Abstract:
For my thesis I am designing an Elementary School for approximately 600 - 650 students. I want to explore the idea of having the amenities located centrally, allowing for a smaller school feeling while allowing more opportunities for expansion. I want to use sustainable design to enhance the performance of the built environment and education of students. I plan to explore the idea of day lighting strategies in a classroom to improve the atmosphere in which students learn.This will include:Placement of windows and day lighting elementsBrightnessLight transmissionLight distribution within the classroomI will explore:Using sun shading devicesMaterialsIndirect lighting methodsOptimizing my site as a way to create a sustainable classroom.In my thesis I want to explore how we, as designers, begin addressing day lighting issues as a primary focal point. Explore an Architect's moral obligation to the users, particularly in schools. If studies are showing that natural light improves test scores, has psychological importance, and other significant benefits, then why does day light often play a secondary role to aesthetics? I came across two articles that I found interesting and made me want to explore ways to exploit these potential savings.According to www.SBICouncil.org more than $7.8 billion dollars a year is being spent on energy for grades K-12www.PSIC.org says that school districts can save 30%-40% on Utility costs each year for new schools and 20%-30% on renovated schools by applying sustainable, high performance design and construction concepts.I want to look at effective precedent studies to use as a building block in helping me explore the potential of how to better harness day light.
