Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Climate Concrete
Teaching staff
Personalized
Introduction
There is nowadays an increasing social demand for architecture to ensure sustainable development and to design buildings with excellent environmental behaviour while minimizing energy consumption. There are currently several highly used materials in construction that could and should be improved through construction systems that enhance the environmental characteristics of future buildings.
The subject proposes a study and practical work to analyze the possibilities of porous concrete and generate construction elements that improve the interior thermal comfort of buildings without energy consumption.
The course will dive deep into all these concepts with specialized teachers in the field and the support of the industry CEMEX. This combination will bring the students closer to the professional world while working together with industry researchers to exchange knowledge and generate ideas that can be developed in the market.
The course is part of an agreement between the CEIM Chair and the Cemex company to develop R&D with architecture students.
Pre-course requirements
4th or 5th year students
Objectives
To prove the great possibilities of porous concrete in improving the energy performance of the building and the quality of the air inside.
To develop real and effective proposals to improve the environmental performance of the building envelope.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 41-T - Ability to find solutions for passive environmental conditioning, including thermal and acoustic insulation, climate control, energy performance and natural lighting.
- 52 - To acquire adequate knowlege of the environment, sustainability and the principles of conserving energy and environmental resources.
- 73 - To acquire adequate knowledge of research, experimentation and innovation in architecture.
- 74 - To acquire adequate knowledge of new architectural concepts and practices.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Development of a graphic proposal for the implementation of the project as well as a scale model of the suggested system
Syllabus
PRESENTATION AND INTRODUCTION TO THE CLIMATE CONCRETE COURSE
The main objective of this topic is to define the object of analysis and the climatic context in which the proposals will be developed
Methodology
- Presentation of the course and its objectives
- Analysis of the climatic context through temperature, humidity and wind speed
- Analysis of the natural responses and the site’s vernacular architecture in an arid-dry climate.
THE CONCRETE, A SHAPELESS MATERIAL
The main objective of this topic is to introduce the amorphous materials, as opposed to the shaped and characterized porous concrete.
Methodology
- Analysis of the ranking system of materials according to their level of transformation.
- Introduction to porous concrete and its potential toward the objective of the course.
TRANSFORMATION TECHNIQUES OF AMORPHOUS MATERIALS.
The objective of this topic is to know the main transformation techniques of amorphous materials, as well as how the consistency and plasticity take part in the configuration processes of the final piece.
Methodology
- Transformation techniques of amorphous materials
- Hardening and plasticity. Geometric transformation before hardening
- Relation between the form, the consistency and the materials for the molds.
THE CLIMATE AND THE NATURAL AND PASSIVE STRATEGIES.
The objective of this topic is to know and analyze how we can take advantage of the weather conditions to achieve evaporation or condensation processes.
Methodology
- Analysis of real case studies to understand the strategies used in them and the physical processes that enable them. Fog hunters and natural condensers
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FAÇADE ELEMENTS
The objective of this topic is to know and analyze the parameters of compactness, porosity, perforation, smoothness and absorption of the filter elements of the building envelope
Methodology
- Analysis and definition of the compactness, porosity, perforation, smoothness and absorption as general concepts and application of such concepts to the solutions proposed by the students.
During the course, the students will visit two companies that work or produce concrete and carry out a practical workshop with porous concrete.
VISIT A COMPANY
The goal is to bring students closer to the actual process of concrete production and manufacturing of geometrically complex components. They will also analyse the production techniques for pastes, mold definitions, curing and finishing processes and components’ textures.
CONCRETE LAB
The students will attend a practical one-day workshop where they will knead porous concrete and fill molds produced by themselves. The objective is for them to get a first experience with the material and develop their first concrete prototypes.
During the course, early corrections of the students' individual proposals are made.
INDIVIDUAL FINAL PRESENTATION
The students will make a final presentation of the individual work before the visit to the Cemex R&D Center, where the workshop takes place. The jury for this presentation will include members of CEMEX Switzerland.
After the jury's deliberation, the individual proposals will be grouped according to similar geometric and environmental criteria to start conceiving two strategic lines of work that will be further developed during the workshop in Switzerland.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Combination of theoretical and practical classes. Visits to companies of the sector and practical workshop with one of them.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Evaluation of partial 30% and final 60% presentations
Active participation in the course 10%
Minimum compulsory attendance 60%
Bibliography and resources
Arquitectura y clima: manual de diseño bioclimatico para arquitectos y urbanistas. Victor Olgyay. 1998
Arquitectura y energía natural. Rafael Serra. 1995