Claude MH Demers, MArch, PhD, OAQ
Andrˇ Potvin, MArch, PhD, OAQ
School of Architecture, Laval University
1 Cote de la Fabrique, Quebec City, QC, CANADA, G1K 7P4
(418)
656-2131 ext. 6777
(418) 656-2131 ext. 4814
claude.demers@arc.ulaval.ca andre.potvin@arc.ulaval.ca
This presentation
will suggest that the notion of physical ambiences in architecture may help
bridging the gap between research, practice and teaching. Physical ambiences
are seen as generators of design hypothesis and a more architecturally relevant
mean to address environmental responsiveness in architecture. This presentation
will therefore illustrate the integration of the physical ambiences concept in
research, practice as well as in the teaching process in order to try to
identify how different actors involved at different levels in architectural
design can cross-pollinate each other through a common medium.
The GRAP (Groupe de recherches en
ambiances physiques) has been involved over the years in public
funded research addressing three distinct but interrelated aspects of
environmental perception: the visual, thermal, and acoustic qualities of space.
A current SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council) research grant aims at assessing environmental adaptability
in architecture according to the adaptive theory. The development of a qualitative and quantitative
longitudinal survey method is at the centre of this research in order to read,
represent and analyze the dynamic nature of physical ambiences perception. The representation of the physical
phenomenon behind architectural ambiences is an important challenge of this
research in order to exchange a common graphical information between
researchers/teachers, practitioners and students.
Research contracts challenge the
practicality of the physical ambiences theory in the integration of
environmental controls in real buildings. Recent contracts such as the Caisse
de Dˇp™t et de Placement du Quˇbec, and the Centre
de Traitement du Bois Ouvrˇ, a new pavilion on the Laval
University Campus are used as experimental grounds for the measurement and
validation of the adaptive hypothesis using the longitudinal survey
method. All buildings were
designed from the early stages with the assistance of the GRAP and contributed
to the development of simplified design tools to open a discussion between
professionals and researchers. LUMcalcul2.01, developed from Loe and TregenzaÕs equations, and PETv4.2 (Profils
dÕˇquilibre thermique), inspired from Brown and De
KayÕs method for balance point calculations emerged as effective transfer tools
between actors. Both spreadsheets and will be available for participants.
A specialization in physical ambiences has been recently offered to professional master degree students at the School of Architecture of Laval University whereas visual, thermal, and acoustic concepts are investigated in a design studio supported by a compulsory lecture course. These two courses are taught by three professors of the GRAP involved in each of the three ambiences. Such a structure provides the opportunity to students and teachers to validate their physical ambience hypothesis through extensive analogical and numerical experimental work. The structure of the combined courses will be discussed and illustrated through examples of studentsÕ work, including last year ACSA Wood design competitionÕs winning scheme (honorable mention).
Audiovisual needs: digital projector