Building Science 1

Project 1 CASE STUDY: Identifying Innovative Passive Design Strategies

In a group of 6, we have choose a building in Malaysia which is the GTower in Kuala Lumpur and the Nanyang Technology University School of Arts, Design and Media in Singapore. We have to do a thorough research on the passive design strategies to perform best in tropical climate and to achieve thermal comfort specifically on the two buildings. We have to explain how the thermal environment of the case study is affected by the natural and man-made factors. The research has to include:

a. Building Introduction (images, pictures, diagrams, drawings and description)
b. Thermal Analysis; basically means using a manual calculation or computer program to mathematically model the interplay of thermal processes within a building
c. Wind Analysis; Airflow and air quality is an important aspect of human comfort. Moving air helps people feel cooler, and natural ventilation is a key strategy for passive cooling.
d. Sun Analysis; analyzing the impact of the sun on a site, as well as the building’s location, the spatial arrangement, orientation, window placement, daylight access and other design features, the designer can take full advantage of passive solar design features and increase the energy efficiency and comfort of the building.
e. Concept and analysis of building’s passive design strategies. Highlight the 2 passive design features used in each building and elaborate the effect and importance of it.


Here are the reports on the two buildings:

Reflection:
I learn how to identify the environmental conditions related to the site conditions and the climate. We have collected data of the wind, sun path, and other related information to aid us in relating the passive designs. I have further understanding how the passive designs work based on real life examples and will be able to apply them in the future. I also have learned that the distribution of task and time management are important in doing this project well. Lastly, I can identify other green buildings that are well-known in Malaysia and Singapore.