Defensa tesi doctoral.Títol: Improving Thermal and Visual Comfort by Applying Parametric
Design Panels on Adaptive Façade in Refurbishment Educational Building at Mediterranean Climate
Doctorand: Seyedehsarah Yazdi BahriPrograma doctorat: SostenibilitatDirectors: Marc Alier Forment, Alberto Sanchez RieraData: Dijous 13 de Febrer 11:30Lloc: Sala Polivalent C1-007
This dissertation investigates the role of Double-Skin Façades (DSFs) in promoting sustainable building practices, focusing on their influence on energy efficiency, thermal and visual comfort, and social dynamics, particularly in urban settings. Given that buildings account for about 40% of global energy use, façades significantly impact energy performance, making their design a critical area for improving sustainability. This study employs a combination of empirical observations, advanced simulations, and parametric design tools such as Rhinoceros and Grasshopper to explore how DSFs can reduce energy consumption while enhancing the comfort and well-being of occupants.
The research is structured around key performance indicators like Energy Use Intensity, Number of Hours in Thermal Comfort, and Spatial Glare Autonomy. The findings indicate that adaptive DSFs, when optimized, significantly improve building energy performance, reduce cooling and heating loads, and provide effective glare control—all while enhancing visual comfort. Moreover, DSFs help create socially dynamic environments by improving the aesthetic appeal of façades and fostering social interactions in urban areas.
A case study in Barcelona highlights the broader applicability of these findings to Mediterranean climates, with implications for both new construction and retrofitting projects. By integrating advanced computational tools for multi-objective optimization, the study not only identifies façade configurations that balance energy efficiency and occupant comfort but also demonstrates how façades can enhance social engagement in densely populated urban spaces.
In conclusion, the research provides architects and urban planners with actionable insights into the use of DSFs and parametric tools for sustainable building design, offering solutions that reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and encourage social interaction—key aspects of developing more sustainable urban environments.