Architecture Commons^™

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, …