FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Instructors:
Keith A. Simon, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP, SBSE, ksimon@utexas.edu, 512-800-4485
Matthew Tanteri, FIES, Educator IALD, SBSE, CPHC, tanteri@utexas.edu, 512-337-8039
Office hours by appointment
Teaching Assistants:
David Sharratt davidosharratt@gmail.com
Haley Fitzpatrick h.fitzpatrick@utexas.edu
Preethi Sreedhara preethi.sreedhar@utexas.edu
Course Description
Environmental Controls I is a survey course that covers the essential technical knowledge of daylighting, electric lighting, electrical systems, and
acoustics. Both the qualitative as well as the quantitative characteristics of these systems will be emphasized in order to design healthy, energyefficient, comfortable, productive, and engaging spaces.
The controlled distribution of daylight is the hallmark of sustainable and timeless buildings. Both great modern and historic architects alike have
understood this and written about daylight in almost reverential terms. Well-designed and well- integrated electric lighting and acoustic systems are
likewise critical to successful modern spaces.
This course will engage both the heart and mind of Environmental Controls by exploring the metrics of light and sound as well as its
phenomenology. Emphasis is on both strengthening a designer’s intuitive skills as well as practical application techniques for predicting and testing
performance.
Labs and projects are critical to applying knowledge gained in readings and lectures. These activities will generally consist of 3 phases:
1. Documentation - learning to sketch, diagram, and model existing sensory conditions
2. Analysis - evaluation through a combination of intuition and technical review
3. Design - improving existing conditions and testing performance
Students will develop knowledge and skill in the following areas:
Sustainable Design- concepts and principles, with a focus on daylighting, electric lighting and acoustics
Site Survey- analysis of site obstructions, view, daylight availability and insolation
Daylighting/View- basic design principles, strategies and performance prediction methodologies
Glazing- basic visual performance properties and selection criteria for daylight and view
Insolation Analysis- basic mechanisms of heat transfer through glazed apertures
Shading Design- basic principles, strategies and performance prediction methodologies
Electrical Systems - understanding of basic building electrical systems
Electrical Lighting - sources, luminaires, and lighting design, reflected ceiling plans
Sound Physics - key properties and metrics that effect building acoustics
Acoustic Design - control of room sound absorption building noise control
Photovoltaics - primary system components, basic system sizing and design
Perception - underlying component throughout environmental control systems and the key to sustainable design
Time & Locations
Lectures: GOL 3.120 Tuesdays, Thursdays 3:30-5pm
ARI 324K-00370 Lab meets Wednesdays 6-9pm in CAL 21
ARC 334K-00760 Lab meets Fridays 9am-12pm in SUT 2.112
ARC 334K-00765 Lab meets Wednesdays 6-9pm in WMB 4.118
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of the course Architectural Interior Design 520L or Architecture 520L with a grade of at least C.
Required Texts
1) Grondzik, Walter T.; Kwok, Alison G.; Stein Benjamin; Reynolds, John S. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 12th Edition.
Wiley, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-470-19565-9
2) Tanizaki, Junichiro. In Praise of Shadows, Leete’s Island Books, 1977. ISBN: 978-0-918172-02-0
3) Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin, Wiley, 2005. ISBN: 978-470-01579-7
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Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Course Tools
1) On-line Equidistant Projection Sun Charts at:
http://solardat.uoregon.edu/PolarSunChartProgram.html
http://www.gaisma.com
2) Climate Consultant shareware (Mac and PC), available for download at:
http://www.energy-design-tools.aud.ucla.edu
3) Google Earth at:
http://www.google.com/earth/download/ge/agree.html
4) VELUX Daylight Visualizer, Manual 3D Modeler, Dec., 2014.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement,
Services for Students with Disabilities, 471-6259:
Based in the philosophy that all students should be assured equal access and opportunity, Services for Students with Disabilities works to
eliminate physical, instructional and attitudinal barriers by providing reasonable accommodations and fostering awareness within the University
community.
Please notify the instructor of any special needs.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is expected at all lectures and required at all lab sessions. Absences from labs are excused only for medical conditions or personal or
family emergencies. You must contact your TA in advance for any non-emergency absences from labs to arrange attendance at another lab
section. More than three absences from lab sessions or lectures will result in a zero for participation (drop of one letter grade for the term).
University of Texas Honor Code
The core values of the University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each
member of the University is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.
For more information about academic integrity read: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/acint_student.php.
Religious Holy Days
Notify the instructor or TA of any pending absence at least fourteen days prior to the date of observance of a religious holy day. If you must miss a
class, an examination, a work assignment, or a project in order to observe a religious holy day, you will be given an opportunity to complete the
missed work within a reasonable time after the absence.
Course Assignments
Project assignments consist of a variety of problem-based questions requiring calculations, sketch exercises, observation and measurements
using hand-held equipment and sensors, model construction and mini-case studies. Projects are
due at the beginning of lecture, unless otherwise announced. Homework submitted late will earn reduced credit (-10%). Homework more than one
week late will not be accepted and scored a zero.
Course Grading
Grade Minimum Scores: 93.33% (A), 90.00% (A-), 86.67% (B+), 83.33% (B), 80.00% (B-), 76.67% (C+), 73.33% (C), 70.00% (C-), 66.67% (D+),
63.33% (D), 60.00% (D-), 0.00% (F)
Group Project #1 (20%) Daylighting Model
Group Project #2 (20%) Electric Lighting Model
Midterm (15%) Combination of multiple choice, essay, and design problems (closed-book)
Final Exam (15%) Combination of multiple choice, essay, and design problems (closed-book)
Excercises (10%) Short homework assignments will be assigned during lectures throughout the term at the instructors' discretion
Quizzes (10%) Short quizzes will be administered throughout the term at the instructors' discretion
Participation (10%) Includes completion of lab activities, participation in class discussions and helping to
create a positive learning environment for the class.
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Grading Criteria
A/A- Grade Work
Original and thoughtful concept that is clearly communicated. Comprehensive and well-developed
work goes well beyond project requirements. Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the subject matter including readings. Exemplary graphs,
figures, images, sketches, models, etc. supported by cited rerences.
B+/B/B- Grade Work
Thoughtful concept that is well communicated. Comprehensive and well-developed work goes beyond project requirements. Demonstrates
understanding of the subject matter including readings. Includes appropriate graphs, figures, images, sketches, models, etc. supported by cited
rerences.
C+/C/C- Grade Work
Has a concept and shows developed work that meets project requirements. Demonstrates understanding of the subject matter. Includes adequate
graphs, figures, images, sketches, models, etc. supported by cited rerences.
D+/D/D- Grade Work
Meets some of the project requirements. Work is not fully developed. Demonstrates some understanding of the subject matter. Inadequate graphs,
figures, images, sketches, models, etc..
F Grade Work
Does not meet project requirements. Work is not developed. Does not demonstrate understanding of the subject matter.
Schedule Notes
Classes begin on August 27, 2015 and end on December 3, 2015
Midterm Exam on October 20, 2015
No class November 25, 2015 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Final Exam on Friday, December 11, 2015, 9am-12pm
Readings are due the week following the date they are assigned unless otherwise noted
***Syllabus and course schedule are subject to change
SOURCE
Week 1
Thurs, Aug 27
Learning Outcomes:
- Introduce course themes, syllabus, texts, homework, quizzes, grading, etc.
- Understand basic light source characteristics
- Gain ability to assess sky conditions (Overcast Sky, Clear Sky and Partly Cloudy Sky)
- Learn the components of daylight and how to use the Daylight Factor method
- Develop proficiency with set up and simulation of a simple room model
Lecture: COURSE INTRO (Simon / Tanteri)
Watch "MEEB Like This!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpzmB37G_6A
Lecture: SOURCE, METRICS & VISUALIZATION (Tanteri)
Assign: EX #01 SURVEY & SIMULATION (Individual Exercise) - due 9/1 (prior to class)
Reading: VELUX Daylight Visualizer, Manual 3D Modeler, Dec 2014- pp. 1-15
Reading: MEEB pp. xix-xxi (Preface), pp. 257-276
LAB 00: No lab this week (self-guided individual assignment).
Explore textbook learning resources at: www.wiley/go/meeb12e
LIGHT & COLOR
Week 2
Tues, Sep 1
FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand fundamental metrics of light and color
- Learn how to measure light
Lecture: PHYSICS OF LIGHT (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 583-597
Assign: EX #02 FIELD SURVEY (Group Exercise)- due 9/8 (prior to class)
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FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Thurs, Sep 3
Review: EX #01 SURVEY & SIMULATION
Lecture: FUNDAMENTALS OF COLOR (Tanteri)
Reading: MEEB pp. 627-637
LAB 01- HOW TO TAKE AN HDR PHOTO & USE PHOTOSPHERE TO ANALYZE LUMINANCE
MASSING &
FENESTRATION
Week 3
Tues, Sep 8
Thurs, Sep 10
Learning Outcomes:
- Realize the first order impact of building form and fenestration on daylighting and energy use
- Understand the industry forces that manufacture, distribute and install glass
- Develop an understanding of critical metrics for specifying glass, glazing, and window systems
Lecture- GLASS & GLAZING (Simon)
Reading: MEEB p. 1688
Reading: Can Highly Glazed Building Facades Be Green? By John Straube
http://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-006-can-fully-glazed-curtainwalls-be-green
Assign: EX #03 PHYSICAL MODELS (Group Exercise)
Review: EX #02 FIELD SURVEY (Group Exercise)
Lecture- MASSING & FENESTRATION (Tanteri)
Reading: MEEB pp. 284-291
LAB 02- HOW TO BUILD AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL
VIEW & SHADING
Week 4
Tues, Sep 15
Thurs, Sep 17
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the fundamentals of solar geometry and sun path diagrams
- Learn how to develop a shading mask and design a simple shading device
Lecture- SOLAR GEOMETRY & SUN PATH PROJECTIONS (Simon)
Reading: MEEB p.70, pp.167-178, pp.1635-1648 (Appendix D Solar Geometry)
Assign: EX #04 MODEL TESTING: HELIODON (Group Exercise)
Review: EX #03 PHYSICAL MODELS (Group Exercise)
Lecture- VIEW / SHADING ANGLES & SHADING MASKS (Tanteri)
Reading: MEEB pp. 178-193
LAB 03- HOW TO USE THE HELIODON
TOPLIGHTING &
SIDELIGHTING
Week 5
FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Learning Outcomes:
- What is daylighting and why is it critical to sustainable design?
- Become familiar with the basic toplighting and sidelighting strategies
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FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Tues, Sep 22
Thurs, Sep 24
Lecture- DAYLIGHTING (Tanteri)
Reading: MEEB pp. 241-250
Assign: EX #05 CONTROL- DUE 10/13 (Group Exercise)
Review: EX #04 MODEL TESTING: HELIODON (Group Exercise)
Lecture-TOPLIGHTING & SIDELIGHTING (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 250-257
LAB 04- HOW TO USE THE ARTIFICIAL SKY
ADVANCED
DAYLIGHTING
STRATEGIES
Week 6
Learning Outcomes:
- Build personal toolbox of daylighting strategies utilizing specialized materials, techniques, equipment,
and products
Tues, Sep 29
Lecture- ADVANCED DAYLIGHTING STRATEGIES I (Tanteri)
Reading: TBD
Thurs, Oct 1
Lecture- ADVANCED DAYLIGHTING STRATEGIES 2 (Tanteri)
Reading: TBD
LAB 05- INTERIOR DESIGN DECISIONS
ACOUSTICS
Week 7
Tues, Oct 6
Thurs, Oct 8
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn basic metrics used to describe building acoustics
- Understand how perception effects the way we hear
Lecture-THE PHYSICS OF SOUND (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 1015-1028
Lecture-THE PERCEPTION OF SOUND (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 1031-1041
LAB 06- ACOUSTIC TERMS
Week 8
Tues, Oct 13
Thurs, Oct 15
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn basic strategies to control room acoustics
- Learn basic strategies for building noise control
Lecture- ROOM ACOUSTICS, ABSORPTION (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 1043-1064
EX #05 CONTROL- DUE
Lecture-BUILDING NOISE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 1073-1093
LAB 07- ACOUSTIC DESIGN
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
MIDTERM &
PRESENTATIONS
Week 9
Tues, Oct 20
Thurs, Oct 22
Midterm Exam
Lecture- SELECTED STUDENTS PRESENT TO CLASS
LAB 08- SENSORY DESIGN CHARETTE
SOURCE &
LUMINAIRE
Week 10
Tues, Oct 27
Thurs, Oct 29
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn characteristics of the basic electric lighting families
- Gain understanding of how angle, spread, and filters effect lighting
Lecture- SOURCES (Simon)
Reading: MEEB pp. 639-669
Assign: EX #06 INTEGRATION- DUE 11/19 (Group Exercise)
Lecture- LUMINAIRES (Tanteri)
Reading: MEEB pp. 697-706
LAB 09- HANDS ON LIGHTING
DESIGN &
DOCUMENT
Week 11
Tues, Nov 3
Thurs, Nov 5
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the basic lighting control strategies
- Understand how lighting design is communicated in working drawings
Lecture- LIGHTING DESIGN TECHNIQUES (Tanteri)
Reading: MEEB pp. 717-727
Lecture- FIXTURE SCHEDULE AND RCP (Simon)
Reading: to be announced
LAB 10- SURVEY OF EXISTING SPACE
CASE STUDIES
Week 12
FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Learning Outcomes:
- Become famliliar with conceptual lighting design
- Learn to understand lighting design strategies
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Tues, Nov 10
Thurs, Nov 12
Lecture- LIGHTING CASE STUDIES 1 (Tanteri)
Reading: TBD
Lecture- LIGHTING CASE STUDIES 2 (Tanteri)
Reading: TBD
LAB 11- LIGHTING CASE STUDIES
NET ZERO &
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Week 13
Tues, Nov 17
Thurs, Nov 19
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the importance of a decentralized power plant
- Learn key components and sizing of a photovoltaic system
Lecture- PHOTOVOLTAICS (Simon)
Reading: 1383-1405
LIGHTING EXHIBITION
EX #06 INTEGRATION- DUE 11/19 (Group Exercise)
OPEN LAB
Week 14
Tues, Nov 24
Thurs, Nov 26
Learning Outcomes:
- Experience phenomenology of acoustic environmental controls
MUSICAL INTERLUDE
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY - NO CLASS
No lab this week
SYNTHESIS
Week 15
Learning Outcomes:
- Course concepts review
- Understanding it all together
Tues, Dec 1
PROJECTS REVIEW
Thurs, Dec 3
Lecture- COURSE SUMMARY (Simon / Tanteri)
OPEN LAB
Week 16
Dec 11
FALL 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 1
Final Exam 9AM-12PM (Friday)
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