Design Lessons

Discussion

From this discussion is seems that a number of lessons can be learnt from this building.

First, the use of energy concept through the passive design of buildings can create significant energy savings for the client.

Second, the design phase work on the building to test the passive design principles was extensive and considerably assisted with the evolution of the design. It became evident that this building involves a level of complexity in the dynamic response to climate that needed fine tuning in the post occupancy stage. As with buildings that are air-conditioned building, a commissioning period is identified which is used for fine tuning the buildings. A similar need is found with the passive buildings for example the refinement of ducting systems and the provision of back up systems for winter heating are clearly minor issues to be resolved at the commissioning phase.

Finally, the building design moves against the trend in the thermal design of academic buildings for active mode buildings. It clearly the master planning direction of creating climate responsive buildings with sensitivity towards sustainable design. This creates a strong sense of identity and leadership for the University in the area of campus planning and design as well as locking itself into national and international initiatives for Greenhouse gas abatement.