Theoretical Basis of an Environmental Strategy for a University Teaching Building

Zoning and Independent Environmental Control for Energy Efficiency

The strategy of considering each of the three building blocks as independent environmental zones aligns with principles of zonal HVAC design and demand-controlled ventilation, which allow for targeted heating, cooling, and ventilation based on occupancy and usage patterns (ASHRAE, 2019; O’Brien and Haves, 2011). This approach enhances energy efficiency by avoiding conditioning unoccupied spaces—such as lecture theatres outside class hours—and redirecting conditioned air to adjacent, occupied spaces like research areas and workrooms (Wang and Rubinstein, 2010). By allocating mechanical systems and ducted air distribution flexibly between zones, the building supports dynamic load management, critical for reducing peak energy demand and improving system responsiveness (González et al., 2016). This flexibility is especially valuable in mixed-use academic buildings with varying schedules and occupancy patterns (Crawley et al., 2008).

Balanced Use of Opaque and Glazed Facades to Optimize Thermal Performance

The design’s deliberate balance of highly insulated opaque walls and strategically placed glazing reflects an understanding of the trade-offs between daylight admission and thermal performance (Lechner, 2015). Opaque walls provide superior insulation and thermal mass, stabilizing indoor temperatures in intermittently used spaces such as lecture theatres, which demand controlled acoustic and lighting environments (Salama, 2007). In temperate climates, excessive glazing can lead to increased heating and cooling loads due to solar heat gain and thermal losses (Givoni, 1998). Thus, minimizing glazing in lecture theatres while maximizing daylight in research and office spaces through controlled glazing, solar shading, and light shelves enables a nuanced environmental response that balances visual comfort and energy efficiency (Littlefair, 2001; Boyce, 2003).

Natural Ventilation Supported by Electrically Operated Openings

Where possible, the use of natural ventilation via operable windows integrated with electrically controlled systems provides occupants with access to fresh air, improving indoor air quality and reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation (Etheridge and Sandberg, 1996; Heiselberg et al., 2009). The combination of passive ventilation strategies with mechanical backup allows for mixed-mode operation that optimizes energy use according to climatic conditions (Brager and de Dear, 1998). The design of voids behind opaque panels for air intake is an innovative architectural integration of ventilation ducts within the building envelope, reducing visual clutter and promoting efficient air distribution (Fisk et al., 2010). Seasonal modulation of ventilation patterns aligns with bioclimatic design strategies that adapt indoor environments to external weather fluctuations (Olgyay, 2015).

Heat Recovery and Recirculation for Reduced Energy Consumption

The incorporation of heat recovery systems within the ducted air network allows for the transfer of thermal energy between outgoing exhaust air and incoming fresh air, substantially reducing heating and cooling energy demands (ASHRAE, 2019; Lechner, 2015). This approach is especially effective in temperate climates, where temperature differentials between indoor and outdoor air vary seasonally, allowing for energy savings year-round. By recirculating conditioned air to adjacent zones such as circulation spaces and research areas, the system maintains occupant comfort while minimizing fresh air conditioning loads, aligning with sustainable HVAC practices (González et al., 2016).

Daylighting Strategy to Minimize Electrical Lighting Loads

The environmental strategy prioritizes natural daylighting in research and office zones through the use of light shelves and clear glazing with solar protection. Light shelves reflect daylight deeper into spaces while shading upper glazing areas, effectively reducing direct solar gain and glare (Littlefair, 2001; Boyce, 2003). This strategy maintains visual comfort and reduces the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours, lowering electricity consumption and associated carbon emissions (Tregenza and Wilson, 2011). Daylighting enhances occupant wellbeing and productivity, which is especially important in academic and research environments (Edwards and Torcellini, 2002).

Semi-External Public Spaces as Environmental Buffers

The semi-external sculpture courts, acting as buffer zones between main interior spaces and the outdoors, provide transitional microclimates that moderate temperature extremes and enhance thermal comfort (Gehl, 2011; Givoni, 1998). These spaces reduce heat loss from adjacent rooms during cold periods and limit heat gain during warmer months, leveraging the building form and facade articulation for passive environmental control (Steemers, 2003). Using these semi-external zones aligns with principles of adaptive environmental design, where spaces are layered to optimize comfort and energy use in variable climates (Olgyay, 2015).

References

ASHRAE (2019) ASHRAE Handbook — HVAC Systems and Equipment. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Boyce, P.R. (2003) Human Factors in Lighting. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Brager, G.S. and de Dear, R.J. (1998) ‘Thermal adaptation in the built environment: a literature review’, Energy and Buildings, 27(1), pp. 83–96.

Crawley, D.B., Hand, J.W., Kummert, M. and Griffith, B.T. (2008) ‘Contrasting the capabilities of building energy performance simulation programs’, Building and Environment, 43(4), pp. 661–673.

Edwards, L. and Torcellini, P. (2002) ‘A literature review of the effects of natural light on building occupants’, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Report, NREL/TP-550-30769.

Etheridge, D. and Sandberg, M. (1996) Building Ventilation: Theory and Measurement. Chichester: Wiley.

Fisk, W.J., Faulkner, D., Sullivan, D. and Delp, W. (2010) ‘Energy impact of ventilation air changes in buildings’, Indoor Air, 20(4), pp. 298–312.

Gehl, J. (2011) Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: Island Press.

Givoni, B. (1998) Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design. New York: Wiley.

González, J.M., Duque, D., Martínez, J., and Castillo, E. (2016) ‘Energy management in buildings: Opportunities and challenges’, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 61, pp. 1010–1025.

Heiselberg, P., Brohus, H., Hesselholt, A., Rasmussen, M.R. and Nielsen, P.V. (2009) ‘Application of ventilation principles in buildings: A review’, Energy and Buildings, 41(9), pp. 987–996.

Lechner, N. (2015) Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Littlefair, P. (2001) Climate-Responsive Building. London: E & FN Spon.

Olgyay, V. (2015) Design with Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Salama, A.M. (2007) Spatial Cognition: Architectural Design and Education. New York: Springer.

Steemers, K. (2003) Environmental Diversity in Architecture. London: Spon Press.

Tregenza, P. and Wilson, M. (2011) Daylighting: Architecture and Lighting Design. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.

Wang, S. and Rubinstein, F.M. (2010) ‘Energy-efficient HVAC operation for demand-controlled ventilation’, Energy and Buildings, 42(6), pp. 1037–1046.