DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2015.31
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1408
Date of Award
3-2015
Degree Name
MS in Architecture
Department/Program
Architecture
Advisor
Mark Newell Cabrinha
Abstract
Buildings in the United States account for nearly 68% of all U.S. energy consumption due to their reliance on electrical lighting and mechanical systems. Beginning in the 20th century, emphasis on developing the glass curtain wall created increased energy demands on lighting and mechanical systems. Consequently, the building’s curtain wall is a direct cause of significant energy loads. This research project investigated how current parametric design tools and energy analysis software are used during a performance-driven passive solar design process to develop facade systems that lower the energy use intensity (EUI) of a building and increase natural daylight to an acceptable illuminance level (lux). Passive solar shading strategies were employed to realize the proposed design process through a proof of concept project that retrofits the facade of an outdated office building in a hot-mediterranean climate. Incremental steps were taken using parametric software (Revit Architecture 2015) to increase the passive solar and daylighting performance capabilities of the facade system and Autodesk Green Building Studio was employed to measure, compare and contrast the results of each design.