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Mediating Weathers - Nadya Volicer
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The Glass Block
Standards
In 1935, Corning Glassworks developed the
Corning-Steuben block, which combined industrial
glass production with Glasonniers hollow cavity to
produce the precursor to the ubiquitous glass block
we know today. This block consists of two moulded
halves of heat-proof glass with a hollow interior melted
together under high temperatures.
Pittsburgh Corning currently produces blocks
in varying patterns, degrees of transparency, and
thermal performance. Aside from various finishing
units, and one model whose increased depth allows
it to be placed into a double-wythe wall, the geometry
of the Pittsburgh Corning blocks are confined to asquare.
Decora Thinline Glass Block
http://pittsburghcorning.com
(imagesandtextthispage)
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Crystal Brick, Atelier Tekuto
The Glass Block
Applications/Variations
Often associated with commercial buildings
of a certain era, architects have struggled to liberate
the glass block from this dated image. Despite this
challenge, architects continue to use the standard
glass block for contemporary and unexpected
applications.
Below right is a rendering of the interior of a
facade designed by artist Olafur Eliasson for the
Harpa Concert & Conference Centre in Reikjavik,
Iceland. The structure of the skin can be seen as
a customization of the ubiquitous glass block, the
geometry here reconfigured in reference to the basalt
columns common on the island.
Harpa Concert & Conference CentreMaison Herms Tokyo, Renzo piano
http://japan-architects.com
http://www.he
nninglarsen.com
http://pingma
g.jp
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Albrecht Durer, Adam & Eve, 1504
Peter Cook, Instant City, 1968
http://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com
http://www.d
l.ket.org
The Urban Naturist
Problems of Place
The Urban Naturist reluctantly dwells in the
city as his job, school or family requires, but he truly
longs to exist in harmony with nature. This includes
the desire to dispense with clothing in order to return
to a more natural state. The American writer Walt
Whitman describes it this way:
Sweet, sane, still Nakedness in Nature! - ah if
poor, sick, prurient humanity in cities might really know
you once more! Is not nakedness indecent? No, not
inherently. It is your thought, your sophistication, your
fear, your respectability, that is indecent. There come
moods when these clothes of ours are not only tooirksome to wear, but are themselves indecent.
Such a sentiment poses certain architectural
challenges for the Urban Naturist. By day, he seeks
access to sunlight and connection with the outdoors.
By night, he chooses to be free of the constraints of
city life while in the privacy of his own home. However,due to the density in which many city dwellers find
themselves, the Urban Naturist risks alienation, even
victimization, should he not draw his curtains tight
after dusk.
The plight of the Urban Naturist poses
opportunities to rethink transparency in the city
dwellers home. How can the standard glass block be
modified to mediate these changing conditions?
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Natures Solar Shade
Degrees of Transparency
the Urban Naturist
Goals of Augmentation
Taking the standard glass block as a starting
point, the following objectives were established in
order to accomodate the varying needs of the Urban
Naturist:
Optimize daylightMeteorological adjustment for solar gain
Nightly conversion to privacy screen
Additional aims of the augmentation were that
the glass block be maintained as an autonomous object
that need only be plugged in. A wall configuration of
these blocks is in the service of the inhabitant foremost,but does not neglect its neighborhood presence. And
finally, the smart block should produce its own power
if at all possible.
Based upon these goals, it appeared that a
two-sided, multi-modal system would be necessary to
enable the block to adapt to these changing conditions.On the one hand, the block should respond to the
environment during the day. But it must know that
when night falls, it should cater to the movements of
the inhabitant.
July January Nightly
http://karenswhimsy.com
/tree-clipart.shtm
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Summer sun/Nighttime inhabitant
Winter sun/no inhabitant
Foliage Block
Sensing and Actuating
When the sun is shining on a given block in
summer, the photocell will trigger the fan to turn on,
thus creating a flutter of leaves in order to filter the
direct sunlight and cast a dappled condition on the
interior. When out of direct sunlight, the fan will not be
triggered and an LED instead will illuminate the block.On a sunny day, on a south facing wall, a wave of
fluttering leaves will track the suns path. In the winter,
the sun will not trigger the fans so as to allow as much
direct sunlight as possible to penetrate to the interior.
Nightmode tracks the movements of the
inhabitant rather than the sun. When a presence isdetected by a given block, the fans will be triggered
and the leaves will flutter. Where no presence is
detected, the LED will illuminate the block. From the
exterior, one would observe the movements of the
inhabitants as a fluttering of leaves tracking across the
surface of the wall.
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float damper=0.01;//factor by which to
multiply photocell reading to allow for
spring-like action in response time
float dampedValue;//the adjusted value
of the photocell reading
float average;//calibrated average of
the photocell
int threshold=100;//to give a cushion
to readings from the photocell
void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);//Begining Serial
Connection
pinMode(5,OUTPUT);//fan 1
pinMode(6,OUTPUT);//fan 2
pinMode(7,OUTPUT);//fan 3
pinMode(13,OUTPUT);//LED light
Serial.println(System Ready);
for (int i=0; iaverage+threshold)
digitalWrite(5,HIGH);//turn fan 1 on
else
digitalWrite(5,LOW);//turn fan 1 off
if(dampedValue>average+threshold)
digitalWrite(6,HIGH);//turn fan 2 on
else
digitalWrite(6,LOW);//turn fan 2 off
if(dampedValue>average+threshold)
digitalWrite(7,HIGH);//turn fan 3 on
else
digitalWrite(7,LOW);//turn fan 3 off
if(dampedValue
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x3
x3
-
Arduino Day Mode Wiring Diagram
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Trial and Error
Solution I
Working Prototype
Process of Elimination
The greatest challenge in developing the
working prototype proved to be the kinetics,
specifically fluid dynamics, rather than issues with
the sensor communicating with the actuators. In a
sealed container it appeared a fan without intake or
outlet achieved a kind of stalemate equilibrium andit proved difficult to achieve motion. Venting at the
top and bottom of the block was essential in creating
sufficient air flow. Even so, the minimal resistance of
the grate caused problems and many materials were
tested, including tissues, trace paper, Styrofoam, and
the bubbles from plastic packaging.
The addition of a screen covering the fan, whileadding unwanted wind resistance, proved necessary
for smaller items that would get lodged in and around
the fans. Plastic bags cut into small pieces, while
having the additional issue of static, were finally the
easiest to move with the given air flow.
Solution I involved attaching strips of plastic
bags to the plastic mesh covering the fans. This hadthe unexpected effect of creating a kind of parachute in
which the plastic mesh was lifted up by the force of air
on the attached strips. The result was ironic as what
had proved most difficult was succeeding in lifting the
lightest of materials with the fans. The final solution
for this phase of the project was to cut the plastic bags
into the initially desired leaf shapes, and provided
there were not too many of the objects in the block,
they would indeed flutter around, as documented in
the Proof of Concept Video (link at right). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOyGhhEBEg4
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Foliage Block
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO9p9x
Yot6c
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Glass Block as Snow Globe
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Fogged Blockhttp://www.geeksix.com/2010/02/superbab
ies-gone-wrong/
http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/media_0
4222009a.htm
l
Off-the-Shelf Solar Shading
Fog Block
For the off-the-shelf version of this product,
fog was adopted as the intermediate weather. The
parameters of its functions are similar to that of the
Foliage Block, but instead of leaves it relies upon mist
to serve as cloud cover to shield from solar gain and
provide privacy. Mainting the expected dimensions of
the ubiquitous glass block, this unit is designed for
plug and play capabilities and is hermetically sealed.
It is fully autonomous and is powered through a solar
pv film that continuously recharges a 24v battery.
In this way, Fog Block invites the weather into the
intermediate zone of the house and uses it to mediate
between the interior and exterior weathers.
Two photocells first determine whether the
interior or the exterior is brighter and based upon this
reading perform functions. If the outside is brighter,
but not too bright, an LED illuminates the cavity. If
there is direct sunlight on the block, a mister and a
fan turn on, creating fog for the purposes of shading.
If the inside is brighter but nobody is sensed by an
infrared presence detector, the LED remains on. Once
a presence is detected, the mister and fan are againtriggered to created fog for the purposes of privacy.
Cloud Cover Cooling
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+
-
Fan & Relay Fogger 24V Power Supply LED IR DistanceSensor
Photocell & Resistor
Arduino Fog Block Wiring Diagram
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Scenario Flow
Conditional Commands and Code
int DifferenceThreshold=20;
int TooBrightThreshold=850;
int DisThreshold=150;
int PCOut=0;
int PCIn=0;
int Dis=0;
int PCOutPin=5;
int PCInPin=4;
int DisPin=3;
int Fan=2;
int Mist=3;
int LED=4;
void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(Fan,OUTPUT);
pinMode(Mist,OUTPUT);
pinMode(LED,OUTPUT);
}
void loop(){
PCOut=analogRead(PCOutPin);
PCIn=analogRead(PCInPin);
Dis=analogRead(DisPin);
if(PCOut>PCIn+DifferenceThreshold){
OutBrighter();
}
else{
InBrighter();
}
Serial.println(PCOut);
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Scenario Flow
Arduino Code cont.
Serial.println(PCIn);
Serial.println(Dis);
Serial.
println(...................);
delay(1000);
}
void InBrighter(){
if(Dis>DisThreshold){
InBrightwithSomebody();
}
else{
InBrightwithNobody();
}
}
void InBrightwithSomebody(){
Serial.println(InBRIGHTER But
SOMEBODY);
digitalWrite(Fan,HIGH);
digitalWrite(Mist,HIGH);
digitalWrite(LED,LOW);
}
void InBrightwithNobody(){
Serial.println(InBRIGHTER But
NOBODY);
digitalWrite(Fan,LOW);
digitalWrite(Mist,LOW);
digitalWrite(LED,HIGH);
}
void OutBrighter(){
if (PCOut>TooBrightThreshold){
OutTooBright();
}
else{
OutNotTooBright();
}
}
void OutTooBright(){
Serial.println(OUTBRIGHTER and
TOOBRIGHT);
digitalWrite(Fan,HIGH);
digitalWrite(Mist,HIGH);
digitalWrite(LED,LOW);
}
void OutNotTooBright(){
Serial.println(OUTBRIGHTER But
Not TOOBRIGHT);
digitalWrite(Fan,LOW);
digitalWrite(Mist,LOW);digitalWrite(LED,HIGH);
}
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Fog Block Prototype Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nTgtm
oybt0
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EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGYMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY PATENTATENT[14]FOG BLOCK(2010)
Patent Number: 1,234,567
(54) Patent for FogBlock
(5 4) METHOD FOR MEDIATING SOLAR
GAIN WHILE MAINTAINING MAXIMUM
TRANSPARENCY AND PROVIDING PRIVACY
SCREEN AT NIGHT
(7 6) Inventors: Nadya Volicer,
Nashid Nabian, Rodolph el-Khoury
Correspondence Address:
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
TEL: (617)257-8449
(2 1) Initial Application: MIT,
Cambridge, MA USA
By placing (60) a cloud inside of a glass
block, (61) direct sunlight can be mediated
by its mist; intermediate weather deflects
exterior weather creating interior weather.
How it works: photocells on both the
exterior and interior of the block sense
which side is receiving more light. If it is
the exterior, it is determined whether there
is direct sunlight or not. If direct
sunlight is present, a mister and fan are
activated, filling the block with fog, thus
providing solar shading. If there is no
direct sunlight, an LED offers simulated
sunlight. If it is determined that it is
brighter on the interior of the block, an
infrared sensor then determines whether
there is someone near to the block. If no
one is there, the block remains transparent.If someone is there, the mister, fan, and LED
are activated, creating a privacy screen for
the inhabitant. Dimensions of the Fog Block
are compatible with the standard glass block
and it is self-powered by photovoltaic film
that stores energy in a rechargeable 24v
battery within the channel of the block.
1/2
60
61
[23] ABSTRACT
(22) Filed..............2010
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Fig. 3
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Fog Block Prototype II
3PV cells on film
PV cells on film24V rechargeable battery
LEDFanPhotocell
IR sensor
Fogger
8
8
Fog Block
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http://dvice.com/archive
s/2010/03/take-a-look-tra.php
Fog Block
Power
In order to maintain the Fog Block as an
autonomous, plug and play buidling unit, new
technologies in photovoltaic energy generation and
storage will be utilized. Transparent solar panels
made up of tiny pv cells are embedded in a film that
can be merged with an exterior window. Because the
film is conductive, the cells need not follow the usual
grid pattern and new configurations can be envisioned.
Fog Block utilizes a Rhino Script to organize the pv
cells in a randomized pattern that favors obstructing
the mortar channel and interior hardware while
maintaining maximum transparency in the center of
the block.
Option Explicit
Sub Main
GET THE INITIAL SURFACE
Dim strObject : strObject = Rhino.GetObject(Select
surface, 8)
GET THE NUMBER OF ROWS FOR THE
SURFACE
Dim nRows : nRows = Rhino.GetInteger(Number
of rows (density of pattern in x direction), 2, 2)
nRows = nRows - 1
GET THE NUMBER OF COLUMNS FOR
THE SURFACE
Dim nColumns : nColumns = Rhino.
GetInteger(Number of columns (density of pattern
in y direction), 2, 2)
nColumns = nColumns - 1
GET THE SURFACE DOMAIN
Dim U : U = Rhino.SurfaceDomain(strObject, 0)
Dim V : V = Rhino.SurfaceDomain(strObject, 1)
Dim x : x = 0
Dim y : y = 0
Dim i, j
Dim arrPt(401,401)
Dim arrParam(1)
Call Rhino.EnableRedraw (False)
ADD POINTS & TRANSLATE FROM
SURFACE DOMAIN TO CARTESIAN
COORDINATE POINTS
For i = 0 To nRows
arrParam(0) = U(0) + (((U(1) - U(0)) / nRows) * i)
For j = 0 To nColumns
arrParam(1) = V(0) + (((V(1) - V(0)) / nColumns) * j)
arrPt(i,j) = Rhino.EvaluateSurface(strObject,
arrParam)
Next
Next
ADD THE CIRCLES
Dim arrPolyline
Dim w, z, r
For w = 0 To (nRows-1)
For z = 0 To (nColumns-1)
DRAW INITIAL POLYLINE
Define random number between (0,5) - random(0,5)
r=Rnd()*4
r=rnd()*3+5
If r>3 Then
arrPolyline = Rhino.AddCircle3Pt
(arrPt(w,z),arrPt(w+.5,z), arrPt(w+.5,z+.5))
End If
Next
Next
Call Rhino.EnableRedraw (True)
End Sub
Main
Function random(low, up)
Randomize
random = (up - low) * Rnd + low
End Function
Transparent Solar Panels
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Circuit Diagram
Fog Block
Circuit
In an effort to dispense with the breadboard and
streamline the Fog Block prototype, a circuit board
was designed and cut from copper on the vinyl cutter.
The copper was then adhered to a piece of plexi and
pins were soldered individually to each junction. The
diagram below describes the paths of each device
through the circuit and back to Arduino.
Vinyl Cut Copper Circuit
Device pin input: fogger
Device ground input: fogger
Device ground input: fan
Device pin input: fan
Arduino power 5V
Device ground: photocell 1Analog pin 4: photocell 1
Analog pin 5: photocell 2Device ground: IR sensor
Analog pin 3: IR sensorDevice ground: LED
Digital Pin 4: LED
Device ground: IR sensorDevice ground: LED
Device ground: photocell 2
Device power 5V: photocell 1
Device power 5V: photocell 2
Device power 5V: IR distance sensor
External power ground: fogger
Exterior power pin: fogger
Digital pin 3: fogger
Arduino ground
Arduino ground
Digital pin 2: fan
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Fog Block Prototype IIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t6T3N
5bg8w
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Fog Block Prototype IIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llitreQ9
Uls
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Adjusted for Wind
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Adjusted for Temperature
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Adjusted for Solar Gain
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Compound Equation
+
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D G B
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Sunroom89 Brookline Streethttp://www.geeksix.com/2010/02/superbabies-gone-wrong/
http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/media_0
4222009a.html
Double-skin Glass Block
Precedents
Precedents for third weathers present in exisiting
homes include the greenhouse, at right in the formof a window box, and the sunroom, pictured below.
These spaces, not quite inside, not quite outside, can
be seen as intermediate zones in which third weathers
are fostered. What variations exists between the scale
of the block and that of the room? This project seeks
to rexamine such spaces in the design of a single
family home situated within the neighborhood fabricof Cambridgeport, MA. An empty lot with optimum
orientation for interacting with sunlight and subject to
privacy concerns on street level was selected for the
next phase of the studio.Window box greenhouse
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Cambridgeport Neighborhood
89 Brookline Street
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Communicating Weather
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Dexia Tower, Brussels
Old John Hancock Building, Boston
http://www.fl
ickr.com/photos/18838140@
N07/2251646559/
http://www.dexia-tower.com/index_e.php
?file=dtb_n
ow
http://www.punchstock
.com/asset_i
mages/83913173
http://www.celebrateboston.com/strange/weather-be
acon.h
tm
Communicating Weather
Potential by-product
In addition to potential interaction with the
neighborhood through visual displays within thefacade of the house, the walls could also project
weather information to the community. Precedents for
this type of communication are readily available.
The Berkeley Building, also known as the Old
John Hancock Tower, is a 26-story building with a 65-
foot high mast and beacon on top. The beacon displaysbright red and blue lights that can be seen for miles
away on a clear evening. As well as forecasting the
weather, the beacon can be used to announce other
extreme conditions, such as the Red Sox winning the
World Series.
The Dexia Tower in Brussels can be seenas another kind of weather beacon. In this case, all
145 metres of the tower are installed with computer
programmed LED lights. In 2007 the building was
used to forecast the weather to the public, though this
was a temporary project and the illuminations have
been used towards other ends as well. Most recently,
on the buildings website, the following post can be
found:
Due to the economic and financial crisis,
the lighting of the Dexia Tower has been drastically
reduced. Between sunset and midnight the tower
lights burn only 10 minutes per hour. No new lighting
project is planned.
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