhabitants for an intentional duration in a specific spot. We must look intently at the indigenous builders for how to find the balance of sustainability, response to environment and the physical aesthetic.
An Appalachian House: The Design and Analysis of a Passive Solar House
Rogers, Robin Elaine (Virginia Tech, 1999-05-10)
This project is a proposal for the design of a house situated on a plot of land within the town limits of Blacksburg. It incorporates ideas drawn from many sources, particularly from this region of Appalachia -- its geology, architectural heritage, building materials, history, Blacksburg's Comprehensive Plan, housing, agriculture and energy resources. An introduction discusses some ideas on architecture followed by chapters which provide the basis upon which the design was developed, then a description of the house design and drawings followed by an analysis of the environmental responsiveness of the design using a computer program called "Energy Scheming."
Appliance Architecture in the Invisible College: a Pedagogical Text
Grinham, Jonathan Lorne (Virginia Tech, 2011-02-02)
This thesis presents a pedagogical framework for understanding dynamic Parametricism within the new media culture. As indicated by the title, 'Appliance Architecture in the Invisible College: a Pedagogical Text', this paper will serve two purposes. First, appliance architecture will construct the theoretical framework that will provide the context for the four case studies presented within this thesis: an interview with Rob Ley, designer of the Reef Project; the design and development of the Eclipsis Screen for the Solar Decathlon house, Lumenhaus; the development of an architectural robotics design laboratory, Prototyping in Architectural Robotics for Technology-enriched Education (PARTeE); and workshop > no.1, a physical computing workshop held at the College of Architecture + Urban Studies (CAUS). Second, the invisible college will serve as a pedagogical framework for teaching dynamic Parametricism within appliance architecture. The invisible college will explore the emergent design typologies developed through the PARTeE laboratory's first year and will culminate in the application of the teaching methodologies used for the physical computing workshop. The following serves to establish the architectural discourse within which 'Appliance Architecture in the Invisible College' is embedded. In the broadest sense, this discourse is that of kinetic architecture. The word 'kinetic' is used to denote motion, or the act or process of changing position of over time, where time is the unit of measurement or relativity. The 'appliance' is defined as any consumer object or assembly with embedded intelligence; it does not shy away from the modern connotation of objects such as a coffee maker, refrigerator or iPod. The appliance as an assembly, therefore, presents a part-to-whole relationship that is understood through GWF Hegel's organic unity, which states: 'everything that exists stands in correlation, and this correlation is the veritable nature of every existence. The existent thing in this way has no being in its own, but only in something else, just as the whole would not be what it is but for the existence of its parts, so the parts would not be what they are but for the existence of the whole' (Leddy, 1991). It is this part-to-whole relationship which provides an understanding of the emergent typologies which structure the foundation for learning within the invisible college.
The Application of CFD to Building Analysis and Design: A Combined Approach of an Immersive Case Study and Wind Tunnel Testing
Kim, Daeung (Virginia Tech, 2014-01-23)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can play an important role in building design. For all aspects and stages of building design, CFD can be used to provide more accurate and rapid predictions of building performance with regard to air flow, pressure, temperature, and similar parameters. Generally, the process involved in conducting CFD analyses is relatively complex and requires a good understanding of how best to utilize computational numerical methods. Moreover, the level of skill required to perform an accurate CFD analysis remains a challenge for many professionals particularly architects. In addition, the user needs to input a number of different items of information and parameters into the CFD program in order to obtain a successful and credible solution. This research seeks to improve the general understanding of how CFD can best be used as a design assistance tool. While there have been a number of quantitative studies suggesting CFD may be a useful tool for building related airflow assessment, few researchers have explored the more qualitative aspects of CFD, in particular developing a better understanding of the procedures required for the proper application of CFD to whole building analysis. This study therefore adopted a combined qualitative and quantitative methodology, with the researcher immersing himself into a case study approach and defining several lessons-learned that are documented and shared. This research will assist practicing architects and architecture students to better understand the application of CFD to building analysis and design.
Architecture from elemental parts
Panoscha, Juergen (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993)
A simple element that is repeated in a thoughtful, organized manner, can generate a whole that is greater than the sum of the individual elements. Conversely, a large ungainly project can be generated out of the repetition of smaller more manageable parts. This principle is explored in this thesis on a range of scales from town blocks to details.
An architecture of authority: the jail/sheriff's residences of northwest Ohio, 1867-1902
Bosworth, Frank Malin (Virginia Tech, 1995-06-01)
This study investigates the historic development, classification, and reuse potential of the jail/ sheriff's residence building-type. Using collected data, the study examines fifteen buildings in northwest Ohio and develops a classification system for the building type. The historic precedents for the building type were investigated and traced to their English roots, namely I the county gaol that emerged from the Bridewell in the eighteenth century. The Jail/Sheriff's Residence is a heretofore unclassified building-type consisting of two primary parts, a residence for the County Sheriff and the county jail. The buildings are primarily located in Ohio and nearby States.
Armature: Infill, A Health Care Facility in Verón, Dominican Republic
Parker, Casey Lee (Virginia Tech, 2006-06-21)
The purpose of this book is to explore the idea of duration of physical architectural elements, and how their relative permanence or temporariness affects time and memory. This project takes on the program of a healthcare facility in the community of Verón located in the Dominican Republic. Through the exploration of materials, the identity of the project is defined by a series of walls that bring order and scale to not only the clinic but the surrounding community as well.
Barriers and incentives to the adoption of innovative, energy- efficient housing: passive and active solar and earth sheltered
Conway, Rochelle (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)
The purpose of this study was to determine intermediaries’ perceptions of barriers and incentives to innovative, energy efficient housing in Iowa. Data was collected by two surveys. The questionnaire for the first survey collected data from 102 communities in Iowa. Respondents were asked to determine the number of building permits issued for all new single family dwellings between 1975 and 1985 as well as the number of permits issued that were for passive solar, active solar, or earth sheltered housing. A rate of adoption was calculated for each community. The second questionnaire surveyed housing intermediaries drawn from the 102 communities included in the first survey. The sample consisted of 481 builders, building inspectors, realtors, lenders, and solar suppliers. Intermediary groups differed in their perceptions of barriers and incentives to innovative, energy-efficient housing. Significant differences were found among the intermediaries for whether state mandated solar standards would reduce the risk of inspection of solar energy houses and whether risky resale potential acts as a barrier to building solar energy housing. The major barriers were the "first costs" associated with building active solar and earth sheltered housing and the lack of skills among subcontractors to build active solar and earth sheltered housing. There was no significant relationship between rate of adoption among communities and their location in the state. There was, however, a significant relationship between category of building official and rate of adoption among communities. Communities with a high rate of adoption did not cluster in any one quadrant of the state. Additional differences among intermediaries occurred between lenders who had financed innovative energy efficient housing and lenders who had not. Lenders who had not financed solar or earth sheltered housing perceived the barriers to be greater than those who had. There were fewer differences in perceptions among solar/earth sheltered builders and nonsolar/earth sheltered builders. In conclusion, variability in perceptions among intermediaries on the barriers and incentives to innovative, energy efficient housing impact on the rate of adoption in communities in Iowa.
Birkett log house and addition
Williams, Warren L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991)
The thrust of this project is twofold. The first is to create an addition to a reconstructed two-story log house. The second is to locate this structure upon the site in such a manner as to enhance the experience of its presence during approach. The first goal is addressed by connecting two appendage structures to the rear facade of the log house by means of a narrow transitional space. The intent is to maintain this transitional space as an architectural connection between the greater masses without allowing it to become a dominant element. The arrangement of the addition massing respects the prominence of the original log structure and compliments its dog-trot configuration. The shapes of the addition masses, freestanding studio/utilities building, deck area and pool also respond to the vehicular path which culminates in a circle. The second goal, the positioning of this structure within the boundaries of the selected site, was greatly facilitated by the site's numerous attributes. These range from the historical precedent of a previous log dwelling built upon the grassy knoll of choice to the natural enclosure of the site. A U-shaped, deciduously forested valley of dramatic slope along the three enclosing sides, the site provides a seasonally changing backdrop within which the entire structure can be experienced. Further enclosing this valley along the fourth side is a small, treelined river whose woody screen is permeated only in one small spot by a ford, which had been the site's previous access.
Building control automation for retirement homes: a therapeutic opportunity for the elderly
Avila, Melinda Plaza (Virginia Tech, 1993-05-05)
The therapeutic opportunity for the elderly due to building control automation use in a retirement home was investigated. Previous research suggests that a basic understanding of elderly functional needs and building control automation capabilities is required Ifn order to secure the opportunity for maintaining existing elderly functional abilities. This study explores the extent to which building control automation can be applied in retirement homes. The research questions generated for this study were: To what extent is the success of building control automation dependent on the level of demand by residents, staff, and administration? How can elderly of varying disabilities interact with and around what building control automation features? How can building control automation support elderly independence and minimize the need for relocation to a higher level of care? What type(s) of building control automation will either promote independence or threaten it? A nurse aide questionnaire was used to identify the nurse aide's perception of the retirement home environment, residents' activities, and issues of elderly well-being. A resident questionnaire addressed residents needs and desires to maintain independent living with assistance of building control automation. And lastly, participant observation was used to reveal unique aspects of the physical environment and activities in questionnaire responses.
Capturing Key Knowledge Exchanges within the Design Process of Transformable Shading Systems
Kalantar Mehrjardi, Negar (Virginia Tech, 2016-07-01)
In the field of sustainable architecture, transformability is an important way of actively responding to ambient conditions while also meeting the needs of occupants and addressing issues of building performance. This research contributes knowledge for architects about the potential of kinetics for the shading system to respond effectively to changes in its environment. Within contemporary architecture, there is a growing interest in motion; buildings and their parts are gradually shifting from static to dynamic. However, contemporary activities in architecture are evidence of a lack of a holistic approach to the design of motion in architecture and the design of motion as an alternative mode of design thinking is still in its infancy. Consequently, the existing tradition of static forms being the sole forms taught in architectural studies should be reevaluated as a design strategy. This research is a step in the direction of better understanding the key knowledge exchanges within the design process of transformable shading systems. It will seek to investigate, explore, and propose how the concept of transformability in designing shading systems can be suggested, depicted, or physically incorporated in building envelopes. In order to get the full potential of the design process of transformable shading systems, this study presents a design workflow of a specific case, called AURA, that helps to create openings for establishing a proper design methodology of transformable shading systems. While the workflow will be concerned with identifying the key decision nodes, it is anticipated that in-depth development will determine critical parameters addressing transformation itself as a design parameter of transformable shading systems. Two studio-based courses offered at Virginia Tech and Texas AandM by the author will become a testing ground for evaluating the key decision nodes found in the design process of AURA within the context of architectural programs, bringing forth the opportunity to expand the current domain of transformable shading systems to a broader perspective of architecture pedagogy. In this case, this research is a step towards adding values directly into the content of the curricula, and thus into the field of design education as a whole.'
A Case Study Approach to Identifying the Constraints and Barriers to Design Innovation for Modular Construction
Schoenborn, Joseph (Virginia Tech, 2012-04-27)
It is important for an architect to understand the limiting factors that will affect the design of a modular building. The implementation of modular construction as a means of improving production efficiency and worker safety in the construction industry raises into question the design quality of modular buildings, and whether or not the merits of the building process can also be captured from the perspective of the architect. For this reason, the constraints and barriers to design innovation in modular construction are recorded through the lens of an architect. This study uses interviews with modular manufacturers to extract information on the topic of innovation in the industry. Featuring a case study project as the platform for discussion, the opinions of experienced building professionals were sought to identify what is and what isn't possible. Among the primary constraints and barriers to innovation, including manufacturing costs, dimensional requirements based on transportation method, and the inflexibility of CAM software, the results of the study identified a need for architects to become better educated about modular construction in general. Therefore, the information presented is meant to be a teaching tool geared towards architects.
CFD Simulation Methodology for Ground-Coupled Ventilation System
Alghamdi, Jamal Khaled (Virginia Tech, 2008-06-25)
In the past two decades, a growing interest in alternative energy resources as a replacement to the non-renewable resources used now days. These alternatives include geothermal energy which can be used to generate power and reduce the demands on energy used to heat and cool buildings. Ground-coupled ventilation system is one of the many applications of the geothermal energy that have a lot of attention in the early 80's and 90's but all designs of the system where based on single case situations. On the other hand, computational fluid dynamics tools are used to simulate heat and fluid flow in any real life situation. They start to develop rapidly with the fast development of computers and processors. These tools provide a great opportunity to simulate and predict the outcome of most problems with minimum loss and better way to develop new designs. By using these CFD tools in GCV systems designing procedure, energy can be conserved and designs going to be improved. The main objective of this study is to find and develop a CFD modeling strategy for GCV systems. To accomplish this objective, a case study must be selected, a proper CFD tool chosen, modeling and meshing method determined, and finally running simulations and analyzing results. All factors that affect the performance of GCV should be taken under consideration in that process such as soil, backfill, and pipes thermal properties. Multiple methods of simulation were proposed and compared to determine the best modeling approach.
A Common Taxonomy for Modeling Construction Operations
Al-Masalha, Sami (Virginia Tech, 2004-08-02)
The construction industry continues to strive for new ways to improve construction operations. This requires better understanding and analysis of these operations, which necessitates a way to systematically capture and analyze the diverse elements involved. The dynamic nature of construction is very difficult to describe using existing computer simulation and modeling systems. What is needed is rather a common construction language and a comprehensive modeling system that can be used to capture and analyze construction operations and potentially lead to improvements. A new taxonomy and its use for modeling construction operations are developed here. This taxonomy identifies a hierarchical representation of construction projects based on operational considerations. The hierarchy consists of seven levels: product, assemblies and subassemblies, components, operations, processes, physics, and control. The hierarchical levels were established by looking in the ways that construction field operations are being carried out. The new modeling system successfully accounts for the geometric and physical representations of not only the product but also the processes involved in shaping the product. Six major blocks of construction knowledge are described and information about the interaction processes required to model construction operations in a logical way is provided. An overview of the current state of modeling and simulation techniques that are used to develop and evaluate construction operations is presented. The advantages and limitations of physical-based modeling, 4D-CAD, and virtual modeling techniques as an integral part of the developed taxonomy are identified. The potential uses of robotics and automation opportunities in construction are described. Also, distribution of work between humans and tools and equipment based on their physical and information contributions are reviewed and analyzed. Classifications of construction work at different levels of detail are described to identify which operations can be usefully modeled and the appropriate level of the model. Two practical case studies are discussed that show the capabilities and potential uses of the developed taxonomy. The first case study describes the modeling process of the fabrication, assembly, and erection of steel structures. The second exploratory case study shows the potential use of the developed modeling in improving the heat recovery system generator's (HRSG) erection process. Also, prototype models and 3D models of the HRSG assemblies are developed. Both case studies validate with great confidence the use of the developed taxonomy as a direct support tool that captures the diverse elements and enhances the modeling and analysis to improve construction operations.
Comparison of energy consumption with regard to type and percentage of glazing, location and orientation in classroom spaces
Karmarkar, Bharati Mahesh (Virginia Tech, 2007-05-03)
Much of the art of daylighting lies in the judicious placement of windows in relation to the interior, in order to achieve the desired levels of illumination and view. Studies have shown that the glazing size, location and type all impact the internal energy loads. Schools are incorporating technology in classrooms to transform learning. The expanded presence of technology in the classroom has also affected how classrooms are designed. This study tries to determine a glazing ratio for classroom spaces of the future in regards to energy consumption as a combined function of climatic conditions, orientation, glazing types and window location. A 35'x32' base classroom is simulated using the E-Quest software. Energy consumption for the base case is compared to models with variable orientation (north and south), type of glazing (double pane, low e and special glazing), glazing percentage of the total wall area (base taken with reference to the required daylight factor) and classroom with and without clerestory windows.
Control of the effects of wind, sand, and dust by the citadel walls, in Chan Chan, Peru
Gorin, S. Steven (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)
Chan Chan, the prehistoric capital of the Chimu culture (ca. A.D. 900 to 1450), is located in the Moche Valley close to the Pacific Ocean on the North Coast of Peru. Its sandy desert environment is dominated by the dry onshore turbulent and gusty winds from the south. The nucleus of this large urban community built of adobe is visually and spatially dominated by 10 monumental rectilinear high walled citadels that were thought to be the domain of the rulers. The form and function of these immense citadels has been an enigma for scholars since their discovery by the Spanish ca. 1535. Previous efforts to explain the citadels and the walls have emphasized the social, political, and economic needs of the culture. The use of the citadels to control the effects of the wind, sand, and dust in the valley had not been previously considered. Through the use of theoretical constructions and wind tunnel experiments, it is established that the form of the classic variant of the citadel was developed from a longtime interaction between the man—built environment and the natural environment. The Chimu had designed a courtyard system that reduced stress and discomfort from wind, sand, and dust by means of architectural features that included: the rectilinear citadel plan with the long axis parallel to the prevailing winds; the contiguous courtyards with the long axis in common; the high exterior walls; the high interior transverse walls; and the triangular cross section of the walls. It is demonstrated that these features kept out the blowing sand, reduced the wind speeds at pedestrian level, and kept dust, entrained in the airstream by the anthropogenic activity outside the walls, from entering the enclosures. It is also demonstrated that there is a correlation between the degree of protection afforded in a sector of the citadel and the social, political, and economic activities that took place in that sector.
Cost-benefit analysis of a Building Integrated Photovolatic roofing system for a school located in Blacksburg, Virginia
Cholakkal, Leena (Virginia Tech, 2006-05-09)
In the past few years, there has been a growing concern for the impact of non-renewable resource depletion and environmental degradation as a result of energy consumption in buildings. Buildings account for approximately one-half of the total energy consumption in developed countries. As architects and engineers involved with the fast growing building industry, we have the responsibility of exploring and integrating various renewable energy sources into our buildings to help us move towards what we might call "Positive Energy Architecture", where the role of the building shifts from net energy consumer to net energy producer. The object of this study is to analyze how different parameters namely solar radiation, temperature, solar altitude and solar azimuth affect the power produced by a new thin film photovoltaic panel. Through the application of multiple linear regression, the model developed is then used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the building integrated photovoltaic roofing system when connected to the utility grid when compared to a conventional roofing system. The analysis is applied to a school building located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Using the current utility rates and the energy consumption data, the payback period of the system is evaluated for full roof, half roof and quarter roof coverage.
Data-Driven Park Planning: Comparative Study of Survey with Social Media Data
Sim, Jisoo (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-05)
The purpose of this study was (1) to identify visitors’ behaviors in and perceptions of linear parks, (2) to identify social media users’ behaviors in and perceptions of linear parks, and (3) to compare small data with big data. This chapter discusses the main findings and their implications for practitioners such as landscape architects and urban planners. It has three sections. The first addresses the main findings in the order of the research questions at the center of the study. The second describes implications and recommendations for practitioners. The final section discusses the limitations of the study and suggests directions for future work. This study compares two methods of data collection, focused on activities and benefits. The survey asked respondents to check all the activities they did in the park. Social media users’ activities were detected by term frequency in social media data. Both results ordered the activities similarly. For example social interaction and art viewing were most popular on the High Line, then the 606, then the High Bridge according to both methods. Both methods also reported that High Line visitors engaged in viewing from overlooks the most. As for benefits, according to both methods vistors to the 606 were more satisfied than High Line visitors with the parks’ social and natural benefits. These results suggest social media analytics can replace surveys when the textual information is sufficient for analysis. Social media analytics also differ from surveys in accuracy of results. For example, social media revealed that 606 users were interested in events and worried about housing prices and crimes, but the pre-designed survey could not capture those facts. Social media analytics can also catch hidden and more general information: through cluster analysis, we found possible reasons for the High Line’s success in the arts and in the New York City itself. These results involve general information that would be hard to identify through a survey. On the other hand, surveys provide specific information and can describe visitors’ demographics, motivations, travel information, and specific benefits. For example, 606 users tend to be young, high-income, well educated, white, and female. These data cannot be collected through social media.
A Decision-Making Framework for Vegetated Roofing System Selection
Grant, Elizabeth J. (Virginia Tech, 2007-10-30)
Design frequently involves a series of trade-offs to obtain the "optimal" solution to a design problem. Green roofs have many different characteristics based on a variety of variables. Designers typically weigh the impacts of these characteristics in an implicit process based on intuition or past experience. But since vegetated roofing is a relatively complex and comparatively new technology to many practitioners, a rational, explicit method to help organize and rank the trade-offs made during the design process is useful. This research comprises the creation of a framework diagramming the decision process involved in the selection of vegetated roofing systems. Through a series of expert interviews and case studies, the available knowledge is captured and organized to determine the critical parameters affecting design decisions. A set of six case study projects in North America is analyzed and six critically important evaluative categories are identified: storm water management, energy consumption, acoustics, structure, compliance with regulatory guidelines and governmental incentives, and cost. These six factors are key decision-making parameters in the selection of vegetated roofing systems and they form the basis of this study. They are addressed in the context of a decision support system for green roof designers. A summation of the total importance of the advantages represented by each alternative is used to determine the most feasible green roof system for a particular project. The decision-making framework developed in this dissertation will ultimately be adaptable to digital processing and a computer-based design assistance tool.

Browsing by Author "Schubert, Robert P."

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