ECS I 2009 Winter Case Study Book

Students enrolled in ARCH 491 Environmental Control Systems 1 at the University of Oregon examine design intent and physical performance as part of a 5-week case study final project. Collaborative teams select a setting for investigation: a building, space, or phenomenon that holds architectural inspiration or curiosity. Teams make observations, develop hypotheses, and appropriate methodology and analysis. Each case study offers insights on the success or failure of various strategies. Topics selected are related to those covered during the term: energy use, occupant well-being, comfort, thermal bridging, passive and active solar design, energy-efficiency. Case studies are presented in a poster session and in an in-depth paper. This year, the class had the option of entering the ASHRAE Design Competition and 5 teams participated in that competition. Each project goes through a peer-review process, and case studies are selected for the Case Study Hall of Fame: http://www.uoregon.edu/~hof/