Terraflow
Brynn Lucky, Vaughn Corson, Olivia SuCooling Transit Stops/Way-Points Via 3d-Printed Terracotta Modules Using Evaporative Cooling And Bernoulli Effect.
AbstractTerraflow is an adaptable model that can adjust to the needs and constraints of East Harlem bus stops throughout the neighborhood. In the future, Terraflow expands beyond the original bus stop model into the realm of modular street furniture and larger pavilion enclosures that can adjust to the needs of various different site conditions.
Background
Background
The area of East Harlem scores in the highest percentage of the Heat Vulnerability Index, being one of the worst impacted by the Urban Heat Island Effect. The area’s extensive pavements and limited green space exacerbate this even more. Solar radiation is absorbed and reflected, compounding the area’s climate.
This is due to a neglectful NYC government that has historically red-lined the East Harlem neighborhood throughout history that is correlated to the excessive heat gain in the area.
With an elevated elderly population and higher rates of asthma, the residents of the area are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Few areas of relief from these conditions, with higher rates of poverty preventing easy access to cooler spaces or personal a/c units. With the threat of climate change, the health and comfort of East Harlem residents is becoming worse.
This is due to a neglectful NYC government that has historically red-lined the East Harlem neighborhood throughout history that is correlated to the excessive heat gain in the area.
With an elevated elderly population and higher rates of asthma, the residents of the area are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Few areas of relief from these conditions, with higher rates of poverty preventing easy access to cooler spaces or personal a/c units. With the threat of climate change, the health and comfort of East Harlem residents is becoming worse.
Airflow Experiments
Leveraging Wind Phenomena through Form Organization
Inspired by traditional Indian architecture, the jali harnesses the Venturi effect and Bernoulli's principle to accelerate airflow through its perforations. As air velocity increases and pressure decreases, natural ventilation is enhanced while airborne pollutants are drawn through the filtration system.
We implement this design strategies in anticpation of Terracotta as modular, perforated units to speed up and direct airflow through perforations in the directed walls of our cooling zones.
1:3 Opening
Control
This was achieved using SimScale and Nuada to simulate CFD particle movement phsics through facade with varied openings, and ratios ran with a pedestrian comfort simulation at multiple section cuts.
Finally, we compared physical results against digital results to verify and established similar conclusions. The capturing of venturi effect and bernoulli’s principle through compacted appertures proved to be beneficial and increasing pressure of air flow.
Temperature Experiments
Testing Evaporative Cooling Properties and Heat GainPrevious experiments of variables: - exposed surface area- environmental humidity
Materials: pre-fired terracotta pot, tub of water, ruler, and a liquid measuring cup.
Procedure:
- Mark the pot with significant measurements
- Fill the tub with 4 cups of water
- Place the pot inside the tub marking where the original water line is on the pots
- Check periodically (every hour) how far the water has absorbed up the pot.
- Once the water line reaches the top of the pot, remove the pot and measure the amount of water left in the tub
- Connect the sets of pots. For a dry stack we nested the two pots inside each other. For a wet stack we used a slurry to act as mortar between the joint
- Fill the tub with 4 cups of water
- Place the pots inside the tub marking where the original water line is on the pots
- Check periodically (every hour) how far the water has absorbed up the pot.
Materials: 2 identical terracotta pots, thermal camera, thermometer, wind tunnel.
Procedure:
- Soak one pot water until it is fully saturated, leaving the second one dry
- Place both pots in the same environment and using the thermometer and the thermal camera measure the air temperature around both pots.
- Place both pots in wind tunnel and see how each pot affects its surrounding enviroment
Material System Development
Modular Aggregation of Terracotta Units through 3D Printing-
Evaporative cooling
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Thermal mass effect
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Low thermal conductivit
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Natural air circulation/improving air quality
- Hygroscopic-Renewable material
- Wind-facing
- Shading
- Visibility
- Water accessibility
All these conditions ensure highly efficent cooling based upon our research.
Final Prototype: Pratt SOA
Presentation of the Mock-Up and Research to a Review Jury
Fabrication Images
Case Studies: East Harlem
Developing Cooling Centers along Transit PathsGeneral Programming
After the midterm, we expand our bricks to be usedthroughout East Harlem. Designing with the senior community in mind. Commutability done by the elderly in East Harlem is challenging due to the Urban Heat Island Effect continously affecting them for longer due to their slower movement.
15 minute walking radii with an extra emphasis on northern locations having a higher temperature median were also caclauted, with critical placement along streets with apt wind tunnels.
Visiting Associate Professor
dborow64@pratt.edu
darrick@dba.nyc
718.399.4305
http://darrickborowski.com
http://are-a.net
http://materialphenomenal.com
IG:
Mycellium
Sarah Cawley
Brianna Martinez-Burns
Saahir Lakhani
Algenosphere:
Algae
Aarav Schroff
Nicolas Gotzev
Mehek Usman
Terracotta
Brynn Lucky
Vaughn Carson
Olivia Su
Urban Osmosis:
Hydrogel
Zophia Li
Tia Thomspon
Kyle Fish