Terri Meyer Boake, BES, BArch, MArch, LEED AP
Associate Professor School of Architecture University of Waterloo
email: tboake@uwaterloo.ca

Arch 125: Intro to Environmental Design Winter 2013 Project #3: Smokebox 10%

As we can see when we study cooling in buildings and air flow in general, much dependence is placed on the use of "magic arrows" to illustrate how the air moves in the building. But we cannot see air... so how do we know that the arrows are correct.

This project will help you to visualize and validate your expectations of air flow through space when you design buildings for passive cooling and ventilation . This is intended as a demonstration project, meaning, the results are not 100% accurate, nor are they quantifiable, but they are visual.

Objectives

1. Understanding of basic principles of low velocity airflow in and/or through a constructed space.
2. Ability to conceive of, and develop a methodology for investigating low velocity airflow in and/or through a constructed space.
3. Awareness of the potential for architectural form to influence airflow patterns.

Measurable Outcomes

1. Visual demonstration of basic airflow principles. watch a movie 1, (need Quicktime), watch a movie 2
2. Written and graphic presentation (record) of the evidence.
3. Documentation should indicate one or more descriptive characteristics of airflow which have been illuminated.

Proposed Methodology

You are to construct a model of your studio project (same one used for the lightbox) that will be used for testing for airflow and natural ventilation. Scale TBA. It is to be made from black foamcore so that we can see the white theatrical smoke that will be used to show the movement of the air. You should have prepared magic arrow diagrams in conjunction with your studio submission to describe the movement of the air. The physical test will validate your hypothesis. Make sure that you leave the window/ventilation openings "open" (ie. no acetate). You need to discuss with me exactly what you will produce for this exercise. Generally the thought is to create a typical unit to see how the air flow works.

IMPORTANT!!

The air flow goes from LEFT TO RIGHT! Videotaping will only be able to occur from the front face, not the top. Please concentrate on creating a concept that is able to be both demonstrated and viewed from this perspective. Please also provide a "funnel" to direct the smoke from the machine "accurately" to your openings on the intake side and that the funnel fits tightly to prevent spillover. Spillover needs to be prevented or the smoke will pass around your box and we won't be able to see it work. The smoke is HOT. If you wish to have multiple openings on the intake face, please fashion funnels accordingly.

You may need to replace the solid side of your box with acetate/plexi just so that we can see what is happening on the inside. Please ask if you have questions as it is not possible to provide a definitive set of requirements as everyone's box will be different.

The supply store has thin plexi in stock.

Submittals:

1. Prepare a "Magic Arrow Drawing" (or drawings) to indicate your expected model performance. Colour the arrows red or blue to denote your expected hot (exhaust) and cold (intake) air flows. We will be using this to compare what you expected to happen with what really did happen during the testing. This should be submitted with your drawing set for Arch 193 so that this can be discussed during your review.

2. The Box. As described above.

The models will be tested in the shop. A smoke machine will be provided on the day of testing. We will be photographing and videotaping the performance.

Assessment:

Magic Arrow Drawing /10
Achievement of good natural ventilation /20
Craft /10
TOTAL /40

Not being present for the presentation - loss of 10/40

IMPORTANT:please wear BLACK this day as we will be videotaping and photographing the performances and we need to cut down on reflections on the plexiglass.