Author Archives: Elena

Site Grading

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Elena

Site Grading Techniques Analyze existing conditions of the site: · general flow of water · existing flow lines for surface runoff · existing structures, trees, etc. to be saved Set preliminary elevations of structures: · analyze existing elevations of structures … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Land Use and Zoning information

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Elena

You can find Zoning and Land Use information about any site located within the NYC boundaries through a software called ZoLa. The link below is directly to the Stuyvesant Square Park site. You can turn on and off different kinds … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Vignette #3: Contour model

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Elena

This is an example of a simple contour model which is very similar to the one you have to create. In addition to building the contours, you have to select a favorable location for a building site and plan for … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

How does climate affect building type, size and orientation?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Elena

Cold climate zone has very long cold winters, strong winds and deep snow Site planning strategies in the cold climate zone would include: control winds maximize the use of the winter sun group activities to minimize outdoor travel use compact … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Photovoltaics

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Elena

Photovoltaics (also called PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into electricity. The system consists of photovoltaic panels, DC-AC power inverter, battery bank, system and battery controller, auxiliary energy sources. See an image below for … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Leave a comment

Solar water heating panels

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Elena

This a picture of 2 flat solar water heating panels. You have to locate equipment similar to this one on your building section. Your storage water tank can be located in the building and its exact position is not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Leave a comment

Solar+Geothermal

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Elena

There was and interesting question in class yesterday – if we can combine solar and geothermal energy to achieve maximum efficiency throughout the whole year. I found information about a product that can do exactly that. Please see the link … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Leave a comment

Geothermal energy

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Elena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiNPhFqxODU&feature=related https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1r7fXO0QII&feature=related These are two videos that explain the principles of geothermal energy application in building heating and cooling. As you will find out from one the videos, this energy source can be applied for any building type and in … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Leave a comment

Sun path chart creator

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Elena

It is important to understand a sun chart and be able to read the information from it because sun charts can be easily generated for any location on the Earth surface. This is an invaluable tool when designing a structure, … Continue reading →

Posted in General topics | Leave a comment