Project Scope

Project Imagery

Decline of Groundwater Levels from 1915 – 1991 in Antelope Valley Water access and use was an important consideration for the design as water is scarce throughout the region, and is getting scarcer.

 

A simple mass image clearly represents the site and program layout.

 

A systems image describes sustainable design features (one of our favorites!). It’s also worth noting this is a good example of a rainwater storage system being sized appropriately.

 

Vasari was used to study the wind speeds of the site. It was found that wind speeds can get very high from the west. The design seeks to block that wind at the ground plane, and harness that wind to save cooling energy by using natural ventilation from “wind towers.” This wind tunnel analysis in Vasari shows wind speed analysis at those different planes.

 

One of many renderings that paint a picture of how the space will look and be used.

 

 

In terms of performance, the project set out to achieve code compliance. This diagram compares code compliance to the as designed building.

 

Tips from Tadeh about Reducing Energy Use

• Look at all the resources available to you for performance targets. Wind, water, sun, and site can each be important criteria in your design strategies. Don’t overlook one in favor of others or you might lose out on a useful resource.
• Start with what you have the least of and try to get the most out of it. I didn’t have a lot of water available at the building location making a carbon neutral design challenging. I researched the amount of potential water from rainfall and realized that the rainy season during the winter would provide enough water to offset a substantial portion of the water use in the building. That made a big difference in the performance targets because I wouldn’t have as much energy-intensive piped water delivered to the site which improved the results and set a good example for what can be done with limited resources. Things like solar energy and site orientation were less demanding on the design so they were worked out quicker compared to the bigger problems.
• It’s not all about the performance. Reaching targets matters if you are achieving a sustainable project but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the design appeal. Making consistent use of design features while integrating the building and systems into the setting goes a long way towards spreading awareness and acceptance of carbon neutral strategies. It is especially useful to keep that in mind for something like a visitor center or residence which will be attractive to guests while displaying features that make it function.

More about the designer

Tadeh Hakopian is a former student of Cal Poly Pomona. He graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor degree in Architecture with an emphasis in sustainable design. This project was for the Arid Lands Competition to design sustainable buildings and infrastructure in historically dry regions of the country west of the Mississippi.