Human Factors and Architectural Research Methods: Architecture 407/507
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Human Factors and Architectural Research Methods 407/507
This Scholars' Bank collection contains research papers by Human Factors and Architectural Research Methods 407/507 students. These students study at the Portland Center Architecture Program in Portland, Oregon and are at varying levels of educational development. Students use this course as a vehicle to define their terminal project concepts, or to research elements of site, design, theory and culture.
Students study various architectural research methods over the quarter. These include modeling, historical, qualitative, correlational and experimental methods. Students use one or more of these methods to frame their arguments for their papers.
Students bring ideas that thoughtfully criticize how our architecture reflects our society. Each student shapes a topic of their own choosing, researches it, outlines the issues, and writes, then re-writes their arguments and conclusions. Some papers question who we are as a culture, specifically looking at how we have developed our cities and countryside. Other papers study how we construct our buildings, or more precisely, how we can better construct our buildings. Some papers even question how we make architects.
Students in this class are concerned with the contemporary world influences they will face as architects. Their papers describe ideas of how to influence the world in return.
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Item Open Access Lighting and the indoor microbiome: measuring the effect of LED lighting on E.coli(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2019) Naganuma, Lindsey; Wimer, IsaacThe more we learn about natural light’s direct correlation to microbiology and its ability to regulate the production and growth of bacteria, the more the topic brings into question the effect electric light has on indoor microbiomes of the built environment. This research study specifically looks at the effects of different LED light spectrum wavelengths and their effect on Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria growth. Three residential LED lamps were used to expose plated E.coli to a range in spectrum of three different controlled LED lighting systems, as well as daylighting and their individual effects on the growth of E.coli over the course of 48 hours. The results indicated that LED lighting with high levels of orange and blue light were equally more effective at reducing the viability of E.coli colonies than the daylight levels during the study. Then those results were compared to the light spectrum readings of different artificially light spaces in the Scott Edwards Architecture office.Item Open Access Clearing the air: impacts of plants on air particulates in passive ventilation(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2019) Braun, Elise; Cooper, Thomas; Surguine, MarsieThe presence of air contaminants, such as fine particulate matter generated by transportation and other outdoor sources is linked to adverse effects on human health such as asthma, headaches, and irritation in the eyes (Kluizenaar, et al. 2016). To improve the health and wellbeing of its employees and inform its professional practice, the architecture firm Opsis engaged with University of Oregon architecture students to study the presence and low-cost interventions to reduce air contaminants in their passively ventilated office space. The study consisted of a multi-phased experiment in the open office, testing the effect of plants on air particulates derived from outdoor sources measured at PM2.5 and PM10. The objectives of the study were to determine if there was a reduction in the number of air particulate levels measured after the intervention of plants. However, our experiments showed that plants were not able to significantly reduce particle counts through natural ventilation. Our data did support that increasing the plant density for the Sanseveria robusta (Snake plants), as well as combining both the Sanseveria robusta (Snake plants) and the Dracaena Marginata Colorama (Dracena) together, did have a slight impact on particle count reduction. The study also revealed other findings. One finding is that interior pollutants were more prevalent than exterior pollutants, indicating interior sources of pollutants and the recommendation for future testing to location the interior sources. Data collected from the exterior alludes to wind direction playing a role in the intake of outdoor pollutants into the indoors, but further study, especially by season, is recommended. In a lab test, moistening plants reduced particle counts more than dry plants, but scalability and practicality at an office scale is questionable. Overall, the data shows the average particulate counts are within acceptable EPA ranges. But, research literature indicates limits may not be low enough as health is impacted at levels lower than EPA limits. A final take-away is that we should continue to explore ways to improve outdoor air quality.Item Open Access Comparison of Occupant-Centric daylighting levels in windows for affordable housing in Portland, OR.(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2019) Rager, Bentley; Martin, KatherineThis paper presents the results conducted from observing shade configurations and daylighting levels within an affordable housing bedroom unit. We conducted mainly qualitative data as the residents of the 82nd and Orchard building declined to participate in our study. Our quantitative data considered shade configuration, collected over a three-day period, and daylight factor using a physical model with photometric sensors. The results were compared to actual resident shade use over the course of the day to determine if a clerestory window outperforms a standard view glazing unit.Item Open Access Auditory visual perception: acoustic distractions in mass timber versus concrete office spaces(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2019) Bain, Olivia; Montiel, Michelle; Summers, Lily; Yauk, MichaelDesigning for acoustics in relation to human health is becoming an increasingly relevant topic in the architectural profession. In an office environment, auditory stimuli such as the sound of traffic, office chatter, or impact noises (including as footfall or a chair dragging) from the floor above may cause small distractions throughout the course of the day. Based on research studies reviewed and compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), the repetition of auditory stimuli could have compounding effects on occupants’ health and productivity. This study looks at the implications that auditory stimuli can have on office workers in two different building typologies; a mass timber building constructed of nail laminated timber (NLT), and a traditional masonry building. The comparison of these two typologies allowed us to assess if being surrounded by a biophilic elements such as wood gave users an “acoustic forgiveness factor” when exposed to the same types of auditory stimuli. Three biometric data sets were gathered to analyze unconscious emotional and physical responses to auditory stimuli: Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), heart rate, and emotional response (measured as valence) through the novel use of a facial recognition software. This small pilot study showed users of the conventional, masonry building were more likely to have a physical and emotional response to auditory stimuli in comparison to the inhabitants of the mass timber building. Further research with more participants and more controls in the study are needed; however, the results of this study imply that working in a mass timber building may provide an “acoustic forgiveness factor” to its occupants.Item Open Access Daylight, manual sunshade use and occupant-centric circadian lighting stimulus in an open office(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2019) Pici, Nico; Pieper, JordanDaylight is essential to human productivity. It has been shown that if we do not receive enough daylight, our health and well-being is negatively affected. However, an overabundance of daylight into the indoors can make performing with computer-based visual tasks difficult and uncomfortable due to glare. This study is a collaboration with SRG Partnership, an Architecture firm in Portland, OR, to analyze their own workspace in determining optimal amounts of daylight as an occupant-centric circadian resource in the office. The historic office space has large south-east-facing windows that can be a source of glare, which negatively affects productivity, and are controlled manually with motorized shades. Participating occupants were given a wearable light sensor to track the light levels received throughout the day over the course of one work week. Sunshade use was also monitored and recorded.Item Open Access Whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) of mass timber systems: European vs North American mass timber vs steel(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2019) O’Halloran, Simone; Kazeminejad, YasminWhole Building Life Cycle Assessments (WBLCA) are helpful tools in the evaluation of the environmental impacts of all of the components in a building. Inputs (like material extraction and manufacturing) and outputs (such as carbon emissions) are measured over the entire life cycle of the building. The goal is to minimize the negative impacts on the environment over the whole life cycle of the building. In this case we performed the WBLCA for a mixed use building in San Francisco California utilizing the software Tally. We compared three different building systems, North American mass timber, Austrian mass timber, and steel. The results from our comparative analysis show that concrete is the majority of the global warming potential and embodied energy regardless of the system. This paper supports and has shown the potential of Mass Timber material being used in building industries to minimize environmental impact.Item Open Access Shelter and the Homeless(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Wasmer, BrienneArchitects have to ability to generate a new identity for the homeless because they can design a variety of shelters that promote and project individuality, self-sufficiency and dignity.Item Open Access Industrialists dominate, agrarians accommodate(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Bittner, NicholasAbstract: Agrarians painstakingly accommodate to the realities of life and death in the effort to husband the health and long-term productivity of the land. The buildings and landscapes erected by these like-minded individuals and communities embrace values of thrift and pragmatism, unlike the heroics reshaping the rural and urban areas since the advent of industrialism.Item Open Access Marquette Climate & Sustainable Design Research(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Landry, CassandraWhat sustainable building systems work in the harsh climate of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?Item Open Access Non-traditional Families and Their Architectural Needs(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Freiberg, KirstynNon-traditional families have a unique set of needs that are rarely addressed by their living environment. If we are going to start designing for these families we first need to understand who these families are, and what needs they have. Using a literature-based research approach this paper will begin to look at the needs and challenges of four different family types, including: single parents, part time parents, the elderly and grand families.Item Open Access Homogenization/Fragmentation: Can Skateboarding Influence Big Box Design?(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Flood, IanThe city is a producer of two types; Homogenization (sameness) and Fragmentation (difference)! This dichotomy is a balance that must be struck to sustain a city’s cultural identity. Homogenization is something epitomized by Big-Box Retail. Low cost, large inventory and global capital fuel rapid growth of companies like Wal-Mart, Home-Depot and IKEA. One could look to the anti-thesis of Homogenization; Fragmentation, in hopes of creating alternative growth types. One phenomenon that is known for breaking away from rules, markets and homogenization is skateboarding. Dependent on the creativity of the individual, a Skateboarders only device is a thirty six inch long, seven ply, piece of lumber custom molded to hold feet two point five inches off the ground, mounted on trucks, attached to wheels. Skateboarding is the Fragment broken away from Homogenized urban types. In Portland, a proposal for Big-Box development has occurred at a site known as Burnside Bridgehead. One important element of this development that will go overlooked is the world famous Burnside Skate Park. In 1990 the Burnside Skate Park was constructed by local youths underneath the Burnside Bridge who wanted a ramp sheltered from the rain. This paper will look at the development of Burnside Bridgehead as a Big Box influenced by skateboarding in a bold way. Will Portland’s dichotomy create a new urban condition, where the Fragmented influences the Homogenous?Item Open Access The Role of Retail Markets in Impoverished Neighborhoods(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Barrett, JustinBy assessing the lifestyles and correlated purchasing habits of the poor, hopeful retail strategies emerge that explore how the insertion of new services into underprivileged areas can support the low-income minority groups who live there and aim towards creating a cleaner, safer neighborhood. Emphasis on neighborhoods and projects in Baltimore, Md.Item Open Access Making Architecture, Making Community: The Pedagogy of an Urban “Rural Studio”(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Feuerborn, Glen J.An analysis of the feasibility of an urban architecture program that focuses on a community based design-build education. The pedagogy of the University of Auburn's "Rural Studio" is the precedence for this particular study. With the rich foundation of art and architectural resources, our nation's largest cities could team students, faculty and local professionals together for the greater good of the community. The tremendous need for outreach in and around our cities coupled with the growing desire of students to learn by doing an Urban "Rural Studio" seems likely to succeed.Item Open Access Health and Healing Through Water(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Ebner, KevinDespite technological and medical advances of recent centuries does water still have the capacity to effectively promote good health and healing naturally?Item Open Access Are native desert plants appropriate for green roofs in Portland, Oregon?(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Grabski, ManfredDesert plants are well suited for green roofs in the Pacific Northwest.Item Open Access Museums in Modern Society(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) Heimdahl, JonMuseums have strayed from their intended mission of preserving and displaying art into a tool for economic and corporate interests.Item Open Access Rails-to-Green rails: Green space is the future for rail stations and rail corridors(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) KiHyun, KimGreen space is an alternative for rails.Item Open Access Exercise with a New Vision(University of Oregon, Dept. of Architecture, Portland Program, 2005-12) DeLuca, ElizabethWhat is a more successful prototype for an exercise facility?