Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-118). / With the growing awareness of the rapid disappearance of the global fuel resources, energy conservation became an issue of general concern. Prompted by the results of studies done in the 1970's--which show a marked increase of energy consumption per square foot of office space over the years, as well as differences in consumption between buildings of different periods -- this thesis looks at the features that determine the considerable variation in energy consumption in office buildings from the beginning of the century to our days. An overview of the historic evolution of the highrise offices presents the events that influenced the change in energy performance.The elements that determine the energy use in a building, like its orientation, exterior envelope, interior design, and mechanical systems, are individually analyzed to present a detailed picture of their role. Their characteristics in the periods before and after the second world war are then compared, showing how they determined the energy performance of buildings of the respective periods. / by Nora Anca Niculin. / M.Arch.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references. / As the electric utilities face ever increasing peak power production requirements, (mostly from the commercial sector) scheduled "time-of-day" pricing schemes have become imperative. At present, most conservation strategies for commercial buildings focus on the reduction of energy consumption orchestrated (justifiably) by t he expense of electrical energy for lighting and cooling which dominate their loads. However, these conservation schemes, such as higher efficiency lamps, various glazing techniques, etc., do not alter the time of consumption nor do they utilize the lower off-peak electrical rates. The results are as before; high energy costs due to peak (daytime) consumption, and projected savings from the various conservation strategies are overshadowed or not realized. This thesis investigates a decentralized off-peak cooling system for commercial office buildings utilizing the structural mass as the thermal storage medium. The system incorporates an exposed concrete ceiling slab cooled at night with imbedded chilled water pipes and taking full advantage of off-peak electrical rates. The ceiling/slab - waterpipe system is modeled via two-dimensional finite difference methods for transient analysis. The sensitivity of the system to pipe size and spacing, internal loads, water temperatures, and surface geometry is assessed. The analytical results suggest the potential for application, however, additional research must be undertaken to investigate the economic implications of fabrication and to more adequately determine the effects of non-planar surface geometry. / by Rory Christopher Mathis. / M.S.

This study presents a framework for the introduction of energy considerations into the design of office buildings. The method of research and development of this study has been through a literature search combined with personal design experience in the field of commercial buildings, and the previous participation in the national competition for low energy building design. The thesis is in two parts. The first part investigates the historical development of offices up to now and shows that current office design practice establishes a pattern of high energy consumption that is carried forward for decades. It is shown how and where energy is used in office buildings and their urban context. The need to rethink settlement patterns is outlined and the concept of decentralization and mixed use developments is suggested to improve overall energy efficiency in the urban context. The second part presents energy conservation strategies, from a designer's point of view, that improve energy efficiency of office buildings. Five basic strategies are introduced and examined at the planning levels of site, lay-out, form and fabric: i) to control internal heat gains ii) to control solar heat gains iii) to minimize heat losses iv) to optimize natural ventilation v) to maximize daylight capabilities of buildings The thesis shows that the implementation of these strategies presents the architect with considerable scope for innovation rather than imposition. However, it is emphasized that the architect must be aware of the consequences of his design decisions. The factors causing the energy use in office buildings are interrelated. Therefore, once a particular strategy is adopted its consequences have to be recognized and dealt with on all planning levels. The thesis concludes that energy conservation offers architects the opportunity to design offices in a way they need less energy and provide a better working environment than it is the case today. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of / Graduate