Single leaf in pocket on back end paper. / Bibliography: p. 475-488. / xxviii, 488 p. : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / This study aims to develop a robust set of tools to model the performance of a range of composite coil configurations, to develop an operational model to predict the steady state performance of single and multizone air conditioning systems and to use the computational model as an exploratory tool to examine the performance of a series of candidate design solutions. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1996?

M.Ing. (Engineering Management) / New and enlarged energy consumption behaviours driven by manufacturing, processing, transportation and an ever growing human population drives the increased extraction and consumption of earths' natural energy sources to such a degree that the energy sources once thought of as infinite now dwindle on the brink of exhaustion. The earth and all systems related to, and contained within it can be regarded as a finite system in which the different components interact and depend on one another. It is through the recognition of this interdependence and the dire situation thereof that a movement towards renewable energy and ultimately survival has been awakened. A movement powered by numerous commissions and associations working tirelessly to decrease environmental impacts and to improve the lives of all people living on the planet Earth. The current research investigates the Green Building Design Movement and how it contributes to a safer and healthier work and global environment. The current research not only investigates the background of the movement and reveals it as a multi facetted approach stemming from the depletion of existing energy sources and social consciences, but also provides insight to the direction which Green Design and future technological advancements are moving From the conclusions contained in this study the reader will gain a better understanding of the technology, processes and development phases used in Green Building design and how these contribute to lower emissions, lower energy consumption and a more responsible habitation of Earth and its finite systems. In conclusion, the author employs a product and alternative energy source discussion, along with a case study to practically illustrate how the knowledge gained can be applied to optimize a building and the systems within it, while reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact of the building.

This is a pilot study for the development of a method of analysing activity patterns of users with respect to the designed physical environment. Empirical data in the form of daily-diaries and preferences of college students is used in identifying the functional properties of a university setting. Based on the interaction requirements of the participants of the activities accommodated, individual built forms are classified into two categories: (1) single-modal, and (2) multi-modal. In congruence with this, the results of the diaries of users indicated dysfunctions in the utilization of physical and human resources. The pragmatic use of the conventional built form concept is identified as the cause of the dysfunctions observed. / Master of Architecture

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

M.Tech. (Architectural Technology) / It is estimated that commercial buildings are responsible for 5.4% of worldwide Green House Gas (GHG) emissions through their construction and on-going operation. In developed countries this figure can go up to 30%. The environmental control industry is one of the large consumers of this energy. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contribute approximately 15% of South Africa's current peak electrical demand consumption according to Eskom (the South African electricity utility). The purpose of this dissertation is to analyse and evaluate methods to reduce the energy consumption of the HVAC system in a commercial office building. This encompasses careful building design to reduce heat loads and promote the circulation of fresh air; the use of energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and the incorporation of materials and technology to reduce energy consumption. This will be based upon a case study of the new SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency Limited) head office building in Val-DeGrace, Pretoria. A deductive research approach will be followed. The as-designed Actual Building is modelled with the appropriate energy modelling software and its annual energy usage is obtained. A benchmark based Notional Building complying with SANS 204:2008 criteria of the same size, shape, location and operational schedules as the Actual Building is also modelled and its energy usage results compared to that of the Actual Building. This comparison will determine how energy efficient the Actual Building's HVAC system is compared to a conventional Notional Building. Quantitative data collection is performed by empirical measurement of the energy usage of the as-built Actual Building. The raw data (power usageofthe HVAC system) is measured by Schneider Electric PM9c™ power meters located in the HVAC distribution boards of the building. This raw data are collected by Schneider Electric's ION Enterprise' power management software which has a user friendly interface from where the data can be downloaded. The power management software is connected to an ANDOVEWM Building Management System (BMS). Due to commissioning procedures and the timeframe at hand for the completion of this dissertation measurements could only be taken over a 7 month period. Operational data were measured from July 2011 to March 2012 thus accounting for summer, winter and a seasonal changeover period. The modelled energy usage results of the as-designed Actual Building are compared to the measured energy usage data obtained from the as-built Actual Building. This comparison serves to evaluate the accuracy of the software model...

The urban architectural environment in modern day life places a variety of additional unnecessary stresses upon people which affects social interaction and well-being. This dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding of what social interaction and well-being is in architecture and how important it is to design architectural environments that enhance these two principles. The research investigates the benefits and design tools of a more appropriate approach to the built environment through the exploration of the theories of Biophilia, Image Of The City and New Urbanism. The theories seek to provide architects and the designers of the built environment with tools that can be used to create architectural environments that enhance social interaction and the well-being of building users. It further endeavours to highlight the destructive qualities that affect well-being and social interaction in the architectural environment on both a macro (city context) and a micro level (the building) to create an awareness in those responsible for the design of these environments and the impact they have on society. The designers of the built environment should consider the social and well-being needs of the people as this will convert architectural environments into spaces that have physical and physiological benefits to its users. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

by So Yat-fan, Yeung Ka-keung. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1983. / Bibliography: leaf 107.

Dealing with the issue of buildings showing characteristics of sick building syndrome, could result in occupants suffering negative side effects. Healthy living is a primary need for society. Everyday pollution in society has led to these negative outcomes of physical and psychological well-being of space users. When investigating factors such as natural light, colour, fresh air, visual contact with water and nature or noise pollution, it is found that exposure to such natural elements positively influences human behaviour, health and productivity in a live, work and play environment. This dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding conducted under the hypothesis of how architectural environments, through the theory of environmental psychology: a study of the relationship between natural environments, affect human behaviour and well-being. A healthy environment requires regular contact with nature promoting physical and psychological benefits, crucial to an individual’s health and happiness. By reducing sick building syndrome, it could increase performance and improve overall health and well-being. Occupants of the chosen case studies completed questionnaires through distribution and structured interviews personally conducted, focusing on a qualitative method. Assessing and evaluating the aims, objectives and key questions and understanding of how Biophilic Architecture influences human behaviour and well-being was obtained. Case (Alexander Forbes and Nedbank Ridgeview) and precedents studies (Prisma Nürnberg and Khoo Teck Paut Hospital) were investigated through Edward, O. Wilsons’ Biophilia hypothesis theory of mans affiliation with nature and incorporating it into building forms, showing how architectural design can evoke human behaviour through natural design elements. Architectural design is about humanity’s ‘sense of place’ (concept of Genius Loci) in nature and where the natural environment fits into the physical environment. Biophilic designs’ sensory rich world affects human health, productivity, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being, as well as reducing stress levels and eases pain. Biophilic Architecture could be the solution through a link of natural and physical environments, positively influencing human behaviour and well-being. Futuristic sustainability should have the combination of biophilic design and low environmental impact, resulting in a restorative nature based design: a true result of a positive psychological environment, a ‘sense of place,’ people want to experience, that is healthy, nurturing, and delightful to its occupants, improving the experiential quality of architectural space. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.