Scholarly Works, School of Architecture + Design

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Research articles, presentations, and other scholarship

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A Visual Text: History of Architecture Catalogue for Hypertext
Rodriguez-Camilloni, Humberto L.; Gorin, Abbye A. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Center for Theory and History of Architecture, 1988)
"This visual text consists of three models designed as a teaching-learning tool for the history and theory of architecture courses currently offered by the Center for Theory and History of Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech."--Pref. of catalog. The book is contained in the zip file, which uncompressed is a directory of HTML files, viewable in a web browser. The videos are in 5 chapters as follows: Chapter I: History of Architecture (2:42:18) Chapter II: History and Theory of Urban Form (25:39) Chapter III: South American Pre-Columbian Architecture (26:59) Chapter IV: "Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-Le-Duc, Architect Extraordinaire" (17:39) [Chapter V]: PreHispanic Architecture/North Coast Peru (9:56) [filmed by Abraham Guillen under the direction of Richard P. Schaedel, Lima, Peru, 1954]
Making design work: Sustainability, Product Design and Social Equity
Walker, Stuart; Dorsa, Edward A. (Kluwer, 2001)
This paper discusses the relationship between the product designer, sustainability and the creation of good quality work within the manufacturing sector. When the principles of sustainability are applied to the nature of employment it points to a new direction for design and product production where ethics, environmental issues and social wellbeing become far more important criteria for ‘success’ than is currently the norm. Awareness of the relationship between ‘work’ and sustainability is not generally being addressed, but needs to become a part of a comprehensive approach to sustainability in design school curricula.
Diagrammatic Practices: The Office of Frederick L. Ackerman and "Architectural Graphic Standards"
Emmons, Paul F. (University of California Press, 2005-03)
The office of Frederick Ackerman (1878-1950) was the source of the first modern architectural handbook, Architectural Graphic Standards (1932), which was intended as a radical manifesto. Basing his practice on the economic critique of "conspicuous consumption" by Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929), Ackerman was a leader of the technocratic movement. Ackerman directed his employees to develop factual architectural data. The authors of Graphic Standards, Charles Ramsey (1884-1963) and Harold Sleeper (1893-1960), worked at Ackerman's firm, and it was for Ackerman's projects that the first versions of the handbook's plates were drawn. Graphic Standards reflected Ackerman's technocratic approach to architecture, whereby he isolated functional facts from appearance, which was understood as self-expression. In its use of diagrams, Graphic Standards reflected the view that such schematic representations were the transparent rendering of facts. Yet, as seen in some of the plates of Graphic Standards, even the most reductive diagrams inevitably include expressive elements. Through many editions, Graphic Standards has been widely hailed as the "bible" of architectural practice, and it is paradoxical that Ackerman's radical practice became the basis of today's normative commercial practices. The attempt to separate functional fact from aesthetic self-expression was an impossible project, but Ackerman's efforts to achieve a modern architecture that was derived from the nature of its use and construction to replace the design of novelties remain a significant achievement.
No compromise: The integration of technology and aesthetics
Dunay, Robert J.; Wheeler, Joseph; Schubert, Robert P. (Informa, 2006-11-01)
Solar technology is burdened with a stigma that contradicts a sense of proportion and beauty in building. Arbitrarily attached to new or existing construction, the technology is often associated with a small clique of individuals disenfranchised from the mainstream. This project is designed to challenge these perceptions and reestablish the ideals of solar energy by integrating architecture and technology. It pushes existing paradigms by proposing architectural form that celebrates solar power while obtaining a high level of system integration. As each technical decision was measured against its contribution to spatial effect, the project attained a simultaneous sense of the sustainable and the beautiful.
A Decision-Making Framework for Vegetated Roofing System Selection
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Jones, James R. (2008-04-01)
Design frequently involves making tradeoffs to obtain the “optimal” solution to a design problem, often using intuition or past experience as a guide. Since vegetated roofing is a relatively complex and comparatively new technology to many practitioners, a rational, explicit method to help organize and rank the tradeoffs made during the design process is needed. This research comprises the creation of a framework diagramming the decision process involved in the selection of vegetated roofing systems. Through literature review, case studies and interviews with experts, the available knowledge is captured and organized to determine the critical parameters affecting design decisions. Six important evaluative categories are identified and parameters within these categories 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 framework is demonstrated and compared with green roof designers’ decisionmaking processes and conclusions are drawn regarding its effectiveness.
Vibration Analysis and Design of a Structure Subjected to Human Walking Excitations
Setareh, M.; Lovelace, M. (Hindawi, 2010-01-01)
Annoying building floor vibrations have become a serious serviceability issue. This is mainly due to decrease in the system mass resulting from the use of higher strength materials; use of computer-assisted design and the Load and Resistance Factor Design Method to optimize the structure based on the strength requirements; fewer partitions and more innovative designs by architects achieving long, column free spans resulting in a reduction in the natural frequency and damping. This paper provides details of the vibration analysis and design of a novel office building. Three-dimensional computer models of the structure were created and various modifications were made to the original structure, designed based on static loads, to reduce the possible excessive floor vibrations when subjected to walking excitations. Tuned mass dampers were also designed as a back-up vibration control system. A series of dynamic tests were conducted on the building floor to identify the dynamic properties of the structure and these were then used to update the original computer model. Finally, various forcing functions representing human walks and the updated computer model of the structure were used to evaluate the accuracy of the walking excitation force models to predict the structural response. Conclusions are made on the validity of each forcing function studied here.
Counteracting high winds with low pressure: Development and testing of a new roof vent system
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Jones, James R. (College Publishing, 2011-01-01)
Roof system failures are common during high wind events. In locations subject to high wind conditions, membrane roofing systems must typically be either physically attached or fully adhered to the substrate or ballast may be added to weigh down the membrane. An alternative to these installation approaches could be to use aerodynamics principles such as the Bernoulli and Venturi effects to create a low-pressure region beneath the membrane roof that is lower than the ambient pressure and thus counteracts the uplifting force. A new omnidirectional vent has been designed and tested that takes advantage of these aerodynamics principles to induce low pressure under the membrane layer. This new vent operates with no moving parts and was tested in the high-speed stability wind tunnel at Virginia Tech to wind speeds up to 233 km/h. The results demonstrate that this new vent generates pressures lower than the ambient when subjected to high wind conditions. This paper presents the design principles and performance test results for this new roof vent system and other applications for roof vent technologies.
Currie House II, Porch
Currie, Leonard J. (2011-09-13)
The Application Of Bio-inspiration To Human-centered Product Design
Kennedy, B. (WIT Press, 2014)
Biologically inspired design is an emerging practice based on the premise that nature holds a vast library of strategies, processes and technologies that can lead to innovative, sustainable solutions to human problems. Around the globe, scientific and engineering research efforts in Bio-inspiration have made astonishing discoveries that have impacted future possibilities in the fields of robotics, biomedical technology and material science, amongst many other examples. Yet, despite rising evidence about Biology’s relevance to innovative design, examples demonstrating specifics about how it can be applied in the near term in consumer product design are limited. This paper presents a case study wherein Bio-inspired design was used successfully as a tool to help develop novel, viable and product concepts for a packaged-goods industry client. Specifically, emphasis will be placed on how the method of ‘biologizing the problem’ contributed to redefining the parameters of the challenge, which ultimately drove the project’s success. After receiving a focused brief for reinventing the generally unpleasant experience of bathroom shower cleaning, the first round of creative ideation yielded incremental solutions based on the goal of ‘mildew removal and extermination.’ During the second round of creative ideation, after the problem had been redefined in terms of biological strategies, an entirely different set of solutions resulted from a revised goal of ‘mildew prevention.’ Such examples of problem redefinition can be propelled by a growing number of free databases like Asknature.org, which enable designers to find useful analogies between their design goals and Biological strategies. As these databases mature, product design efforts will be able to augment their creative output with improved results.
Planning for Resilience: Predicting Vegetated Roofs’ Runoff Reduction
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Black, Kenneth Allan; Jones, James R. (2014-06-09)
The rate of incorporation of vegetated systems into urban buildings is on the rise. These systems represent a psychological link to the natural world that city-dwellers have left behind and a physical filter to temper the effects of head, flooding, urban noise, and pollution. The main premise behind this trend is the ability of vegetation to dampen extremes of temperature and rainfall, which will become more unpredictable as climates change. To study the rainfall retention capacity of vegetated roofs, researchers at Virginia Tech have compared the runoff volumes flowing off three different depths of modular vegetated roofing systems to those flowing off a white reflective single-ply membrane roof. Results of this study demonstrated roofing systems to those flowing off a white reflective single-ply membrane roof. Results of this study demonstrated significant reductions in runoff in all the vegetated roof samples. Relationships among variable such as average temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and time between storms, and their effect on runoff reduction at the treatment platforms, were identified. Statistical analysis of the data has yielded a function relating these weather variables, with predictive capacity for future implementation of modular vegetated roofing systems. Armed with tools such as these, architects and roof consultants can better design buildings prepared to accommodate the evolving global climate.
Adventures in Radon and Moisture Mitigation
Grant, Elizabeth J. (2014-07-01)
Basement Whodunit
Grant, Elizabeth J. (2015-07-01)
The Value of Green Infrastructure on Vacant and Residential Land in Roanoke, Virginia
Kim, Gunwoo; Miller, Patrick A.; Nowak, David (MDPI, 2016-03-23)
Using the City of Roanoke, Virginia as a study site, this paper quantifies the forest structure, ecosystem services and values of vacant and residential land. Single family residential land had more trees (1,683,000) than vacant land (210,000) due largely to the differences in land area (32.44 km² of vacant land vs. 57.94 km² residential). While the percentage of tree coverage was almost identical across land uses (30.6% in vacant to 32.3% in residential), the number of trees per ha is greater on residential land (290.3) than on vacant land (63.4). The average healthy leaf surface area on individual trees growing on vacant land was greater than that of individual trees on residential land. The fact that trees in vacant land were found to provide more ecosystem services per tree than residential trees was attributed to this leaf area difference. Trees on vacant land are growing in more natural conditions and there are more large trees per ha. Assessing the forest structure and ecosystem services of Roanoke’s vacant and residential land provides a picture of the current extent and condition of the vacant and residential land. Understanding these characteristics provides the information needed for improved management and utilization of urban vacant land and estimating green infrastructure value.
Ladder chair
(United States Patent and Trademark Office, 2016-12-13)
A configurable furniture system and method are disclosed. The system and method include one or more panels, each of the panels having one or more working edges. One or more hinges successively connect the panels together at the working edges. The system is able to convert from a folded configuration into a functional configuration, which may be a chair, desk, lounge, table or stool.
The De Mestral Project: Using Macro Photo-journaling To Stimulate Interest In Bio-inspired Design And Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Disciplines
Kennedy, Brook S. (WIT Press, 2017)
Bio-inspired design (BID) and its many variants (biomimetics, biomimicry etc.) continues to be a promising innovation methodology in which practitioners from industry and academia search nature’s evolutionary diversity for meaningful design opportunities. However, despite BID’s potential to contribute greater value to society, it remains an obscure field. In this paper, we present a case demonstrating how a novel educational exercise could play an important role in advancing the field by stimulating student interest in BID and the more broadly associated Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields which drive it. Specifically, we discuss a cross-disciplinary university seminar that uses an experimental photo journaling exercise called the “de Mestral Project” which aims to recreate the successful invention process of Velcro by Engineer Georges de Mestral. This exercise cultivates observation skills, or the ability to look closer at the natural world as a foundation for uncovering new opportunities for design. Critical to the activity is the use of macro photography to help facilitate this discovery process. The outcome of this project has led to early stage BID concepts that have been explored more deeply in subsequent funded research efforts and in capstone Industrial Design studio projects. The development of the de Mestral project in ongoing; the purpose of this paper is to describe its methods and preliminary outcomes.
Doctoral Training for Practitioners: ADAPTr (Architecture, Design and Art Practice Research) a European Commission Marie Curie Initial Training Network
Stamm, Marcelo; Blythe, Richard (Bloomsbury Academic, 2017-01-01)
The aim of the European Union Marie Curie Initial Training Network Grant ‘Architecture Design and Art Practice research’ (ADAPTr) is to mobilise the adoption of a practice approach to doctoral research training, and enable seven European universities to: explore its applicability to their contexts; adopt this proven approach to doctoral training through the establishment of an open supervisory network; develop allied support resources; achieve substantial engagement of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in doctoral training; conduct research into this innovative approach (Blythe et al.,2013). The core feature of this approach to doctoral training is the premise that new knowledges are developed through certain kinds of creative practice (identified as ‘venturous’ ) from which research can be ‘extracted’. [1] ADAPTr provides a model that fills an internationally identified gap in postgraduate training. It involves reflection on an existing body of peer-acknowledged work and reflection during the production of new works produced concurrently with and informing the doctoral research. The works, processes and methods of the practice are placed in a broader disciplinary context which allows the research to be theorised from within the practice discipline and to clearly identify contributions to disciplinary knowledge. Thus, the research work of the PhD examines, and is also transformative of, the practice within which it is situated. This chapter will provide an overview of this approach to doctoral training with specific reference to ADAPTr and the grant’s key research work packages.
The influence of roof reflectivity on adjacent air and surface temperatures
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Black, Kenneth Allan; Werre, Stephen R. (2017-03-04)
An experimental study was conducted to answer questions about the thermal effects of roof reflectivity on the neighbouring built environment. Temperatures were recorded at the surface of black ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and white thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane overlay areas; in the air and at electrical metallic tubing (EMT) above them; and at opaque and glazed wall surfaces adjacent to them. The surface of the EPDM roof was significantly hotter than the TPO roof by 36°C and 26°C on two test dates. Air temperatures were 2°C higher above EPDM versus TPO up to 14 cm, with no significant differences above this height. Temperatures were 2°C higher at EMT above the TPO surface than above the EPDM. A precast concrete panel wall was 3°C to 5°C warmer adjacent to TPO versus EPDM. Exterior glazing surface temperatures were 2°C warmer adjacent to TPO versus EPDM.
Reflective Roofing Research: Influence of Roof Color on Adjacent Air and Surface Temperatures
Grant, Elizabeth J.; Black, Kenneth Allan; Werre, Stephen R. (2017-03-19)
An experimental study was conducted to answer questions about the thermal effects of roof reflectivity on the neighbouring built environment. Temperatures were recorded at the surface of black ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and white thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane overlay areas; in the air and at electrical metallic tubing (EMT) above them; and at opaque and glazed wall surfaces adjacent to them. The surface of the EPDM roof was significantly hotter than the TPO roof by 36°C and 26°C on two test dates. Air temperatures were 2°C higher above EPDM versus TPO up to 14 cm, with no significant differences above this height. Temperatures were 2°C higher at EMT above the TPO surface than above the EPDM. A precast concrete panel wall was 3°C to 5°C warmer adjacent to TPO versus EPDM. Exterior glazing surface temperatures were 2°C warmer adjacent to TPO versus EPDM.
Aiguablava Case study Stgilat Home
Ruiz Geli, Enrique (2018)
Aiguablava Case study Stgilat Home
Ruiz Geli, Enrique (2018)

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