Advanced Computer-Aided Design and Research Seminar Project Ideas

Research project ideas

There are three ideas I am exploring for the main research project of iar 560:

Topic idea #1 for iar560 is to develop an online interactive learning tool to teach biophilic principles showing a building designed in Revit that the user can progress through to elucidate important biophilic learning points.  It would be designed to cater to adolescents and adults. The targeted user group of adolescence (ages thirteen to seventeen) is especially critical as it is a time within their development that can foster an environmentally sensitive mind.  The major development points that the program will be focused on include ecological, moralistic, and naturalistic perspectives of the natural and built world (Kellert, 2005, p. 79)

Topic idea #2 is to explore using Revit and 3ds max incorporating their new plug-in that allows daylight, lighting, and other calculations in order to maximize the environmental aspects of the building. The ability to locate the building in a specific location and position it on the site in order to maximize the energy efficiency of the building is part of this new tool that allow for upfront easier justification for energy efficient initiatives. The success of this program combination will be assessed for its inherent strength and weakness. The development of such tools will further the “green” building initiative.

Topic idea #3 is to develop a website devoted to biophilic architecture. The six elements represented will include environmental features, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place-based relationships, and human-nature relationships.  The seventy attributes within the elements will be represented and described with illustrations to provide extensive project documentation. The purpose of this idea is to stimulate the design community with a wealth of ideas and information in a convenient one-stop online location. The addition of supplementary research and news worthy case studies can additionally highlight what is happening around the world in biophilic design.