project04:Frontpage

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eCENTRE

author(s): Evthymia Tsiamis, Kotryna Zvironaite, Luca Vacchini, M.R. Galli


e-CENTRE | energy innovation and research

main form concept




' The building concept evolved out of an integrated bottom-up and top-down design approach that was driven by the ideas of energy production and reduction of energy use through effective climate systems. Ultimately, the goal is to produce enough energy to balance the energy used by the programmed functions. Approaching this goal from both ends, the building aims to produce energy but also to reduce energy consumption by engaging the facade and the occupants. The building houses sports and fitness facilities as well as research and collaboration areas, where students of the TU Delft and professionals can team up and work on developing ideas and projects in the field of renewable energy, and building integrated systems for energy harvesting.'

'With an emphasis on sun energy, the form-findng process was inspired by geologics and biomimicry, more specifically, the relationship between sun exposure and plant growth. The final shape of the building allows for maximum exposure of the facade to the sun throughout the year. The facade is composed of 4 variations of a multifunctional component which is mapped across the building's surface according to a rule that maximizes PV surface area while still providing sufficient daylight to the interior.'

'The structural system, like the facade system, is derived from the idea of a singular component that morphs to suit the local demands on the component (i.e. window size for daylight, structural member size for loading) within the larger context of the building. These structural components are assembled into modules, which together, form a global system of braced ribsr. The assembly is standard, but the components are customized and fabricated using digital fabrication techniques including cnc milling and laser cutting.'

'The components of the structural modules also integrate the climate strategy. The floor components are concrete hollow core slabs, through which air flows in order to facilitate the cross ventilation strategy by creating an underpressure which pulls air through the occupied spaces. The slabs end at the lateral bracing components, which stabilize the rib components. These bracing components are hollow steel 'boxes' which incorporate openings to the building exterior that are controlled by the BMS to regulate this air flow. Between the rib components and above the lateral bracing component sits the frame for the facade component, which forms the cavity for the double facade.'

'In addition to solar energy harvesting, the building also takes advantage of wind at the site as well as the movements of the building users. Windbelts are mounted on the exterior of the structural ribs, and as they flutter in the wind, they generate enough vibrational energy to power wireless sensors inside the buildng. The vibrational energy generated by people playing sports is also captured by piezeolectric flooring in the sports fields/courts and fitness areas in the building's basement. The building incorporates several interactive experiences which engage the user in a healthy lifestyle and also informs him/her about how these healthy activities are contributing to the energy production of the building.'



e-CENTER | energy research and innovation center |mid term presentation


E-CLOUD | energy harvesting


'The idea driving the design of our built space is energy harvesting from human movement and from nature. To that effect, the function of our building is an active ‘battery.’ The goal of our prototype is to show the process of “charging our battery.” We would like to create systems that collect energy from human physical activity. In reality, special piezo-electric floor tiles could be used to collect energy via vibrations from walking, running, or dancing. In our prototype, we simulate this energy collection using a light sensor and LEDs. As light moves closer to the sensor, representing increasing input from vibrations in the floor, the LEDs light up in succession, representing the charging of our battery. When the battery is charged to capacity, all four LEDs light up, the engine starts moving, and the “arms” of the prototype start to open. The prototype itself represents a personalized pod. This is a relaxing place where people who have contributed to the energy generation in the building through their movements can recharge their personal batteries, so to speak. The pods are only activated when enough energy has been generated by human input. Once you are inside, and the structure has closed, a personalized audio environment created by speakers placed in a spherical orientation creates a relaxing ambience for rejuvenation. '

MID-TERM REVIEW



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