KANIKA ARORA, LEED AP BD+CMaster in Design Studies: Energy and EnvironmentsHarvard University Graduate School of Design 2015

‘ ‘ I bel ieve that the average guy in the st reet wi l l g ive up a great deal, i f he real ly understands the cost of not g iv ing i t up. In fact, we may f ind that, whi le we’ re drast ical ly cut t ing our energy

consumpt ion, we’ re actual ly ra is ing our s tandard of l iv ing. ’ ’ - David Brower, Co-Founder S ier ra Club

Table of contents

Academic Projects

20 Sumner

Gund Hal l Facade

Vis i tor Center

Competit ion Projects

NESEA en+ Holyoke

Affordable Hous ing

Urban Agr icul ture

Green Cubes

Professional Projects

RAAS Hotel

RMX JOSS Factor y

Vocat ional Tra in ing Center

Facade Des ign

LEED Analys is

Fabr icat ion

Volunteer

Value Engineer ing

Cl imate Analys is

Const ruct ion Super v is ion

Dayl ight ing S imulat ions

Pro ject Management

Financial Model ing

Thermal S imulat ion

Natural Vent i lat ion S imulat ion

S i te P lanning

Renovat ion

en+ Holyoke, Residential BuildingNortheast Sustainability Energy Association (NESEA)Net-Zero Design Competition 2014Awarded First Prize (Team of four)

Location: South Holyoke, MA, USAArea: 22,500 sqm.My Role in the Project:

I was involved in the project from the conceptual planning phase and actively participated in the discussion on design strategies. I was also responsible for ther-mal, and daylighting simulations and hand calculations for water harvesting.

To create a comprehensive design solution for the site, three fundamental prin-ciples were identified which helped the team in decision making process through out the design development and analysis phase. The principles were established in resonance with South Holyoke revitalization plan.

• Net Positive energy (en+): By fusing climate responsive passive and active envi-ronmental control strategies, a net positive energy building is achieved which includes elements that promo te non-motorized mobility and a healthy social environment for occupants and visitors. To achieve this target, energy use reduc-tion and optimization became central components of the design process from an early stage and later on-site renewable energy generation helped the final design to go beyond net zero energy and achieve net positive energy status. The excess energy is then connected back to the grid and shared with neighboring buildings.

• Mixed-Use Residential Development: A combination of residential units on the upper floors and commercial units at the street level respond to the guidelines provided by the South Holyoke Revitalization Strategy and Urban Renewal Plan. The design and placement of each unit further helps to improve safety and security, promote social diversity, create a lively pedestrian friendly street setting, thus improving the overall quality of life in the neighborhood.

• Improved Density and Economic Viability: The design maximizes density and improves real estate value by achieving maximum density of 60 DU/acre on site while taking into account cost effectiveness and economic viability. The total number of units thus achieved are 86.

The site is located in the heart of South Holyoke adjacent to the Carlos Vega Park. Currently, the site is surrounded by three and four-story residential buildings; however, in recent years, some of the surrounding buildings have become vacant or demolished providing an opportunity for a large scale redevelopment to revitalize the neighborhood.

Community Living and Quality of LifePlanning around Carlos Vega Park reinforces the importance of the park as an important local community asset. The softscaped entrance plazas for both the buildings frame the park and merge seamlessly with it. This physical and visual connection with the green space has a positive psychological effect on the residents of the building. Inter connected terraces help to promote the concept of urban agriculture and community farming through hydroponics. This not only helps to reduce island effect and decrease roof run off but also provides opportunities to generate local employment from within the community.

Design ApproachThe building units are staggered and organized so as to optimize solar exposure to maximize solar gain through heating months and to minimize unwanted heat gain through summer months. This approach resulted in the stepping form of the building and allowed each residential unit to have access to north and south sun while east and west buffer spaces have minimal openings.The staggered form also frames the Carlos Vega Park which maximizes the vitality of this central space and also establishes the visual connectivity with the open space and providing opportunities for public gathering spaces.

Shadow AnalysisTo refine the massing, shadow analysis studies were conducted in Ecotect for three specific days of the year – namely, Summer Solstice (June 21), Winter Solstice (Dec 21) and Spring/Fall Equinox (March/Sep 21). The blue and red colored shad-ows in the image below represent morning and evening shadows averaged over the entire day.

During the summers the building receive maximum solar radiation and are idle for location of the photovoltaic. The dark red shadows show that during the summers the windows remain shaded due to the mutual shading in the staggered units.

The graph above summarises the active and passive design strategies (1 -10) applied to create a net positive energy from the project. The x-axis marks additional initial capital cost required for offsetting energy. The steeper the slope the better is strategy in terms of energy reduction and capital costs.

For our reference we started with a base case energy consumption of 153.4 kWh/sqm. Henceforth, through material optimisation, iterative simulation and introduction of active strategies, energy demand was reduced to zero. With the introduction of geo-thermal, the project produced excess energy, which could be sold back to the grid to earn revenue for site maintenance and paying back initial investments of $3.8 million. The graph also serves as a tool for the developer to pick which energy efficiency strategy he would like to invest in the project relative to his capital budget.

RAINWATER CONSERVATIONRainwater harvesting strategies decrease the run-off from roof and soft areas to recharge them directly to the ground

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICSInstalled on building cores generate enough energy to reach net zero target

SOLAR CHIMNEYSolar chimneys utilize outdoor air for ventila-tion of units during the cooling months (May-Sep) when the outdoor air tempera-ture and relative humidity level is within comfort range. This would amount to major savings in the cooling utility costs

SHADING PANELSThe operable devices dynamically change responding to both south sun (folded in overhang mode) and east and west sun (in vertical mode)

Summer Solstice Shadows, June 21

The design incorporates solar chimneys to utilize outdoor air for ventilation of units during the cooling months (May-Sep) when the outdoor air tempera-ture and relative humidity level is within comfort range. This would lead to great savings in the utility cost related to cooling during cooling period.

(a) Buoyancy Driven (Stack) ventilation: To have appropriate airflow through the volume neutral plane has to lie above the highest floor and below the exhaust shaft. This is achieved by (1) creating a higher temperature differential in the solar chimney and housing units by providing dark colored walls in the chimney to absorb more solar radiation. (2) Providing a larger opening of the stack on top and (3) increas-ing the height of the stack.

(b) Pressure difference driven natural ventilation: The solar tower’s aerodynamic design also utilizes the pressure differential created by annual wind movement from south-west direction during the summer months. The higher pressure on the windward side creates a posi-tive pressure zone, while the northern façade windows on the leeward side create negative pressure, which creates wind movement through the unit from north to south and ventilating the air through solar chimney.

Pressure difference driven ventilationBuoyancy driven (Stack) ventilation

Zero energy

+ve energy

RAAS, Boutique HotelClients: Kangra Valley ResortsConstruction: 2012-ongoing

Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaArea: 5,085 sqm

The site is a tea estate land of 210 acres in Kangra. It’s located at an altitude of approx. 1500m and has very high humidity (around 80%). The challenge was de-signing a 50 room luxury hotel with minimum impact on the surrounding existing flora and fauna. In order to make this project ecologically viable experts from all around the world including ARUP UK were involved in the project.

Great emphasis was laid on low energy systems, water conservation and local skills while creating a high quality experience for the visitors. It was conceptual-ized as a part of a self-sustaining tea cultivation based community with a focus on ecological restoration, regeneration and revitalization of biodiversity in and around the site.Major construction was proposed on the denuded land and the concept was to combine 50 keys in a single 250m long building on the ridge. The building was divided into 14 modules, construction process as described on adjacent page.

The orientation of the building is North South, allowing penetration of maximum winter sun inside the rooms. The ground floor has all public functions like F&B, reception, lounge, spa etc whereas the first floor consists of all the rooms. Since each room has its own individual staircase (entering the room from the middle), therefore, room has balconies and views on both sides. This allows for a very unique hotel experience without the conventional access from a corridor. The staircase divides the room experientially into two areas. Towards the north side is the lounge and the bedroom is towards the south. Since there are no physical partitions inside the room, the entire space is visually connected giving an impres-sion of a great expanse. The interiors of the rooms are minimalistic keeping in view the traditional houses of the region. Local arts & crafts have been proposed for decoration promoting indigenous handicrafts and giving employment to the local community.

My Role in the Project:

I was the project head leading a team of 3 architects and 6 technical staff members. I led the core design team and prepared construction documents for govt. approval and site execution.

S ince the s i te i s located in earthquake zone 4, the ent i re outer shel l on the ground f loor i s a RCC st ructure. The foundat ions tend to var y as per the s lope on s i te but the pl inth level i s

kept the same.

The ent i re f i r s t f loor s t ructure is a l ight metal s t ructure wi th metal columns and metal t russ-

es for roof.

The outer sk in of the bui ld ing is supported on a l ight wooden f ramework. I t not only h ides the ser v ices pipes but also gives a feel ing of l ight-

ness to the ent i re s t ructure.

Due to reasons of s tabi l i ty the base of the bui ld ing on the ground f loor i s made heavy wi th RCC beams and columns whereas the

cor r idor i s cant i levered.

Each room is accessed by i ts own indiv idual s ta i rcase al lowing rooms to have balconies on

both s ides.

The sh ingles are nai led on the wooden f rame-work and openings in sh ingles and the f rame-work are given wherever needed as per func-

t ion.

RCC has been cladded wi th inf i l l of local sandstone to give h igh thermal mass to the bui ld ing helping in retain ing the maximum

heat ins ide dur ing winters.

The roof t russes are sealed wi th bamboo mat fa lse cei l ing and the wal ls are dr y c ladded

wi th the local s late f rom the r iver f ront.

Fourteen such modules ( two room) combine to form the ent i re bui ld ing. The ground f loor has al l the publ ic areas whereas the f i r s t f loor

cons is ts of a l l the guest rooms.

Const ruct ion pictures of a typical room module mock-up

20 Sumner House, Office RenovationAcademic (Team of 5)High Performance Buildings & Systems Integration

Location: Cambridge, MA, USAArea: 450 sqm.

The objective of the exercise was to develop a double skin facade for an exist-ing office without affecting the existing structure. We chose to develop a trombe wall.

The design intervention was pursued by first understanding the way a trombe wall functions. The design responds to four climatic variations of summer day, summer night, winter day and winter night of Cambridge, MA. • Summer Day: Louvers shade the facade and allow indirect sunlight inside the building structure. The top and bottom vents are opened to maintain the temperature inside the double skin cavity similar to the outdoor temperature.

• Summer Night: All the louvers are opened and the interior air is flushed out. Relatively colder air is allowed to enter the building to regulate temperatures.

• Winter Day: Louvers allow winter daylight to penetrate inside the building while all the vents are closed so that heat can build up inside the double skin cavity and act as a thermal barrier. This strategy prevents the building from loosing any heat to outdoors.

• Winter Night: All the louvers are closed so no heat is lost due to cold night time temperature. Internal vents are opened and hot air from the cavity is allowed to flow inside the building.

My Role in the Project:

I was involved in the project from the beginning and was responsible for thermal, daylighting simulations in the later stages of the project. I was also responsible for the facade design and financial evaluation of the proposed strategy.

496 KWh/m2460 KWh/m2425 KWh/m2 300 KWh/m2 460 KWh/m2 550 KWh/m2

Design Approach

The preliminary analysis of the building indicated the possibility for the integration of a passive heating system on the south face to improve building performance and reduce fuel consumption. In order to analyze the south-facing rooms separately from the rest of the building, a DesignBuilder energy model was created. The model was then calibrated based on actual fuel consumption records of the building and from HOBO data that we collected.

Conceptual analysis of passive heating systems indicated that, for this specific heating dominated climate, a Trombe wall is more appropriate compared to a double façade system since it provides better insulation values while reducing interior temperature fluctuations.

In order to optimize the Trombe wall to better suit thermal comfort design intent and daylighting needs of the interior spaces, various types of thermally massive material and glazing systems were simulated in DesignBuilder and DIVA.

The optimized design has:

1) a 200 mm (8-inch) concrete wall as thermal mass,

2) a 150 mm (6-inch) air cavity,

3) double-glazing external curtain wall system,

4) external vents to prevent overheating during the summer,

5) internal vents to provide convection heat transfer during winter and ventilation

during summer,

6) optimized windows to provide more uniform daylighting throughout the space

and reduce glare,

7) and a mechanically operated exterior shading device (optional) that

responds to climate conditions to reduce heat loss during winter months

and minimize unwanted heat gain during summer months while allowing a

controlled amount of daylight to enter the interior spaces at all times.

The final Trombe wall assembly has an 8% efficiency for the amount of heat transferred into the interior spaces though the Trombe wall divided by total incident solar radiation on the exterior surface of the wall.

The cost benefit analysis of the system shows a 15-year payback time for the Trombe wall system without the shading device (at $41,328.54) and a 22-year payback time for the system with the shading device (at an assumed additional cost of $20,000). The new design proposal results in an 83% reduction in fuel consumption (oil and gas). While the system provides a radical reduction in fuel consumption, because of the small scale of the building and the relatively low annual fuel costs before the redesign ($3,302.23), the annual savings of $2,756.71 compared to the cost of the system results in a relatively long payback period (15 year without the shading device and 22 year with the shading device). Overall, we conclude that the client should move forward with the redesign as a long-term saving strategy that improves occupant comfort while reducing the negative operational impacts of the building on the environment.

Summer Day

Double Facade Strategies

Apr - Sep: 99.9% of area receives between 425-495 kWh/m2 Oct - Mar: 99.0% of area receives between 330-550 kWh/m2

Winter DaySummer Night Winter Night

DIVA Radiation Simulation

Total heat gain from Trombe wall during Oct-Apr: 640.95 kWhTotal solar radiation incident on Trombe wall Oct-Apr: 15453.32 kWhTrombe wall efficiency : 640.95/15453.32 = 4.1%

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07Jan

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Outside Dry-bulb Temp (degC)Operative Temp (degC)Heat Gain Through Trombe WallZone Sensible Heating

0% 50% 100%Occupied Hours

Overlit area

Daylight Availability (300lux): 13.38% of time occupied 300 lux level is achievedOverlit area has been reduced from 95.34% to 34.32%

Visitor Center Academic (Team of 3)Energy Simulation in Design

Location: Amsterdam, NetherlandsArea: 915 sqm.

The objective of the exercise was to design a visitor center on the site of our choos-ing. We chose to redesign a proposed visitor center in Amsterdam. We wanted to capitalize on Netherlands’ image as a sustainable and resource efficient country as well as take advantage of the pleasant summer season.

Our site was located next to the sea which highly influenced the local climatic conditions around the site. However, the influence of the water also helped us to extend the number of days within our comfort zone. Our design strategy thus was to design a passively responsive building and functions that can be allocated to outside when the temperature is within a comfortable range.

The climate is primarily heating dominant requiring building to be heated for at least eight months. Thus, scheduling of the functions within the center became extremely critical to reduce overall heating load.

We identified four summer months (Jun-Sep) most suitable for natural ventilation and the strategy was to attract maximum tourists during that period. Due to the lack of immediate urban context, none of the building surfaces was influenced by mutual shading hence necessitating the need to design appropriate hori-zontal and vertical shading devices as per the direction.

After iterating with multiple shoe box models we chose the one that had the lowest EUI of 123kWh/m2 taking it as our base case. Our goal was to design a highly energy efficient building without compromising the modernistic aesthet-ics of the center. An interesting observation during the course of this exercise was that the effect of orienting the axis towards North-South as compared to orienting it towards East-West was minimal. We attributed this finding to the low sun angles all year round in Amsterdam. This finding helped us to play with the geometry, design atriums and double height spaces.

My Role in the Project:

I managed the work schedules and was the primary coordinator between the faculty and my team. I was also responsible for designing the building, perform-ing daylight simulations and shadow analysis.

As there was no mutual shading from the surroundings, we were able to fully capture the maximum amount of radiation falling on the roof facing South. As shown above, the DIVA daylight simulations helped us to orient the solar panels. We used PV Syst to calculate the approximate angle of the solar panel and the energy produced. Solar Panels helped us to offset the remaining energy demand, hence reducing the need to rely on the centralized electricity grid during the day.

The shadow analysis was performed on Ecotect and shows that the east wall remains relatively shaded during the summer due to mutual shading. During the winter, the low sun is able to penetrate through the building without being shaded by the cantilevers. The building thus designed requires less cooling during summers and less heating during winters as compared to a conventional building of the same size in the region.

The table below summarizes the iterative design process starting from the base case scenario to step 5 which is the best case modified scenario.We used ‘best practice heavy weight’ material with 4” XPS insulation sandwiched between brick and concrete walls. The Window to wall ratio echoed fundamental rules of thumb, providing 70% glazing on South, 50% on North and 30% on East and West side.

Final EUI = 52.52 kWh/m262.43% energy reduction from the baseline model

Summer Solstice Spring/Fall Equinox

Baseline Scenario

kWh/

m2

Step1:Activity

Scheduling

Step2:Operation &

Glazing

Step3:Construction

Materials

Step4:Window to wall ratio

Step4:Mechanical

Cooling & Natural Ventilation

Winter Solstice

Solar Radiation analysis for Solar Panels

Room ElectricityLightingHeatingDHW

Cooling

Total EUI

80 Walnut, Affordable HousingAffordable Housing Development Competition 2014Collaborative CDC: Urban Edge, Boston Most Innovative Project (Team of 8)Location: 80 Walnut Park, Boston, MAArea: 10,871 sqm.

My Role in the Project:

Our team has experts from various fields such as real estate, community engagement, law etc. I was the sustainability consultant on the team and worked closely with the two designers. I conducted all the climate studies and thermal, daylight and shadow simulations for the project.

As part of the Affordable Housing Competition, we were granted the opportunity to work with Urban Edge,’a community development corporation (CDC)’. Their most recent project, 80 Walnut, is a 10,871 sq. ft. vacant parcel of land situated in Roxbury and is next to Walnut Park. It is located in an area of predominantly 4-storey multi-family projects. The entire site area is just under 11,000 ft2, but afteraccounting for required setbacks the buildable area on our site is only 6,302 ft2.

Thus, in order to fit 23 units, maximum FAR, on such a small site our team felt it was necessary to provide modular units which are smaller than traditional apart-ment spaces. In order to compensate for this, our design will engender a strong sense of community, providing ample space for interaction. The units will still be very attractive; they will receive ample natural ventilation and daylight as well as park views.

Design Strategy

A typical development of this density on such a small site would max out the site constraints in an attempt to increase the unit count. This approach, however, would not allow for on-site parking. Additionally, there would be little opportunity for natural ventilation, limited access to daylight, and all community interaction would be relegated to a small common ground floor.

Our team set out to develop a structure that would be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. Our goal was to create an economically viable development which would enhance the quality of life for future residents. Througha series of climate and site specific strategies, our design aimed at maximiz-ing occupant comfort while minimizing the energy input needed to operate the building.

In order to move beyond LEED Platinum and Passive House strategies, specific attention was given to providing most of the residential units with optimized daylighting, views, and natural ventilation making the building passively energy efficient upfront. This approach resulted in an overall design that minimizes the need for active systems while responding to functional and programmatic requirements—all reducing monthly operating expenses. While this added over $770 thousand in upfront costs, it provided an 18% Return on Investment in addition still allowing the building to come under the initial budget of Urban Edgeon a per unit, per sq. ft., and total cost basis.

The energy analysis of the building was conducted in Design Builder. The entire building was simulated, and the output was then normalized and applied to the entire building design. The primary objective of this exercise was to optimize the building design and reduce energy load by decoupling the active and passive design strategies. An iterative process was adopted to achieve ‘Passive House’ standards of building construction and energy use by reducing thermal bridging and air infiltration.We also conducted a solar radiation mapping in ‘Diva’ to assess the possibility of using solar panels. Our analysis revealed that solar energy offered massive potential offsets to energy requirements. The total cost of the system would be around $190,000, and the system will produce around 165MWhr/yr.

To save costs and ensure construction efficiency, the majority of the project was proposed to be modular construction. The off-site construction of the building modules will ensure that the building construction will have a minimal impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

Solar PanelsSolar Panels are used on 50% of roof to offset the energy demand of the building through renewable energy.

Roof GardenVegetation on the roof helps utilize the roof run off and also mitigate the heat island, albedo effect on site.

Window ShadingThe southern facade windows are provided with appropriately designed louvers to allow winter sun and block the summer sun.

GlazingHigh R-value, low SHGC, Low e, Argon filled double glazing top hung operable windows help insulate the building envelope and prevent heat loss during winter.

MaterialLocally sourced, low embodied materials are used to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

InsulationRigid Foam insulation R-60 is provided as per passive house standard.

Thermal MassHigh thermal mass materials are used in the building so as to regulate the day and night time temperature fluctuations and conserve daytime solar heat.

LandscapingBioswales and Percolation Pits helprecharge maximum water to the ground.

Radiant HeatingBuilding units are heated through radiant floors coupled with heat recovery systems. The pipes are insulated to minimize losses.

Lighting & AppliancesThe building uses energy efficient LED light with occupancy sensors. All appliances are ENERGY STAR rated. Low flow faucets and shower heads conserve water.

Air QualityCarbon-di-oxide and Carbon monoxide sensors are provided on each floor to monitor air quality. Low VOC paints and FSC certified wood is used in the interiors.

Roof Run-off100% of the roof run-off is utilized either in irrigation of the roof or to replenish the ground water table.

The design engenders a strong sense of community, providing space for interaction. The units receive ample natural ventilation and daylight as well as park views.

The distance between 80 Walnut and the neighboring project was increased to lift the building half a story, thereby accommodating tuck-under parking on the northend and increasing daylight between the two properties.

To provide natural ventilation and sunlight to the units, we create community “streets” within the project that cut cross-laterally in the building. This allows a continuous airflow in the space and solar penetration from every direction within the project.

Urban AgriCULTURE , Urban PlanningUrban India Challenge 2013Indian Institute of Human SettlementsAll India Top 12 Finalists (Team of 4)

Location: New Delhi, India

‘Urban agriCulture’ attempts to bridge the gap between producers and consum-ers by means of introducing hydroponics in urban setting. We propose to engage the stakeholders during the entire project cycle. This includes activities like identify-ing land for the setup, initial investment, working on the farm and other activities. In an emerging economy like India, where a substantial proportion of the popu-lation faces food insecurity and markets for food grains are poorly integrated there is an immediate need for a better public food delivery system, which is well integrated in the urban fabric and has a symbiotic relationship with urban growth. Our proposal intends to merge agriculture and city together into a composite model where farming is done through hydroponics on parcels of land provided by the government and developed and maintained by a collaboration of farm-ers, local community and trained experts.

My Role in the Project:

I was involved with the initial conceptualization of the idea and researched exten-sively on urban agriculture and the process of hydroponics and aquaponics. I also prepared the final powerpoint presentation for the competition.

I sometr ic of a community hydroponic greenhouse

DesignThe construction of greenhouse utilizes eco-friendly and readily available materials. This helps keeping low construction costs and a low carbon footprint. Bamboo is used as the basic structural material providing framework to the 15’ wide and 48’ long structure with a concrete base platform. The structure is covered with a canvas membrane cloth to provide a controlled microclimate inside the green house and to protect the plants from pests. Under the controlled microclimate a large variety of fruits and vegetables can be produced throughout the year. The produce can be then easily distributed within the region at a reasonable price. These greenhouses can be then scaled according to the regional demands of food. These neighborhood food-labs can also serve as unique community building sites where local residents can contribute their sweat equity for reduced prices of produce.

Increased and fresh produce Food produced through this process would require less pesticides and insecticides and would be of better quality. The quantity of produce by hydroponics per acre is eight folds compared to traditional soil based farming methods, while the harvest time is reduced to half. Being close to consumers the produce can be easily distributed whilst the produce is still fresh.

Community Development Small-scale greenhouses in residential neighborhoods can transform themselves as centers of community development and social interaction sites. Local community and institutions can take active role in maintaining the greenhouses and in turn benefit from the produce. This would also raise awareness and strengthen the link between public and agriculture.

Scalability and Replicability Scalability is one of the most important aspect of this proposal. Greenhouses can be replicated all around the city at various scales as per the site requirements. In larger parcels of land, government can help farmers to set up a smaller unitized version of hydroponics farm initially that can be scaled up by farmers as per their capacity and capital in the future.

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Growing let tuce plan indoors us ing hydroponics technique

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Gund Hall Facade RedesignAcademic (Team of 4)Daylighting

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

The objective of this exercise was to redesign a space with an issue related to daylighting. The exercise was looking for practical, however, we were free to go beyond what was economically feasible. Our team chose to redesign Gund Hall facade as the students in the trays inside have expressed great distress sitting at their desks during summer times as the sun shines directly inside the space, cast-ing a lot of glare.

Currently, the issue is tackled by blinds on the inside. This is a highly inefficient way of addressing this problem as it not only cuts the visual connection to the outside but also allows the heat to enter the building through glass. Thus, increasing the cooling load of the entire building. This solution also reduces the daylight avail-able for work thus necessitating the need to turn on artificial lights even during the day. Hence, we aimed to tackle both these issues through our design.

As seen on the adjacent page, we started by conducting a solar radiation analysis of the entire facade. The analysis showed that the glare issue is the most prevalent on the top most part of the facade, visible in red. This was also evident through the picture showing a stark beam of sunlight hitting the surface at 2pm on a summer afternoon.

Design Strategies

Our first iteration was to keep the transparent glazing as is and added light shelves on the facade uniformly. The light shelves helped to reduce the percep-tible glare from over 40% to 30% at 9am on June 21.

In the second iteration, we modified the lengths of the light shelves as per the solar radiation analysis. The conceptual diagrams are shown on the next page.

My Role in the Project:

I was responsible for all the daylighting simulations informing the design deci-sions. I performed the initial climate studies and shadow analysis for the Gund Hall and presented the design in front of the final jury.

Thus, a double skin was proposed with adjustable louvres that can be controlled separately or all at once. The exterior facade is proposed to be held up by a gridded simple truss system. Lateral load resistance is achieved through the horizontal members that span across the entire length of the system. Perforated metal panels make up the primary shading system and are distributed across the entire system. The interior facade is held up by a flat cable net system. In the event that the GSD retrofits their existing glazing, they should use a 4-part clamp located every 10-foot vertical and horizontal increments, supported by vertical and horizontal pre-stressed cables. Each individual clamp should consists of an interior glass support shelf, which holds up a 10 by 10 ‘Insulated Glass Unit’ panel at its corner, and is fastened by an exterior cap plate. The glass facade is intended to reduce electricity consumption for artificial lighting by maximizing daylight throughout the interior.

In the end, the perceptible glare was reduced from 43% to 28% at 9am on June 21, while imperceptible glare was reduced from 38% to 31% on June 21 at 9am. Moreover, the percentage of area affected becoming over lit because of glare was also reduced from 77% to 33%. We believe even this glare situation can also be mitigated if louvres were to be connected to a centralized BIM system.

L ight shel f opt ion one

Impercept ib le Glare

9am June 21 9am Dec 21 9am June 21 9am Dec 21

Percept ib le Glare

View f rom the ins ide

L ight shel f opt ion two

View f rom the outs ide

L ight shel f opt ion three

Facade solar radiat ion analys is

Percolat ion pi t wi th boulders

Adminis t rat ion bui ld ing

Factor y bui ld ingCentral courtyard

Vent i lators a l low sunl ight pen-et rat ion in the basement

Manual ly operated DGU uni ts wi th U value<0.5Btu/hr. sqf t.

Vent i lators and l ight shelves re-f lect d i f fused dayl ight ins ide the

work spaces

Planters on south s ide to reduce heat gain

Indigenous plant species wi th low water requi re-

ments

South s ide garden to col-lect roof run of f by minimis-

ing hard paved sur facesDr ip i r r igat ion for t rees planted on s i te

Rain water har vest ing us-ing swale

Ex is t ing t rees were

retained on s i teAl l external wal ls are cavi ty wal ls wi th f ly ash br icks and

ai r gap

LEED Platinum FactoryClients: RMX JOSSConstruction: 2009-2012

Location: New Delhi, IndiaArea: 6, 835 sqm.

My Role in the Project:

I was the project architect and orchestrated all phases of the architectural design process from site survey through design development, energy simulation to site supervision. I was the principal coordinator with clients, consultants and contrac-tors. I also presented the design for LEED accreditation.

The 1.3 acre site was located in a high density industrial area, surrounded by high energy consuming factories all around. Separated from the main road by a 25 m green belt, the site is a corner plot opened from three sides. This gives plenty of opportunity to get maximum inlet of natural light inside the building.

The project brief was to develop well-lit workspaces for around 500 workers. The project aimed for and successfully achieved a LEED India NC rating becom-ing North India’s first LEED platinum rated garment factory. Integrated design was a key factor in designing this building and all sustainability aspects were brain-stormed, optimized and integrated into the design at the concept stage thus ensuring a smooth design and construction process. On completion, the proj-ect achieved 55~65 % operational energy savings annually over a conventional factory in the same region.

The building is highly solar responsive and special emphasis has been given to en-sure proper orientation and adequate natural light. Daylight simulation softwares were used to determine the size of each window and light shelf. The concept of a ‘green’ building was extended to the façade which has been designed with planters and creepers. This not only makes the building look aesthetically beauti-ful from outside but also has a positive psychological impact on the user inside where he gets an immediate view of the greens right outside his window.

The plot is rectangular facilitating a narrow linear building plan. The longer sides are North-South oriented. The south side has adequate lightshelves designed in a way so as to maximize light and minimize glare and heat gain. All vehicu-lar movement has been restricted outside the site making the site surroundings completely pedestrian friendly.

South s ide garden to col-lect roof run of f by minimis-

ing hard paved sur faces

Local ly avai lable mater ia ls wi th low embodied energy l i ke Br ick, Kota, Red Agra, Dholpur s tone have been used. Low VOC compounds l i ke paints, sealants comply ing wi th LEED

standards were used to improve indoor ai r qual i ty.

32 KW generated by solar panels i s used for a l l exter-nal l ight ing and low usage appl iances. Recycled china mosaic wi th h igh SRI ref lect iv i ty i s used as roof f in ish to

minimize heat i s land effect.

The minimal is t ic ent rance ref lects the f i rm’s phi losophy of s impl ic i ty and sophis t icat ion. The wavy wal l was const ructed

by a local ar t i s t us ing indigenous s tone, craf ted wi th local craf tsmanship techniques.

The bui ld ing is nor th south or iented where 90% of work spaces are l i t by natural d i f fused l ight. A l l HVAC systems are BMS cont ro l led wi th adapt ive ai r condi t ioning and

low set point.

Solar Panels were ra ised to 8 ’ height to al low for shaded walkable space underneath. Th is s t rategy al lowed for a

usable roof that can be converted to a roof garden in the future.

Sunken court over look ing planter boxes on the North s ide keeps the basement l i t by natural l ight throughout the day

minimis ing the need for ar t i f ic ia l l ight ing.

A 15m wide south garden is fed rooftop and surface run off which is directed to the various swales and percolation pits for rainwater harvesting. The use of hard-scape has been kept to a minimum and is only provided where there is heavy movement of people, for example, at the entrances. Adequate measures were taken during construction to prevent loss of soil by storm water run off/wind erosion. The topsoil was protected by stock piling for reuse while filling.

The images on the right show the daylight analysis of the interior workspaces with planters and lightshelves. With the help of simulation softwares planter depths and projections were calculated to have ample amount of diffused daylight inside. Most of the workspaces requiring natural daylight are located on the periphery of the ground and first floor. The worker’s lunchroom is located in the basement overlooking a sunken court, which provides natural light inside. Basement has ven-tilators all along the periphery providing daylight inside. Services with low daylight requirements like storerooms, service control rooms etc are placed in the base-ment.

Green Cubes, InstallationStudent Sustainability Award 2013 (Team of 2)Harvard Office for Sustainability

Location: Harvard Graduate School of Design

The grant aims to reestablish the connection between the outdoor and indoor built spaces by introducing the concept of ‘Green Cubes’ as vertical bio walls in indoor spaces. These ‘Green Cubes’ also function as informative installations educating student community about the process of assembling and maintaining an indoor bio wall system.

The indoor plants also help to reduce the carbon dioxide and VOCs, thus positively affecting the occupant behavior making them more active, productive and less stressed. The compact size of these modules, the easily available materials used in the construction and the simple method of assembling will demonstrate the ease with which once can translate the concept of a bio wall to a practical real-ization. This innovative model, showcases a pilot project that can be scaled and replicated throughout the campus by a wider Harvard community for improving air and aesthetic quality in indoor spaces.

My Role in the Project:

I was involved with writing the grant application, conceptual design and financial cost assessment.

Exploded isometr ic of the cube

Vocational Training CenterVolunteer for Sri Aurobindo AshramConstruction: 2009

Location: Paigambarpur, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaArea: 35 sqmMy Role in the Project:

I volunteered to design and execute a vocational training center with the local masons in a remote village in north India. I, along with an expert in ferrocement taught villagers to use this technology to construct pre cast shelves for the library block. The villagers subsequently implemented this technique to develop other buildings in the surrounding areas.

Process of making fer rocement shelves Fin ished shelves and inter iors

Fin ished shelves and inter iors View f rom the exter ior