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Basic Concepts Of Structural Design For Architecture Students, Anahita Khodadadi

PDXOpen: Open Educational Resources

This book aims to narrate fundamental concepts of structural design to architecture students such that they have minimum involvement with math problem-solving. Within this book, students learn about different types of loads, forces and vector addition, the concept of equilibrium, internal forces, geometrical and material properties of structural elements, and rules of thumb for estimating the proportion of some structural systems such as catenary cables and arches, trusses, and frame structures.

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Thermal Performance Of Window Details, Nancy Colores, Emmanuel Valdovinos, Anna Hollingsworth, Levi Eads, Bassetti Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

Bassetti asked our team to use THERM software and thermal imaging technology to test, analyze, and compare window performance at two recently built schools. Not only will this information be used to enhance future designs, but we are assisting the firm with creating a troubleshooting and how-to guide for future use.

Wood Red/Green List, Aaron Mayers, Fatemeh Sheikholya Lavasani, Salix Sampson, Hacker Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

Heavy timber construction is gaining momentum within the architectural community because of its aesthetic and perceived sustainable qualities. But where exactly does the wood come from and how sustainable are these forestry practices?

Through research, we seek to analyze the forestry practices, social impacts, and biological aspects of temperate wood species in the Pacific Northwest used for structural lumber to then create a red/green list that displays and compares the sustainability of the forestry practices. The intent is to create a widely available and transparent document that architects and engineers can reference when making decisions on projects.

Challenges + Responses To Thermal Comfort + Indoor Air Quality For Multi-Family Housing In The Face Of Increased Extreme Heat Events + Wildfires Amidst Anthropogenic Global Climate Change, Daniel Athay, Nathan Flowers, Salazar Architect Inc.

Research-Based Design Initiative

This research sought to investigate the perceived occupant comfort levels given the reality of global climate change and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events. The research conducted was two-fold. First, a community engagement questionnaire was developed and administered to solicit qualitative feedback from community members. Simultaneously, scientific literature was researched and reviewed surrounding specifically identified events related to changing climate conditions: extreme heat events (EHEs) and wildfires (WF).

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related mortality in the United States. EHEs are categorized as summertime weather that is substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for a location at …

Spatial Daylight Autonomy Study, Portland State University. School Of Architecture, Srg Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

SRG has run into a problem with the current LEED V4.I when it comes to achieving daylighting credits for mid-rise buildings in the Pacific Northwest. The higher in latitude a structure is on the globe, the less potential sunlight will reach it. In order to calculate how much sunlight enters a space we partnered with SRG to create a tool to help determine how much usable daylighting enters a space. From this tool, we want to collect data from different latitudes to show discrepancies in the possible daylighting conditions in these locations, and then finally organize this data in a …

Mass Timber Study: Seating Bowls Design, Darrick Williams, Regina Batiste, Srg Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

This project focused on finding other ways to use mass timber (outside roof).

Facade Optimization, Brandi Barlow, Bryan Ortiz, Matt Wiste, Madeline Peck, Bora Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

As part of Bora’s renovation of Portland State’s Science Building One [SB1], we have been tasked with helping research how to optimize the building envelope through multiple methods, including optimizing daylighting and maximizing insulation, while staying within budget. The PSU team has worked with the BORA team to expand an existing Thermal Flux Calculator to include all four facades of the Existing condition, the Schematic Design, and an Optimized version based on our own design. This calculator is used to determine the best wall-to-glazing ratio to increase the thermal efficiency of the envelope without compromising the visual experience. We focused …

Biophilia X Jedi, Nyaz Addison, Martha Dane, Maddy Capizzi, Opsis Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

The intersection of biophilic design, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion provides a unique vantage point from which to design. When viewed as intersecting lenses to design the human state becomes more than utility, health, or productivity and more sustainable designs emerge. How can Biophilic design improve by becoming more inclusive in its process and more inviting to a diverse audience? How can Opsis’s initiatives improve by looking to nature for clues on how to move together toward a common purpose in unison? By creating a diverse culture influenced by nature and a nature-based, design process influenced by a diverse culture, …

Comparing Wall Assemblies Based On Carbon Emissions And Red List Materials, Alexa Esguerra, Bassetti Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

The purpose of this project was to conduct necessary sustainability research in the early design phase and serve as a starting point for all future projects.

Concrete Embodied Carbon Study, Maab Mohammed, Tabassum Kalam Khandoker

Research-Based Design Initiative

Generally, in concrete, cement contains a significant amount of embodied carbon. For this reason, designers are looking for different mixtures and .sources for the replacement of cement in concrete. Which can provide the optimum strength by using a minimum amount of cement.

Calculating Embodied Carbon In Las Adelitas, Nancy Barakat, Salazar Architect Inc.

Research-Based Design Initiative

The purpose of this research is to assist team Salazar and Hacienda in researching embodied carbon in the construction materials that will be used in Las Adelitas affordable housing, public plaza and event hall project. As part of the AIA 2030 commitment, this report will help the team and their client prioritizes collect necessary data to understand the climate impacts of selected materials, in order to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, and improve the wellbeing of the environment and the Living Cully community.

Ec3 And Embodied Carbon Reduction, Karl Benjamin, Opsis Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

The objective of this research was to use the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) tool to evaluate the embodied carbon emissions in several material categories, allowing for specification and procurement of low carbon options. The case study for this research is the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation (University of Portland), an adaptive reuse project currently in the late design and procurement phase of the construction process. This research was intended to contribute to the research done during the design phases related to the Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis (WBLCA) using Tally. I worked primarily with Heather DeGrella and …

Volta Project, Portland State University. School Of Architecture, Bora Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

This project aims to renovate the existing building, both the exterior and interior. For this renovation, BORA has committed to meeting ambitious sustainability goals. Among these is to convert the building into a net-zero energy (NZE) building. The research this term supported this NZE effort by studying the existing building and testing strategies to improve its performance. The team identifed multiple opportunities to implement passive strategies, but decided to go with daylighting strategies.

Hacker: Evaluating Design Impact Under Quarantine, Portland State University. School Of Architecture, Hacker Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Hacker Architects are interested in understanding the impact of their design decisions on the user experience of five of their Portland-area residential projects. One of their greatest challenges has been a pandemic that prevents their team from conducting quantitative research ,vithin each of the their occupied residential buildings to better understand the efiect of site-specific designs of the architecture. What has becorne a unique opportunity, Hacker proposes that we research, develop, administer, and analyze the responses of a Post Occupancy Evaluation that addresses the design decisions vs. their impact on user experience and the impact of COVID-19 on …

Fractal Dimension As Objective Function In A Genetic Algorithm For Application In Architectural Design, John Charles Driscoll

Systems Science Friday Noon Seminar Series

One of the goals of The Green New Deal Resolution reads, “upgrading all existing buildings in the United States and building new buildings to achieve maximal energy efficiency, water efficiency, safety, affordability, comfort, and durability, including through electrification.”

How can this realistically be done given the sheer number of buildings in the United States? This presents a ‘wicked’ problem that calls out for a systems approach. This is also, in essence, a design problem. As data scientists we are used to using models to analyze data but there is another aspect to these models that can be used not to …

Systems Thinking As A Design Process, Elizabeth Lockwood

Systems Science Friday Noon Seminar Series

During my master’s degree I analyzed sustainable practices in the built environment. What came from that work was a deep level of understanding that the current practices and rating systems appeared to be technical approaches to a larger system at play. I realized I have a gift to see hidden connections and find links between systems. Currently I use systems mapping as part of the design process to unearth the hidden elements in a system. I believe it is important to understand where designers, clients and stakeholders can insert themselves into a system. Part of this understanding is having empathy …

Pre-Occupancy Training With Virtual Reality, Portland State University. School Of Architecture, Opsis Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

Project Overview:

Opsis Architecture has teamed with Portland State University’s Research-Based Design Initiative to study occupant behavior and energy consumption. The relationship between people and building control systems is a critical factor in overall building energy performance. Conventional energy models rely on static, overly simplistic patterns of occupant behavior and are unable to provide energy performance predictions that reflect realistic use. Thoughtfully designed passive systems are ineffective unless operated as intended, resulting in a performance gap between predicted energy consumption and measured energy consumption post-occupancy. Utilizing virtual reality (VR) simulation with game engine technology, this team is studying the potential …

Rock Creek Middle School Daylighting Analysis: Existing And Proposed Spaces, Razieh Hosseini Nezhod, Ashley Mcdaniel-Harpster, Sergio Palleroni, David Posada, Rosemary Hill, Bora Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

Bora is starting design work on a conversion of Rock Creek Middle School (completed by BORA in 2010) into a high school. This conversion was always envisioned and will soon become a reality. The project will double the size of the existing school, with additional structure being added lo most sides and even the roof of one wing. The will impact existing daylight access in various ways that we'd like to understand better. The goal of this research project is to help us understand existing daylight conditions in areas that will be impacted by proposed additions, leading to informed design …

Hacker Passive Cooling Design, Portland State University. School Of Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

We initially started this project with the sole mission of analysing the total greenhouse gas emissions of the new library using the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Calculator (or GGEA) developed by PAE. During our first visit with PAE, we were informed of the exponential effect refrigerants have on ozone depletion. Some having a global warming potential factor of more than 1800 times that of CO2. This prompted us to make Passive Cooling and eliminating refrigerants our number one goal for this project. From this analysis we were able to discover the EUI and the carbon footprint for Code, Better, and …

Use Patterns Of Breakot Spaces At Roosevelt High School, Portland State University. School Of Architecture, Bassetti Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

The objective of this research is to observe and analyze the use patterns of flexible breakout spaces at Roosevelt High School. Use patterns are recorded through observation of movement, behavior, length of stay, and activity. Environmental analysis of light, sound, and temperature in the breakout spaces were recorded. Two observational and analysis studies were recorded with users typically spending an average of one minutes or less in the spaces, with cell phone use as the main activity. An additional observational study, several weeks later, utilized a model for breakout spaces. Some findings show correlations with learning pedagogy of breakout spaces …

Skylight Design Optimization, Robert Wilson, Sarut Choothian, Srg Partnership

Research-Based Design Initiative

The Gonzaga Integrated Science and Engineering Building is a 65,471 SF building set for completion in 2018. Located at a critical intersection between disciplines, and with a bridge to the existing PACCAR building, this new endeavor offers the opportunity for true multidisciplinary interaction. The focus of this research affects a critical area of the program. Specifically, to provide natural light to interior spaces located within this zone of interaction.

In order to foster the type of interpersonal connections that this new center hopes to facilitate, attanding to user comfort becomes a primary focus of utmost importance. Well implimented daylighting has …

Milwaukie Ledding Library Cooling System Optimization, Portland State University. School Of Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

The Milwaukie Ledding Library (MLL) by Hacker Architects is a new construction 20,000SF project in Milwaukie, Oregon. The City of Milwaukie, the client, wanted to target high sustainability goals, pursuing the Energy Trust of Oregon's path to a net-zero program and LEED certification. The initial research proposal incorporated passive cooling to optimize hydronic radian slab cooling using air-to-water heat pumps designed for radiant heating. Dedicated to a cooling strategy taking advantage of as many passive elements as possible given time, design, and budget constraints, Hacker and PAE considered adding operational or actuated windows to aid with night flush as well …

Evaluating The Impact Of Glazing Orientation On Daylight Penetration Using Autodesk Insight, Randy Mueller, Srg Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

The objective of this research project was to evaluate how glazing orientation impacts daylight penetration into a building. A Revit shoebox model of a room containing glazing on a single wall was constructed and Autodesk Insight was used to perform the daylighting analysis. Maximum daylight penetration was achieved when the model was analyzed with glazing orientated toward the east or the west. However, northern and southern glazing orientations produced a more consistent and uniform distribution of daylighting throughout the room. The results demonstrate the importance of glazing orientation when incorporating natural light into a building design.

Daylighting Optimization Study: Rock Creek High School Commons Skylight Optimization, Razieh Hosseini Nezhad, Heather Mcginn, Nicholas Papaefthimiou, Rosemary Hill, Bora Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

The aim of this study is to optimize the shape of the skylights in order to enhance daylighting. Rhino, Diva, Grasshopper, and Galapagos ore the softwares utilized to test differing shapes on top and bottom of the shaft of the skylight, and the findings show preference to those with beneficial impacts on Spatial daylighting autonomy (sDA) of greater than 55% and Annual Solar Exposure (ASE) of less than l 0%. Selecting metrics within the above parameters result in optimal skylight geometry with highest daylighting output. The initial purpose of the experiment was to optimize the design of the skylight shaft …

Zgf Structure Revisted: A Study In Mass Timber For Reed Residence Hall, Portland State University. School Of Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

A study in the benefits of designing with CLT and Mass Timber versus PT Concrete and design flexibility between the two systems.

Virtual Reality & Gamification For Pre-Occupancy Training, Corey T. Griffin, Jenny Rodriguez, Gwen Ward, Bynum Laboratories, Opsis Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

The objective of this research is to analyze and compare user behavior and learning retention via gamified and non-gamified virtual reality for use in pre-occupancy training. After completing trials for both gamified and non-gamified virtual reality we issued a standardized post-experience survey to collect data on what the participants learned, then compared and analyzed the results. The benefits of virtual reality and gamification have both been extensively studied and both suggest they are independently effective teaching tools. In our trials we have found that participants who went through the gamified virtual reality training were 50% more likely to come away …

Interview With Ted Lorensen, Ted Lorensen, Lloyd Chapman, James B. Knight, Michael Rupp

People and the Land: An Oral History of Oregon’s Statewide Land Use Planning Program

Ted Lorensen was interviewed by Michael Rupp, Lloyd Chapman, and Jim Knight on October 20, 2017, in Portland, Oregon.

Daylighting Analysis Of Neuberger Hall, Heather Larose, Rachel Sairio, Conner Scher, Hacker Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

With the renovation of Neuberger Hall. one of the most highly used academic buildings on the PSU campus. it is crucial to balance the need for maximizing daylighting potential with the long term costs. With various design elements being considered it is necessary to understand the existing daylighting conditions to better enable us to provide effective and efficient design recommendations. Daylighting design plays a critical role in the quality of the learning and working spaces provided at Neuberger. as well as the effect on student comfort and productivity.

Neuberger Hall Portland State Univesity, Portland State University. School Of Architecture

Research-Based Design Initiative

CONCRETE’S CARBON FOOTPRINT:

90% of concrete mix emits a relatively small amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. The other 10%, cement, accounts for the vast majority of concrete’s embodied CO2. Concrete’s embodied CO2 is roughly equivalent to 9% of it’s weight Roughly 40% of the CO2 emitted from calcination will be reabsorbed through carbonation of concrete surfaces over a 100-year life cycle.

Daylight & Glare, Sergio Palleroni, David Posada, Tucker Jones, Alyssa Brook, Jennifer Moran, Chad Wallace, Bora Architects

Research-Based Design Initiative

We conducted a daylighting and glare study for Bora Architects within their Portland business office space. The project was to examine the quality of daylight, consider the effectiveness of borrowed light, and strive to discover what LEED-compliant daylight autonomy really looks like. In addition we were tasked with running computer simulations to measure excess glare and look for ways to combat its effect. We were able to explore the effects of glare with in Bora’s workspace as it currently exists and look for interventions to improve perceived lighting level contrasts. The control of glare and daylighting can be an effective …