Sensual building systems: a thermodynamic approach to urban public space

There is energy all around us, left unperceived by the senses. At the interface of the envelope, energy \ntransformations are constantly occurring within the layers. For architectural design, these predominantly \nunseen energies affect perceptions of the exterior, and potential ‘felt’ experiences of the interior. The \nzones of energy that exist amongst the envelope should not separate the interior from the exterior, rather \nthey should be seen as a transformative system of exchange between the exterior and the body within a \nthermodynamic space. In effect, this creates a zone ‘in-between,’ with various ergonomic conditions that \ncan be felt by the body. \nWithin the urban environment there is constant sensory overload. Preference is given towards natural \nenvironments for places of relaxation and well-being. Parks and green-spaces attempt to encourage \ncomfort in the city, but the provided places rarely consider the dynamics of the seasons and the \ninteractions between demographics. By filtering and modulating our perceptions of ‘energy,’ and the \noccurrence of microclimates, there can be a re-attunement towards the ways urban environments are \nperceived and experienced. The awakening of thermal perceptions can increase sensitivity to the ‘felt’ \nsenses, tempering the visual, and promoting well-being through sensual building systems. In terms \nof sustainable design, common approaches rarely look at the provided support for the occupants’ \nwell-being and the relationship between the body and the ‘felt experience’ of architecture. Sustainable \npractice tends to focus on quantitative factors rather than qualitative needs. With a lack of visual means \nand simulation technologies to understand thermal behaviour and the energy transformations that occur, \nsustainability has a difficult time advancing in terms of well-being and body comfort. Accordingly, there \nshould be an alternative perspective on energy. Where energy is understood as a vital component to \npublic space and the interactions between people and their experiences within the built environment. \nAs the hub for Northern Ontario, Downtown Sudbury will be investigated, along with the need for \nurban public space under winter conditions. At the proposed Downtown site of 70 Elm street, the public \nspace will engage the varied demographics, whilst providing an intriguing insight into designing with \nthermal energy. As a south facing pocket park condition, the public space will bring a thermally-rich \nengagement towards the senses, and serve to generate positive experiences, for a new perception \ntowards urban environments. In turn, a more inclusive micro-culture will be formed through the \nincorporation of ‘energetic’ interactions, acting as a social and sensory therapy to destress and connect \nwith others, and become more attune to urban thermodynamic surroundings. \nExperimentations with thermal energy and energy phenomena will be conducted to understand \nthermal radiation and laminar flow to ultimately create a range of potential ‘felt’ experiences amongst \nthreshold spaces, suggesting activities for warmth or cooling. The method of thermal imaging will \ndevelop an understanding of material application and form, in terms of thermal conductivity and \nmass. The findings will lead to a knowledge of spatial properties, creating platforms with spaces \nthat are thermally ergonomic and can be modulated for customized comfort. From the research into \nthermodynamics and the zone of concern being the ‘in-between’, the experiments will provide a \ntranslation of these interests to potential sensory experiences; enabling an urban site to be conceived for \ncommunity healing and well-being.

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