Pratt+Velux
Pratt Institute School of Architecture
Undergraduate Architecture Program
Arch 400 Pratt / VELUX Sponsored Studio
Fall 2007
Sponsored Studio Participants:
Richard Sarrach, Studio Instructor
Pratt Institute
Evan Douglis, Undergraduate Chair
Pratt Institute
Dana Haydock for VELUX
Account Manager, Public Relations
Wrayward – creative marketing communications
Timothy O’Neill, District Sales Manager
VELUX
Mission Statement:
SKY/lite: Membranes in the Service of Ecology
With the generous support of VELUX; one of the leading manufacturers of light-related products internationally, the School of Architecture at Pratt Institute will be able to establish a new research studio exclusively dedicated to the study of skylights and light-related accessories in relation to the development of a new and innovative contemporary house. Offered as an upper level design studio for the undergraduate student in architecture, the sponsored studio will reassess the skylight as a vital source of illumination and energy. Given the school’s current commitment to implementing new sustainable practices within the study of architecture, the studio will consider a more speculative approach to the next generation of house design in relation to; energy efficient materials, roofing membranes, building components and consequently a range of new branded lifestyles born out of a desire for a more responsive architecture. Through the reassessment of technology as the driving force in the creation of a new model home the studio aims to generate design proposals that are both culturally poignant and sustainably relevant in the beginning of the new millennium.
Studio Itinerary
Our intention is to highlight new and emerging practices and their corresponding effects that will reside in the first Pratt / VELUX home.
To achieve this, the studio will be divided into four distinct phases:
Phase 1a VELUX Product Assessment
A comprehensive examination of the current VELUX skylight product line will enable the student to become more familiar with the geometric, proportional, performative and technical attributes specific to a range of commercial skylights offered by VELUX. During this phase the student will consider the variety of considerations that are intrinsic to the design development and fabrication of a contemporary skylight.
Additional items of interest will be light distribution, environmental sealant techniques and standard installation practices. A series of analytical and conceptual diagrams as well as measured drawings will be constructed as visual documentation of the critical findings during
this stage.
Phase 1b Energy Sustainable Manifesto (New SKY/Lite Absorbent Membranes)
Phase 2 Roof Design Development
Phase 3 Sectional Design Development (Utilizing an Energy Matrix)
1 Utilizing roof-scape maps strategize the section of the house
2 Translate the new zoning into spatial expressions (digital to analog)
3 Produce physical models at various scales to generate morphology
Phase 4a Energy Skin Details – Drawings
1 Structural system
2 Exterior and Interior closure
3 Accessories
Phase 4b Energy Skin Details – Models
Studio Start Date: Monday, August 27th
Studio Completion Date (Final Review): Monday, December 10th
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