Exploring THE POINT OF PERCEPTION---DRAFT
by Mikael Powell AIA, IIDA,CDT, SAG/AFTRA
Let me start by talking in general terms. It seems obvious at first thought that when you want to change or alter phenomena, you would do so directly at the point of action. In these times we look for efficiencies in purpose and action. We are all in the business of design, of creating functional built environments. And when we look at actions involving humans, we think of our receptors – those places where we experience the stimuli of created spaces.
AWARENESS
Therefore, we will look at human senses in relationship to the system and products that we create and specify in our spaces. We will discuss how to bring services directly to where they are sensed. At the end, I hope you will
Be more mindful about the built environment.
View outlets and targets for environmental systems.
Consider resultant efficiencies.
Imagine the possibility for innovation
PERCEPTION-CONSIDER THE SENSES
Our knowledge of all the senses is very incomplete and unsatisfactory, especially with regard to the neural and mental processes that are an essential, perhaps the major, keys to understanding consciousness. Anatomical and physiological knowledge of the structures of the nervous system is detailed and rather complete, but furnishes only the slightest clues to the operation of the senses. Empirical knowledge of how the senses behave is extensive, but it only describes and does not explain.
All senses communicate only by electrical pulses traveling down nerve axons, and are subject to noise. All senses exhibit adaptation, in which a continued steady stimulus has an effect decreasing with time, as well as masking, in which one stimulus increases the threshold for the detection of another. There is no straightforward, universal connection between the intensity of a stimulus and the strength of its perception. Sensation can judge equality with some precision, but ratios cannot be accurately estimated.
PERCEPTION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
We will focus, however, on touch and sight and more specially, HVAC and lighting systems.
THE SKIN IS THE TARGET FOR HVAC-TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY
The sense of touch is the name given to a network of nerve endings that reach just about every part of our body. These sensory nerve endings are located just below the skin and register light and heavy pressure on the skin and also differences in temperature. These nerve endings gather information and send it to the brain.Airflow past the skin cools the body.
TRADITIONAL CLIMATE CONTROL- BROADCASTING OF SERVICE
Typically there is a grid of ductwork supplying air from the ceiling with return in the plenum as well. Besides air stagnation, this provides for inconsistent conditioning of spaces.
DELIVERY DISTANT FROM POINT OF PERCEPTION
You can observe the distance from the inhabitants.
IMPROVED DISTRIBUTION- UNDERFLOOR ROUTING SYSTEM
An improve on this traditional system is an underfloor HVAC routing system. I am utilizing this in a project I have now – Jadwin Hall renovation. I am taking an existing space and upgrading it.
Other comfort benefits of this system are
Reduce HVAC plant costs by up to 10%
• Reduce external façade costs by up to 10% per story
• Reduce the cost of HVAC churn by up to $1200 per additional zone
• Reduce fan energy usage by 32-48%
• Reduce energy consumption by up to 20%
• Reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 15%
I am utilizing this in a project I have now – Jadwin Hall renovation. I am taking an existing space and upgrading it.
NEWER CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY- DELIVERY CLOSER TO POINT OF PERCEPTION
This brings proximity closer to the user.
CLIMATE CONTROL DELIVERY- INNOVATION
911 Chairs, Radiant climate controlled clothing, heat controlled cloth,
• The personal air unit filters and circulates the air within the environment. Single control adjusts air flow, lighting and white noise. Standard with an occupancy sensor. Also includes radiant heat panel.
Heated clothing - Gerbing's Heated Clothing products are powered by your vehicle or an external battery pack. It's just like putting your clothes on right out of the dryer.
NEWER CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY- DELIVERY CLOSER TO POINT OF PERCEPTION
This brings proximity closer to the user.
PERCEPTION- LIGHTING PERMITS THE PERCEPTION OF OBJECTS.
In order to see, there must be light, an object, a receptor (the eye) and a decoder (the brain). The light rays reflected or transmitted from the object whose brightness we see, stimulates electro-chemical receptors in the eye that transmit signals to the brain where they cause the sensation of vision. The brain and the eye cooperate in transforming radiant energy into the sensation of seeing.
TRADITIONAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS- BROADCAST DELIVERY
Traditional lighting system work much in the same as HVAC with a grid work of fixtures broadcasting light to give a general illumination. This is a precedence study I prepared.
Typical ceiling systems.
NEWER LIGHTING CONCEPTS-TASK LIGHTING
More contemporary systems incorporate task lighting. This shows task lighting for corridor, work and dining.
INNOVATION-LIGHT EMITTING FURNITURE AND CLOTHING
Newer lighting sources include things like illuminated clothing, desks and other furniture.
Furniture – Eudora is a fiberglass chair upholstered in a variety of printed fabrics and encased in polyester resin. To top off the play on a preserved artifact, Eudora is illuminated from within to create an enticing and surreal object.
Table –
Fibre/rope/Clothing- Our waterproof breathable glow-in-the-dark coatings are applied to most woven fabric types such as nylons and polyesters. These coated fabrics can be used for a range of safety or active sportswear applications as well as recreation sports. Because the coating is solid with micro chambers, it can be used in marine environments as well without the risk of salt damaging the breathability function. The glow properties will last the life span of the product which is about ten years with moderate to heavy use.
INNOVATION-LIGHT EMITTING BUILDING MATERIALS
And illuminated building materials.
Drywall-Fiber Optic Cable can now be incorporated into your drywall
design to create subtle or bold decorative effects. Fiber Optic
Cable has the advantages of; flexibility, no electrical components
beyond illuminator location, long and maintenance free life, and
active or selective color change.
Floor Tile - GranitiFiandre Luminar is an interactive material which reflects and generates light.
INNOVATION- DELIVERY CLOSER TO POINT OF PERCEPTION
Bringing the service closer to the point of perception.
INNOVATION
Thus, the sensory pod. --The London Oasis provides entertainment, a meeting place and tranquil space for Londoners
The 12 metre high kinetic structure mimics the design of a growing flower: its photovoltaic 'petals' open and close in response to the sun and the moon utilising daylight to generate power. This is supplemented by a hydrogen fuel cell and wind turbine to make it self-sufficient. It even uses rainwater it has collected for irrigation and cooling.
At the base, the Oasis has five 'pods' inside which people are secluded from the noisy and polluted city surroundings, enjoying cleaner cooled air and relaxing sounds. There are also five further areas providing social rendezvous and venues for entertainment.
The Oasis is 'smart' in that it interacts with the environment around it. It senses time, the weather and people, and responds accordingly. At night, it uses energy stored during the day to power a beacon in the form of a light show which responds to the movement of people around.
AWARENESS
Therefore, we will look at human senses in relationship to the system and products that we create and specify in our spaces. We will discuss how to bring services directly to where they are sensed. At the end, I hope you will have a greater awareness of the built environment and view systems with regard to delivery at the point of perception. You should be more mindful of efficiencies and more open to consider advent-guard, imaginative possibilities
FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES- TOWARD THE POINT OF PERCEPTION
And as we move into the future, so will technologies move toward the point of perception--- that is the human brain. Maybe we can bypass the sensory organs altogether and directly stimulate the brain. I talked to Richard F. Olivo, Ph.D., Associate Director Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University and noted biologist. He said it is feasible in the future, but it is very hard to stimulate the brain. Now they can direct impulses, but just get blotches of color. -END
© 2007 Mikael Powell
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