PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN FOR ACTIVE LEARNING SPACE AND CO-RESEARCH LABS: ROOFTOP EXTENSION IN AN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL

Abstract

This research presents the architectural research-design process of learning spaces that utilized performance-based design techniques. It is the exploration of creating new learning and research environments on the rooftop of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning building. It consists of a co-research lab for faculty members, active-learning classrooms, and semi-outdoor community spaces. To achieve the design goals, the research process consists of surveys of functional requirements from the users, student participation in a design competition, building’s structure inspection, development of performance-based architectural design, and construction document preparation. The whole building energy and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to simulate microclimate maps and conditions that used to informed design-decision making. The final design proposes a new architectural expression in contrast to the monotony of horizontal elements of the existing building. A sustainable design approach as a response to the tropical climate of Thailand, as the human comfort, is generally achieved through HVAC system. The south-facing facade is equipped with vertical sunshades, some are automatically adjustable to optimize the daylight efficiency, corresponding to the daily sun’s movement. The solar panels are installed on the roofs to supply electricity and to reduce carbon emissions. Due to the site’s very strict regulatory issues and budget, the steel structural system and dry-wall construction are selected to reduce additional dead-loaded weight and limited construction time.