None of the papers have been previously submitted for any degree or examination at any other university. At the same time, the promotion of sustainable living in our society has been facilitated by digital technology.
INTRODUCTION
Background
- Contributions of digital technology to the environment
- The relationship between digital technology and environmental design
In Cape Town, dependence on surface water bodies that are recharged by rainfall has led to a water crisis due to prolonged drought. Digital technology has the potential to comprehensively assess the complex nature of the architectural design process.
Motivation
The possibility of near-perfect optimization for all of these relies on modern technologies and systems that are integrated into the design, throughout the design and construction process. With the help of digital technology and the progress of materials, the possibility of improving environmental design can thus be researched.
DEFINITION OF THE PROBLEM, AIMS AND OBECTIVES
Definition of the problem
Aims and Objectives
SETTING OUT THE SCOPE
- Delimitation of research problem
- Definition of terms
- Stating the Assumptions
- Key Questions
It is assumed that digital technology can play an important role and make a positive contribution to sustainable design through an architectural implementation. The assumptions are that digital technology can help address Cape Town's water scarcity problem by improving and updating existing technologies to be more effective.
CONCEPTS AND THEORIES
- Introduction
- Environmentally Responsive Architecture
- Selective vs. exclusive design
- Adaptive Architecture
- Parametricism
- Parametricism in environmental architecture
- Tectonism
- Parametricism as an informant for adaptive architecture
- Conclusion
According to Frazer (1995), architecture should be a 'living, evolving thing'. And Le Corbusier (1923) called architecture 'machines for living'. The connection between architecture and living things is very static, as buildings are just a rigid, permanent space for human habitation. This allows all elements of the architecture to be connected and function as an ecosystem.
RESEARCH METHODS AND MATERIALS
Research Methods
Research Materials
To understand how the relationship between environmental architecture and computational architecture is evolving, this chapter will focus on the digital influences of computer software on the design and manufacture of physical buildings. In turn, the various implications this can have on sustainable and environmental architecture will be explored.
THE ROOTS OF COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN
Digital design theory
The influence of 3-D Printing
Aptly named “Breath/ng”, the sculpture is made of a new cutting-edge material that contains a nanomolecule-activated core that has the ability to separate and absorb toxic molecules using natural air flow (Novozhilova, 2018). The entire structure, made of hand-stacked panels, is suspended from carbon rods and secured with 46 unique, 3-D printed joints.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE
The computer
- Digital Control
- Digital simulation
- Digital output
What this essentially means is the ability to solve a variety of complex problems as the necessary data can be collected. Daily workstations have the ability to manage basic to intermediate simulation and evaluation, while more complex simulations can be accessed via online cloud-based services.
DIGITAL FABRICATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Fabrication methods
Complex forms can be created by creating sections of the model and successively printing each section layer on top of the other. Depending on the requirements of the design, different materials and methods are used.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Emerging materials
- Synthetics
- Composite materials
- Re-engineered materials
- Biomaterials
3D composites that fall into this category can be made by combining different materials with different compositions (flexible, hard, soft, etc.), allowing for a high-performance structure. Furthermore, the wood used for CLT comes from a variety of young trees, and in principle any locally produced wood can be used (Pierce, 2017).
Smart materials in environmental architecture
These types of slats do not require any energy or electronic systems to function and are an alternative to the normally pneumatic or motor-based systems (Arup, 2013). These types of slats have the potential for shading, increased thermal performance in both hot and cold weather, and reduced energy consumption (Arup, 2013).
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Assembly
The design of assembly in conjunction with digital tools can thus have a pronounced effect on the efficiency and speed of construction, as well as the quality of the project (Loveridge, 2012). Off-site production is seen as a viable method to increase sustainability by manufacturing most operations and on-site work in a controlled environment.
Robotics
- Flight assembled Architecture
In assembly, the complexity of the parts and the order in which they are assembled are the main parameters to be chosen. This greatly increases production efficiency, while having less impact on the environment (Zhai, et.al, 2013).
Design precision
- Pre-fabrication
Conclusion
- Water use
- Integrated energy harvesting
- Artificial Lighting
- Adaptive and Kinetic Facades
Built-in photovoltaics (BIPV) are part of architecture and can be integrated into walls and roofs. Facades and envelopes can be multi-purpose and used in buildings to capture wind, water and solar energy.
TECHNOLOGY IN FOG WATER HARVESTING
- Introduction
- Fog collection technology
- Techniques used for harvesting water
- Merging Fog-Water Harvesting and The Built Environment
- Integrating fog harvesting on building facades
- Biomimicry in Fog-harvesting
- Conclusions
The appeal of fog water harvesting lies in the simplicity of the device and the cost relative to the performance value. While the well-known "The Terminator" franchise heralds the day when "Skynet" (its network-based, superintelligence system) becomes self-aware and attempts to wipe out the human race may be unlikely, digital technology looms as impossible to distinguish. between everyday life.
FOG-WATER HARVESTING AROUND THE WORLD
Introduction
80 The atmospheric phenomenon of fog is directly affected by the speed and direction of the wind, which change at different altitudes (Abdul-Wahab, Lea, 2008). Along the southwest coast of Africa, ideal altitudes for fog water collection are over 300 m above mean sea level.
Fog water harvesting in Namibia
The conclusions were that the fog water catchments should be designed appropriately to withstand wind speeds of 35m/s from an easterly direction (Mtuleni et al., 1998).
Conclusion
Based on current water use trends, it is estimated that South Africa will exceed its freshwater supply needs by the year 2025 (Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa, 2009). Most of South Africa's fresh water comes from Lesotho, with 10% of its natural discharge available for use through dams, basin transfers and other rural water developments, enough to meet the country's total needs (estimated in 2000) of 13.28 billion cubic meters. of water (Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa, 2009).
Location and Climate
Eventually these streams were dammed and the first reservoir was built (The History of Cape Town's Water Supply, 2012). Almost all of Cape Town's municipal water is supplied by 6 dams (in order of size): Theewaterskloof,.
Types of Fog
91 Upward fog is formed when air is pushed over sloping terrain, where it is cooled to its dew point and saturation. The resulting decrease in air pressure with height causes the air parcel to expand, which in turn causes the air to cool to its dew point.
Method and Data
This is also known as orographic uplift and is the reason why Table Mountain in Cape Town is often covered with a so-called "tablecloth". When this happens, the water vapor in the air condenses and becomes visible as a cloud (weather.gov., 2018).
Fog Duration
Fog Collection
However, the information in the literature review proves that it is possible to harvest fog water in Cape Town. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean as well as the rapid change in elevation due to the mountain ranges ensure that Cape Town meets the basic guidelines required for successful fog harvesting.
Analysis and results
Conclusion
A system that does not depend on human maintenance and is able to increase its surface area and orient itself to adapt to site conditions to produce the best possible yield. Various smart/responsive materials that expand under certain conditions and orient themselves based on the wind, as well as digital systems that can automate environmental and climate responses based on external stimuli, are all methods that can be implemented in this type of technology to improve the It.
Introduction
The commonality between the precedents is the respect of the cultural, environmental and historical context, the use of digital design tools and technology, as well as contrastingly different architectural approaches. The functions of these buildings and how they are designed and functioned are important to the research, and thus the method of analyzing precedents is more from a technological point of view (technological implications in the structures), rather than analyzing how they function in space.
Warka Water
The Warka Water Tower is an excellent example of an environmentally friendly architecture enhanced by the influence of digital technology in a very subtle way. The Warka Water Tower succeeded in combining a purpose-driven structure (collecting water) with local, biodegradable and natural materials and form, representing the traditional crafts of the local community.
Whitney Water Purification
104 The striking exterior cladding of the building consists of interlocking stainless steel shingles that reflect the natural environment and the sky, as well as the changing light conditions along with the different seasons (Alter, 2007). The inverted drop of water suggests the function of the architecture taking place beneath it.
Al Bahr Towers
The nature of the facade dictated the requirement for a lot of testing to ensure proper operation. Another major cause for concern was the actual movement and automated response of the facade, the regular opening and closing that causes annoyance to the occupants, as well as the inability to directly interact with the shade system.
Precedents relevance to research
Al Bahr Towers' powerful and adaptive solutions are designed to respond to the dynamic nature of the building's context and user. This chapter reports on the analysis of the interviews and how it answers the research questions.
Description of interviews
An engineer from Zipcord Industries noted that building automation is increasingly playing a major role in South African architecture. The conversation revolved around how building automation is currently being used in South Africa and the response revealed that many building management systems (BMS) are being introduced in buildings such as shopping centers and various other large buildings that require constant monitoring systems.
Analysis of Interviews and Findings
The Western Cape coast was found to be susceptible to fog events and the topographic nature of the Table Mountains creates its own unique climatic conditions. It was also discovered that the building envelope could be clad in a patterned skin made of it.
Conclusion
The downside is that nanotechnology is still very expensive, although it may become a viable option for the future as digital technology advances and manufacturing processes become cheaper. In South Africa in particular, understanding how digital technology can improve environmental architecture is still a relatively new concept when faced with so many other economic and social complexities.
Outcomes of Research Questions
Additionally, displays reduce energy requirements for indoor cooling as well as lighting. Additionally, the mesh screens of the mist collection tower also collect rain which is transported directly to the water purification and treatment facility.
Achieving Aims and Objectives
This has direct consequences for spatial planning, but also for the structure, building envelope and facades. This can be done internally, or be part of the building envelope and both aesthetically and structurally.
Conclusions
125 digital technology has the ability to improve the efficiency of the water collection process and the architecture as an interconnected ecosystem. While Signal Hill meets these requirements, the literature indicated that at least one part of the architectural intervention should be in the form of a tower to extend the height of the fog collection system to achieve the optimal fog water yield.
Recommendations
Introduction
Design parameters — Who, What and Why
Site selection
Signal Hill – Site analysis
- Location
- Accessibility
- Context
- Topography
- The people
- Wind and fog
Military Road which also branches off from Kloof Neck Road to the Noon Guns on Seinheuwel. Some of the earliest descriptions of Seinheuwel are of sailors, one of whom was described as such in 1702.
Early design developments
Developed Concept sketches
The water bottling plant and fog collection tower combine two structures - the bottling facility is underground, hiding its function under a garden of endemic rhinoceros veld. 172 Cereceda P and Schemenauer RS (1988) "The role of topography and wind flow in the collection of fog water at high altitudes".
Accommodation Schedule
