Table Of ContentMODERN
ENVIRONMENTAL
DESIGN
A project primer for complex forms
ANDREW WATTS
Birkhäuser Newtecnic
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
01. Student accommodation 6 10. Residential tower 114
Environmental patterns of use Daylight and ventilation in mini-towers
02. Arthouse cinema 18 11. Residential building 126
Locally-based production and on-site Changing environmental controls
fabrication for fixed spatial arrangements
03. Research and development 30 12. Retail centre 138
facility Semi-tempered spaces as
Services-free internal space environments for public art
04. Research and development 42 13. Resort hotel 150
building Reducing the energy expended in
Adapting and moderating component replacement
the building in use
05. Industrial start-up building 54 14. Manufacturing building 162
The relationship between support Reuse and recycling of mechanical
space and activity space and electrical systems
06. University science teaching 66 15. Hotel 174
building Assembly sequence and
Zoning in environmental design on-site fabrication
07. Factory building 78 16. Manufacturing start-up 186
Envelope as environmental support facility
space and weather barrier Assembly, disassembly
and user manual
08. Residential Hotel 90 17. Research and development 198
Mass customisation for facility
environmental design Loose-fit construction for
environmental design
09. University arts building 102 18. University teaching 210
Daylighting and natural ventilation building
in gallery spaces Environmental design for
public space
Authorship and References 222
MED_ 2
INTRODUCTION
Examples of spatial and volumetric compositions used in projects, shown in low-relief. The compositions illustrate the use of overlaid volumes and spaces.
The example compositions shown here are independent of the strategies for environment, structure and spatial arrangements described for each project.
The compositions are independent of scale; being used across the full range of design tasks, from masterplanning to facade design and internal volumes.
Themes explored in this book The projects in this book allow greater controlled daylight into interior
This book sets out 18 building design primers which explore the spaces by reducing the depth of floor plates below that of what might
following themes: be expected. This approach aims to provide a well-lit space adjacent to
• Greater levels of controlled daylight to interior spaces by reducing a window; while increasing the area of façade, the aim is to reduce the
depth of floor plates. energy consumption of electrical lighting of the building in use.
• Controlled admission of sunlight to activity spaces. Controlled admission of sunlight to activity spaces allows daylight to
• Open floor plates which suit natural cross ventilation. be drawn in through parts of the external envelope, such as at floor
• Services as active controls positioned near their point of use, including level. The exclusion of all direct sunlight can lead to a loss of light and
facade zones. shade in internal spaces.
• Open spaces between blocks, linked by bridges. The projects described have open floor plates which suit natural
The introductory texts to each project set out a specific theme which cross ventilation. These spaces are unobstructed by the need for
has been applied to the project. The principles of environments within services or internal circulation to occupy activity spaces. Ventilation
buildings are explored through a specific text at the beginning of each ducts and associated equipment can be accommodated within facade
project. The environmental controls described in this book are set zones.
either within the facade zone or within a specific 'support space' within Services as active controls are positioned near their point of use,
each building. These controls aim to reduce energy consumption both including facade zones. This approach is an alternative to grouping
during the construction and operation of buildings. services in areas which are remote from the main spaces. Servicing
MED_ 3
INTRODUCTION continued
Project 09. University arts building
Site context
Option 1 Option 1
has a group of Red spaces are
three galler- highly tem-
ies that house pered but are
the collection reduced to two
of paintings, galleries only.
sculptures and
drawings.
1. Site plan with surrounding context 1. Figure-ground diagram of tempered environment
Option 2 Option 2
redistributes Orange spaces
the volumes in are less tem-
order to accom- pered than red
modate more spaces but are
1. Project volume in site context 2. Project volume in site context spcauinlpttinugrse sr; elat- 1. Perspective view of environme2nt. aPle vrsolpuemcteisve view of environmental volumes mthoarne vteiomlepte red
ing to the spaces.
sculptures are
exhibited along-
side them.
2. Site plan with surrounding context 2. Figure-ground diagram of tempered environment
Option 3 Option 3
compresses and Violet spaces
combines spa- are used to sur-
tial elements, round the more
such that the tempered red
building foot- spaces.
print is smaller
than the other
options.
3. Site plan with surrounding context 3. Figure-ground diagram of tempered environment
PAronje cet x0a9.m Unpivelers iltay ayrotsu btui ldoinfg a strategy for site context
Spatial arrangement and internal circulation
Site context externally. For both Options 1 and 2, an external space is created by two open park spaces that provide a well-used public amenity. The addi- tially cantilevered ends of the galleries are visually disengaged from the
This project is for an art gallery and art exhibition building which focus- external walls on its three sides; a link is formed between all three inter- tion of external space around the building is one that strengthens this building in order to add to the sense of visual lightness while also creat-
es on the display of large-scale sculptures. Exhibits can be viewed from nal spaces and the outside space such that, for exhibSiptioant,i aslc ulptures local amenity by linking the two adjacent parks visually, so that visitors ing views through the building, from park to park. The vIisnutael rlingahlt ness
outside the building by day, and during hours of darkness from below, can be linked visually from inside to outside as part aorf rtahneg esmamenet set can look through the open spaces at ground floor level. Views through of the complete composition is achieved by both the sepcairrcautliaotni oonf the
through a glass deck set at the projecting upper floor level. The upper of artworks exhibited. Option 3 compresses and comObpinteiosn t1h ese ele- the building allow the outdoor spaces to be seen together. The volumes constituent spatial forms and their juxtaposition. Each Ogapllteiroyn v1o lume
level provides views onto sculptures beneath, which are set externally. ments, such that the building footprint is smaller and tphreo veixdteesr neanlt erxyh i- of the building are mostly set at an upper level in order to create those is articulated visually within an overall form to suggest ptrhoavt idwehsi lee ntthrey
The upper level accommodates additional exhibition areas to form a bition spaces are accommodated underneath cantitleov einrteedr iovro luspmaecs- views which were closed off by the previous small-scale buildings that urban forms appear to have been constructed as a sintgole t fhoer mbu, itldh-ey
link with those exhibited externally at ground level. The brief/program from the upper floors, leaving a small sculpture courettsh oefn rt otwmhoe o sngtera ooiurf n d inhabited the site. The new gallery forms correspond to the scale of are lightly separated but not separated to the point wibhneegtr ewa tee eatnch hte hvlieon kl-
requires the internal exhibition spaces to be mechanically ventilated at floor. This arrangement completes the rectangular lfionrkms wchreicaht ecdo nb-y adjacent buildings, but create visual drama as a result of these volumes ume might appear to be disengaged from its neighbourintgw foo rlamrg, werh ich
the upper level and naturally ventilated at the lower level. the L-shaped cantilevered volumes, which extend ovenre cttw ot htea llm flaoionr s. being partially cantilevered and partly supported on staircases. Each of would have made the building appear to be a temporarby laocdkdsit iaonnd. Tphreo-
The site context for Option 1 is of a group of three galleries that house A primary advantage of Option 3 is that taller spaces vcoalunm bees p.rovided; the three gallery forms has horizontal glazed slots introduced into the articulation of each of the three galleries is countered by cae esdeinnsge a olof nthge
the collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings. The three galleries spaces for exhibitions are arranged in a more compaOcpt tainond 2ec onomi- top edges of the facades to introduce both daylight and electrical light permanence of linking volumes closely. the gallery.
are grouped in a way that creates a route through the building as a cir- cal manner than is the case with the first two options.p ositions the into the interior spaces. The design has a high level of opaque facades, which is Ounputsiouna l2 in this
cuit around the art gallery. Option 2 redistributes the volumes in order The building is located in a mostly residential area withcinir cau dlaetnisone urorubtaen The juxtaposed forms that comprise the art gallery are given visual neighbourhood. The building compensates for its lack oref ovrisieunatl aotpeesn -
to accommodate more sculptures; paintings relating to the sculptures environment; the building sits among commercial buildtoinone ge sex tnaedtn todhf e ft rehodmeg e refinements in order to make the volumes appear visually lighter; cham- ness by creating open spaces at ground floor level thattv haolpeu pmbeueaislrd sitnuogc bh e
are exhibited alongside them. Elsewhere, the drawing collection is of that residential area. Buildings that surround thisb guaildlleinrgy taor et hoef a fers are introduced at the edges in order to reduce the perception of within the envelope of the building. The propped cantiletvhearte da scpiraccueits
accommodated in the smaller block; larger sculptures are exhibited similar height. The context of the site is a corner ploot tsheet ra.djacent to their mass. The staircase enclosure that provides the prop for the par- form a continuity with the spaces above. is formed by
1. Sectional perspective view 1. Perspective view of interior three narrow
MED_ 104 2. Sectional perspective view 2. Perspective view of interior galleMriEeDs._ 105
Option 3 Option 3
provides a superimposes
circuit-based additional ele-
route. ments; a cir-
cular route is
created inside
the building.
An example layout of a strategy for spatial arrangement and internal circulation
Spatial arrangement by way of a bridge which links the stair with the entrance doors. The Internal circulation lery is also an exhibition space, as shown in blue. The entrance space
The general spatial arrangement is to have two propped cantilevered spatial arrangement of Option 1 is to enter the interior spaces from The circulation around the building is complemented by views across has an adjacent landscaping area outside its more rectangular space
blocks extending out from the main body of the building. Staircase one of the two stair links which connect the three main volumes at the site at ground level which form a triangle of lines of sight through which is also useful. The exhibition is an arrangment of sculptures out-
structures provide additional support down to the ground level. the main entrance. The link between the two larger volumes is used each of the sculpture courts. These 'visual' routes through the site are side. Option 2 takes the externally located sculpture space and pro-
The main frame is formed in reinforced concrete, and accommodates for specific small-scale exhibitions in addition to its role as circulation complemented by the circulation routes both around and within the vides more space in a single area by reorienting the building volumes
intermediary floors inserted into it. Long slot vents admit daylight and space. The movement of visitors to the building is arranged as a route building. such that a circuit is formed by three narrow galleries that provide a
air into the galleries above the ground floor exhibition spaces. The around the site. In Option 2, the three volumes are arranged such that The internal circulation for Option 1 is based on a circuit; entering the prominent view from the entrance; set between the two larger build-
level above that of the roof is an entirely enclosed space with portal the circulation route extends from one end to the building to the other; building at the link between the two larger blocks and proceeding along ings, extending to the end of the gallery through a glazed wall to the
efraqmeus iepxpamndineg nthet fuilsl w idsthe otf t hoe ubuitldsingi.d Theer et ish ae sp isnep coarec ee nwterihnge thre belu ep cirocuslatsioni bsplaece sihnow on inr tdhee diarg ratmo, b eetwneehn tahen ce intethren gaallelr y, incto iwrhcichu elxahibtitiioon snpa,c es earen avccierssoedn. Tmhe ceircnuitt-, scsulptturreu cocurtt uberyoned. Froam nthids v iewptoyintp thiec viasitolr canb tuarny bsac.k
going down the centre of the arrangement, adjacent to the cantilever two larger blocks and circulating down into the smaller exhibition space based circulation allows visitors to move around the building in the around the sculptures towards the main entrance through a second
novearhtanugsr: tahel cvanetilenvetr ielxatetndiso onut ,t od thae oythliegr ehndt o fa thne bduil dsingo lacorn tcainoingn drtarwiongls. o Tr shpeceific p exohibsitiointsi oat nthei nothger eondf osf thee rbuvildi-ces Eacohpp opsiter doirejcetiocn, tas wdelel asm proovidnings atccresas ttoe sesco ndbaruy sipladceisn fogr s scoulpft urce ocoumrt. Tphilse coxur t flionksr bmack inwto thhei cenhtra ncce aarnea. Obptieon
where it drops down to the ground to form an enclosure for a stair and ing. A route is arranged across the sculpture court where there is an administration, the cloakroom and washrooms. The main gallery space 3 comprises this same arrangement as Option 2, but superimposes
lift/elevator. On one of the cantilevered ends the structural supports inner exhibition court and an outer court, adjacent to the block near the can be entered from the area shown in blue in the diagram for Option additional elements; a circular route is created inside the building with
eencqlouse iap stmoragee snpatc,e fsore thte yacrdl obeysoned. to their pointe notrafn cue. sOpetio nb 3 uprotv idwes ait chircuinit-b aased srouetep, suachr tahatt tehe sspapceas ce, con1s. Vtirsituorsc ctane edxit thfisr sopamce d irecctoly omutsidme toe thre cexitearnlally s cualptvurae ilaviebwsle ou t isntoy tshet eextemrnals sc.u lpTturhe ceou rtt. Tehixs cto urfto carn bee acacecsshed
Access to the building is through an inclined glazed entrance facade are of similar size but are set one on top of the other in order to provide court; re-entering the building by way of the small drawings gallery at before entering the building by stepping under the cantilevered areas
aat lthloe fiwrst sup pcerl elevael; rre afclhoedo byr ta pkinlga ant eextser ntaloly l obcaeted cstarire ora tea cdirc.u iDt roeutes friogmn spsac et tho sapatce w, alloowiungl tdhe shcualptvuree c oruertsq tou bei red straotnee engd yof thae ismculpstur et coour ti. lFlruoms thterrea a tseeco ntdahrye linmk forem stak efsr oamnd w aalkisngs inoto ctheia extteerndal scsultptrurae ctoeurgt; ai eforsm tfhoat rco mtphletees
lift/elevator, in order to enter the building through the glazed opening set beneath the two cantilevered volumes. visitors back into the corridor and into the gallery spaces. The long gal- the overall rectangular footprint of the building.
deep floor plates are divided into two or more constituent parts or same project; strategies are not 'siloed'. The general principles of these
MED_ 106 MED_ 107
‘blocks’. These buildings are set out with open spaces between blocks, systems are set out in the Modern Construction Handbook (Birkhäuser,
linked by bridges which may be usable space in a building or could 2019) and Modern Construction Envelopes (Birkhäuser, 2019).
form circulation routes only. The spaces between adjacent blocks are These two books show how a technical understanding of systems
external where possible in order to allow cross ventilation of the blocks. can contribute to the creation of internal spaces and external forms,
together with an environmental design which reduces – as much as
Strategies for building design at an early stage of a project possible – the energy consumption of buildings and well as the energy
This primer for building design projects, like its companion volume used in their construction. A reduced energy consumption includes
Modern Structural Design, sets out design strategies used in example an ability to recycle and reuse components and assemblies used in
buildings which have been designed by Newtecnic. The designs are the construction of the building; this approach can result in building
theoretical versions, or generalised versions, of projects designed by forms which look different from their predecessors as a result of the
Newtecnic. Strategies have been used in the early stages of the opportunities presented by construction technologies. This design
designs shown in this book: site context, spatial arrangement, approach does not begin from the point of view of providing technical
MED_ 4
Project 09. University arts building
Environmental strategy
Daylight strat- Environmental
egy for direct zones
sunlight and Option 1
cross-ventila- has the circula-
tion. tion spaces and
Option 1 administration
admits daylight spaces within a
and air at the single environ-
edges of each mental zone.
space. Option 2
Option 2 uses the violet
admits daylight environmental
and air in cir- zones, shown in
culation spaces the diagram,
and at the for circulation
edges of each and as an envi-
space. ronmental zone.
1A. Isometric view of environmental volumes 2A. Isometric view of environmental volumes
1B. Isometric view of environmental volumes 2B. Isometric view of environmental volumes
Daylight strat- Environmental
egy for direct zones
sunlight and Option 3
cross-ventila- regroups envi-
tion. ronmental zones
Option 3 from Option
admits daylight 2 and stacks
and air in sup- them one above
port spaces and the other.
at the edges of
each space.
An example layout of a strategy for environmental design
Project 09. University arts building
StErnuvcirtounrmale snttraal tsetrgaytegy The lighting within the building is continued outside, with an arrange- released from floor grilles. Radiant heat is provided from the floor at which are susceptible to moisture movement. External spaces are a
The environmental strategy is one of introducing an environmental grid ment of electrical lighting fixtures that are either set into the ground the base of the cuboid space. key part of the environmental strategy, with shading from the effects of
across each of the three blocks. Each environmental grid is independ- to form strips of light or are supported on posts set 3.0 metres above Heating or cooling energy is delivered to concrete spaces slowly as the sun being provided during the day; a key requirement for the display
ent of its neighbouring grid. Unlike a structural grid, this grid is not ground level. Both sources of light illuminate sculptures during hours of a result of that energy being absorbed by the structSutrreu cittsuerlfa, l then of some sculptures during summer months. Structural
required to form a continuity from block to block or from floor to floor. darkness; the lighting also serves to indicate paths through the external released over a 24-hour cycle into the interior spacess. tTrhaetire gtyh:e rmal Option 2 uses the violet environmental zones, shown in thset draiatgergaym: , for
The environmental grid is based on a grid of light; an arrangement of display areas. The light fittings set at ground level also gently illuminate mass makes them suitable for night-time cooling at timeZso noef syear when circulation and as an environmental zone, with the two smFarallemri nvogl umes
slots for both daylight and electrical light. A key environmental theme is the underside of the canopy formed by the partially cantileved building the air temperature at night is sufficiently cool. SpaceOhsap sta iato nrs ot1o rfu cletvuerl- forming individual zones with their own environmental coOenntpcrtlooilso senys 1s t tehme s.
the slots of light introduced into the gallery spaces and small areas of forms; this lighting also illuminates the low relief of the facades in areas are mechanically ventilated but also benefit from nataulr garl idve onft iblaetaiomn s The large block has a single environmental control sysctoerme . sTphaec ense axnt d
glazing introduced on the facades in circulation areas to provide views which do not compete visually with the sculpture display. The slots at through the rooflights, where air can enter and leave thaen sdp caocluem frnese ly. largest block has a mixed system with a high level of contdroivl iodnin ogn sep saidcee
down to the sculpture court at ground level. high level that introduce daylight and fresh air are also gently illumi- A key aspect of the environmental design is to createt hsapta cceresa wtehsic h of the gallery (shown in orange) and an area with a reduincteod sdeetgsr eoef of
The ground floor block is side-lit at the top of the space and at one end- nated; these light sources replace the need for adjacent street lighting. have stable conditions of temperature and humidity fosrix wboarykss w oitf hairnt control on the other side of the gallery, with fewer air chaanpgaerst pmeern htosu.r
office of the block in order that the three constituent parts of the build- The environmental strategy is based on the provision of low-energy heat such as drawings, paintings and sculptures to be exhibieteadch. volume. and more temperature fluctuations permitted. Option 2
ing have a very different experience of daylight within them. All three sources used to control temperature in the concrete-lined spaces, and The environmental strategy for Option 1 is to have Othpet iocnir 2cu lation Option 3 regroups those environmental zones from hOapst iotnh e2 t waon d
spaces are designed to have natural ventilation at different times of heated or cooled mechanical ventilation in spaces for circulation and spaces and administration spaces within a single envirrOoenpcmtonieofnnig t1au lrw zeiostn he , stacks them one above the other. The environmental zolwinnhek i cfbohlro j cotkhinse , t chire-
day which are fan assisted with filtered air drawn across each volume support functions such as administration offices. The concrete box-like where they require relatively few air changes per hour.l aEragcehr -lasrcgaele gal- culation route circuit around the building forms part otf htrheee vbololucmkse, s
and into the circulation spaces. Staircases and support spaces are ven- forms which cantilever out from the building use a low-speed distribu- lery space has its own environmental zone that controslst rthuect tuermalp bearays-. adjacent to the facades, creating a thermal buffer zonea sb eintdweepeenn dtehnet
tilated separately. tion of air supplied through plenum floors; cooling or heating energy is ture and humidity of the paintings and sculptures exhibited, some of main exhibition spaces and the external walls. structures.
1A. IsomMetErDic_ v1ie0w8 of structure 2A. Isometric view of structure MED_ 109
1B. Isometric view of structure 2B. Isometric view of structure
Structural Structural
strategy: Zones strategy: Zones
Option 3 Option 3
combines ele- creates an
ments of external space
Option 2 by for sculpture
stacking them exhibitions
together and beneath canti-
creating a can- levers on the
tilevered upper ground floor.
floor level.
An example layout of a strategy for structural design
Structural strategy Structurally the building comprises a set of reinforced concrete load- The long consoles are made from reinforced concrete; the inclined created as external forms in their own right, such that the two links and
The structural strategy is based on setting volumes of open gallery bearing boxes and frames; clad externally with GFRC panels in some wall is a system of glass captured on four sides, with a large opening the three gallery blocks are articulated as urban forms; a set of smaller
space at an upper level which are supported as propped cantilevers. locations, and with reinforced concrete ‘sandwich’ walls in other areas. for the entrance doors. Visitors walk up the stairs into the mezzanine elements over a single storey with a tall gallery space inside each.
The structure is formed as a reinforced concrete frame, providing a The sandwich walls have their smooth, reinforced concrete finish, space that overlooks the main cuboid space; they are greeted at this Option 2 reconfigures that form and has larger-scale structural bays
compatible support for large-sized external wall panels. These non-load- exposed externally. The concrete structure is revealed on the inside; level and then carry on up the steps to the cloakrooms at the top level. to create two structural bays in the smaller volume, four structural
bearing concrete-based cladding panels reduce the weight of the struc- the roof structure is also formed in concrete, with a triangular grid on From there, the journey down the ramp within the space begins; down bays in the larger volume and a single bay for the smallest of the three
ture, allowing the propped cantilever walls to remain economical. The a space frame forming a diamond shape, providing two-way spanning towards the double-height volume at ground floor level that projects volumes. Again, the two link blocks, which join the three blocks, are
structure forms a set of spaces within the building which are linked, but beams with a concrete slab set on top of this grid. The smaller propped out from the main body of the building. This ground floor space is con- independent structures, providing a set of five structures of both large
swhoichl ucretaitoe snemsi-e xttehrnaal stpa ceesn usaedb forl ethe enxhoibitvioen olf scbuluptuirleds incgan tifleoverremd elesme ntt ois a lsbo feorm erde in arelinifsorecedd c,o ncbreute,t th ei nforsm tofe ad Dessitrgucnted sas ta rreainfotrceedg coinecrsete frame with a non-loadbearing facade scale and small scale.
and which create a visual lightness; the absence of concrete walls and which is revealed on the facade; the structure of that form is revealed of GFRC panels. Daylight, both direct and reflected, is admitted through Option 3 combines these elements by stacking them together and
the introduction of propped cantilevers provides views between the two on the inside. horizontally slotted openings in the reinforced concrete walls. creating a cantilevered upper floor level which is supported on props,
uadjsaceenst p artkse. chnologies to create spacIneter natllhy, crircouluatiogn hram pes, nforvmierd oasn brmidgee stnructtu, ress, atrre usetc inttou re, TheT ehe nstrvucitruroal nstrmategey fnor tOpatioln s 1 tisr ofa a stterucgtuyra l ignridt oef bgearmsa atnde sc irseastinug aen sex tferrnoal mspac et hfore s coulpttuhree exrh ibsitiotnrs aont etheg gireousnd
As seen from outside the building, the structural frame is not visible as the upper cantilevered space that sits on top of the consoles. The roof columns that creates six bays within the larger volume, and six bays floor; spaces which are sheltered from the worst effects of the sun and
eit isx ctoencreanleda ble hiendn thve efaclaodep paenesls aandn thderm ianlly tinesulratneda wal ll. enstvruectulroe pis seupspo rtoedf b y sthep reaincforecesd c.o nAcre tek beox ybe naeasth;p exetencd-t of to cwritehina stmeall ear vnolu meea; thre ltyhi-rsd vtoalumge ebe indg ea bsoxi-gliken fo rwm hwitihcouht inrafino. Brotmh casnti letvehreed v oslupmeas atriea sulp paorntedd o ns sttrurcuturcest euncrlosaingl
Seen from inside the building, the internal face of columns and beams ing to the edges of the reinforced concrete box. The cantilevered por- columns needed to support the roof slab. The two link buildings are staircases. All three options are envisaged to be formed in reinforced
tofh thies r eidnfoercsedi gconncr eate pfrapmer aorea vicsibhle; tihse intteorn ail nfactee ofg thre atteion oifn thtee rorof nvoaluml e wis caonlslt rufcitnedi fsrohm ethes s amwe ilotahd-b eearxingt seysr-nal desiingdenpe.n deTnth steruc teurens vwhiircho senpamratee thne tthareel mdaine bslocikgs; neac hc isa nc onpcraeter int olyrd erd foer ptaertsr ofm the icnonestr utcthione to bae mpapder visoibale; octhher
external wall is aligned with that of the columns and beams. tem as the other propped-cantilever box-like structures. a separate structure. This approach allows for the link buildings to be parts are clad in GFRC, enclosing the building with a single material.
eMEnD_v 1e10lopes; deploying construction technologies used for environmental taken to both structural and envelope design. The strategies for eMEaD_c 1h11
design and for structural design. of the projects draw general principles from each aspect of the building
The design strategies shown in this book focus on buildability, the design and do not set out the specific conditions of any project, nor
energy consumption of the building when in use, and how well the does the text elaborate on the specific layouts or construction systems
building fits within the surrounding cityscape or landscape. The project chosen. Instead, general principles and wider issues within each design
examples illustrate outputs an early stage of a building design; how draw together information of interest to the reader.
the environmental strategy might respond to the other strategies
of spatial arrangement, internal circulation, structure and typical Qualifying comments
bay design, which are specific to the project. Each building design is The information set out in this book is intended to be a source of
explored through three options for each of the key aspects of early general information, not for specific application to any project. This
stage building design. An objective of each strategy is to optimise the book does not necessarily endorse or justify the strategies set out,
materials used in the construction of a building and to optimise the since techniques and priorities in building design are in a continual
energy required to operate the building when in use. state of change and development.
MED_ 5
Project 01. Student accommodation
Approach to environmental design
1. Perspective view of exterior
2. Perspective view of exterior
Environmental patterns of use cent spaces may be serviced very differently at the same times of day.
This building is required to be naturally ventilated for part of the time; The support spaces in this building are primarily rooms for air-handling
mechanical ventilation and air conditioning are used to create a mixed- units and boilers at roof level, together with washrooms, lifts/eleva-
mode method of ventilation which provides the benefits of both fresh tors and stairs set into cores. These service spaces require a level of
air and the benefits of a tempered environment in different spaces at environmental control which is not as closely controlled as that of the
the same time. activity spaces; natural ventilation is used more frequently than is the
This approach is realised with the use of environmental zoning within case for activity spaces.
the building. Spaces are grouped in accordance with their frequency of Activity spaces fulfil the functions that they are specifically created to
occupation, size and the numbers of people using those spaces. Each provide, being served by equipment from adjacent support spaces.
environmental zone, comprising either a group of spaces or a single There is a clear differentiation between the geometry and arrange-
large space, is connected by a set of mechanical and electrical services ments of support spaces, with their pared-down simplicity, and the vari-
installations; arranged in grouped packages. This system is distributed ety of forms used for activity space. Support spaces use the minimum
around the building, such that the distance between the spaces being arrangement required for moving around the building and for supplying
serviced and the equipment that services those spaces is as short as mechanical and electrical services to the different geometries of activ-
possible. A key aim is to reduce inefficiencies in the use of energy by ity spaces.
optimising the energy requirement for individual spaces, reducing the This approach is different from that of providing highly temperature-
need for ducts and electrical supply routes as much as possible. Adja- controlled circulation spaces and washrooms. Instead, support spac-
MED_ 6
3. Perspective view of exterior
4. Perspective view of exterior
es are arranged with a geometrical simplicity that allows them to be manual through the use of the interactive program, which is essentially
arranged efficiently. As a result of circulation and activity space being a program administered by each team within the building. The software
separated, staircases, corridors and lifts/elevators form a part of sup- program continuously updates itself through both current and historic
port spaces rather than being set within primary spaces in order to patterns of use. This method ensures that the interiors of buildings
allow activity spaces to be completely open floor plates. In support of remain both welcoming and efficient in their optimisation of tempera-
this approach to spatial arrangement is the introduction of the 'user ture control and in the use of electrical light. The user manual aims to
manual' that records 'patterns of use' of the environmental control sys- provide an evolving set of information that is connected directly to the
tems. The requirements for heating, cooling, ventilation, solar control building management system.
and electrical light is recorded in a manual through the use of an inter- An approach to the environmental design of this project was to devel-
active program where building's patterns of use can be documented. op an integrated strategy of reducing energy consumption by following
The environmental control system can respond to the use and frequen- patterns of energy use, and looking at how those patterns could allow
cy of ventilation; adjusting itself to suit the way the building is used. the building to reduce its own energy consumption without the need
The building 'learns' from its own patterns of use, allowing each space for the individual user or groups of users to determine which lights are
to be serviced efficiently. For example, spaces can be ventilated turned on or off; which rooms are ventilated and at what times of day.
mechanically or naturally, and be illuminated electrically or naturally in Patterns of use of environmental control systems become part of a
response not only to movement around the building but also to pat- 'learning' process communicated through the user manual.
terns of use within the building. Information is collected in the user
MED_ 7
Project 01. Student accommodation
Site context
Option 1
arranges the
building as two
main blocks
which are sepa-
rated by a ser-
vice core in the
middle as well
as at each end.
1. Site plan with surrounding context
Option 2
widens the cen-
tral circulation
space in order
to add the
1. Project volume in site context
functions of the
2. Project volume in site context
main entrance
to the college
at ground floor
level.
2. Site plan with surrounding context
Option 3
arranges the
building as two
larger blocks
with communal
spaces on the
ground floor and
accommodation
above.
3. Site plan with surrounding context
Site context units, and as apartments rather than as individual study bedrooms,
This student residence project requires a large number of students to provides a sense of community to these student rooms spaces that
be accommodated over three floors and comprises a library, a dining a semi-high-rise building, or a series of stacked spaces over 10 floors,
hall, an amenities space and student rooms. might not have achieved. The approach also has the benefit of retain-
The brief/program for this project is for a collegiate environment, ing existing buildings, rather than demolishing serviceable structures.
arranged over several floors on one part of a site currently occupied Option 1 arranges the building as two main blocks which are separat-
by an educational building that was no longer in use. The brief/pro- ed by a service core in the middle as well as at each end. The main
gram evolved in a way that avoided the need to demolish the existing entrance is set at the corner of the site with a space in front to allow
building by integrating it into the new development. This approach led for people to gather and to meet those who are entering or leaving the
to a design that avoided stacking new floors of accommodation over building.
multiple levels in a semi-high-rise solution. Instead, the accommodation The two main blocks have student accommodation on the upper floors
is arranged over four floors as three separate blocks, with a library and and common spaces on the ground floor. The blocks are arranged as
common room block arranged in a linear arrangement of connected a continuous rectilinear form with recesses in the volumetric massing.
forms that sits adjacent to the existing building, creating courtyards The three circulation zones also accommodate service zones; these
between the new and old buildings. A series of connected spaces is are recessed in relation to the two main blocks in order to signal the
created that can be walked through, from end to end and up and down 'linking' role of the external forms that accommodate circulation within
three floors. The breaking down of the accommodation into smaller the context of the site. The entrance 'block' sits apart from the two
MED_ 8
Option 1
Dark green
spaces are
highly tem-
pered but
are limited to
accommodation
volumes only.
1. Figure-ground diagram of tempered environment
Option 2
Dark blue
spaces are less
tempered than
dark green
1. Perspective view of environmental volumes
spaces but are
2. Perspective view of environmental volumes
more tempered
than light
blue circulation
space.
2. Figure-ground diagram of tempered environment
Option 3
Light blue
spaces are the
least tempered
spaces. these
spaces inter-
face directly
with external
space.
3. Figure-ground diagram of tempered environment
main blocks, which provides a reception space on the ground floor, with moved further away from the street, projecting into the space between
the dining room and meeting hall and library arranged on the upper the new building and the existing building. The parts of the building fac-
floors. Option 2 widens the central circulation space in order to add ing the existing building now create a set of three courtyards such that
the functions of the main entrance to the college at ground floor level. the external walls of the existing building that face the new part of the
The three main blocks are aligned with one another; the smaller corner college become walls to a courtyard instead of being walls enclosing a
block which is recessed from the street in Option 1 is now pushed back light well.
further towards the adjoining building. The main change from Option1 Option 3 sets the primary parts of the building as two larger blocks with
is of moving the entrance to the link between the two buildings, and to communal spaces on the ground floor and accommodation above. In
have a secondary entrance on the street which forms a small external this option the central space is recessed, both from the street side and
space. The college has a larger reception space and corresponding from the adjoining side, in order to create a more comfortable link with
larger dining room within the central space, which also contains circu- the existing buildings behind, which can be accessed from the link. The
lation space that was previously occupied by the more slender circula- smaller corner library block is as per Option 2.
tion zone of Option 1. In Option 2, the smaller corner block of Option In Option 3 the main entrance is further recessed in order to provide
1 and one of its service zones are integrated into the central block of the space for gathering. A secondary entrance is accommodated at
this option. The smaller corner block becomes a larger library which the corner of the site from the street into the first block. The library
is accessed from the enclosed 'college side' space into the library. entrance is still from the shared space between buildings; a corner
This entrance is made visually significant as a result of the block being block on the street which forms a 'pivot' between adjacent streets.
MED_ 9
Project 01. Student accommodation
Spatial arrangement and internal circulation
Spatial
arrangement
Option 1
arranges the
building as two
blocks separat-
ed by a service
core in the mid-
dle as well as
at each end.
Option 2
widens the cen-
tral circulation
space in order
to add the
functions of the
main entrance
1. Sectional perspective view at ground floor
2. Sectional perspective view level.
Option 3
arranges the
building as two
larger blocks
with communal
spaces on the
ground floor and
accommodation
above.
Spatial arrangement metric integration with the outdoor spaces. The library is set at one end
A primary consideration of the overall arrangement is to provide a set of the site, forming a volume which encloses the end of the courtyard
of courtyard spaces between the existing building and the new building. spaces. The entrance to the building is set where the new building is
The existing building is recessed from the street and does not have set at its closest point to the existing external walls; existing and new
a clear visual expression as a result. The new building is set on what building touch at this point. Staircases and lifts/elevators are set into
was previously a row of small buildings; the relationship with the exist- the void between the two sets of forms. Externally, the courtyards and
ing building was one of integrating the new with the existing. The exist- garden space continue beneath the staircase as part of the uninter-
ing building has two projecting bays which are used to create court- rupted set of outdoor rooms and links between them.
yards between them. The volumes that face these external rooms are The constituent forms of the building that address the courtyards are
arranged in a way that turns the space between the new and old build- the same as those that face the street; the visual rhythm of these forms
ings into external spaces in their own right. These external spaces form is determined by the courtyard elevations on the opposite side of the
a sequence of outdoor rooms that extend the length of the building. building; rooms that look both onto the street and into the courtyards.
Each constituent form of the new building is designed to geometrically Each room is accessed from a single core and staircase without cor-
address its own courtyard. The arrangement of student rooms follows ridors; the advantage of this arrangement is that students can share
this principle. Since most rooms are the same in size, the division of a suite of rooms from a single point of access. Every set of rooms is
rooms into building forms which address the courtyard provides the accessed directly from a staircase. The central court has an adjacent
ability to create a specific identity for each block, based on a close geo- dining hall; students are not expected to cross the campus to the main
MED_ 10
