Seminar 10: Passive Design Strategies-Passivehaus

Date: April 4, 2013

Names: Dale, Kalika, Jessica, Andy, Caitlin, Chelsea, Lesley, N eda, Tyler, Kent, and Leanza

Readings: Alex Steffan. "Building a Green Home" online article, last modified 17 April 2013. http://www.worldchanging.com/shelter (accessed 5 April 2013). 

Ip, Kenneth, Andrew Miller. "Thermal behaviour of an earth-sheltered autonomous building-The Brighton Earthship" Renewable Energy, 2009.

Summary of Readings: 

Building a Green Home

This article discusses the possibilities of building a green home in many different steps. A zero-energy home: they explain how using less energy doesn't have to completely change the way we live. The Zero Energy House in Chicago does not use any energy but is comfortable at the same time. It has a green roof, natural ventilation, passive solar panels, and is oriented in a direction that obtains the optimum amount of energy. The article also discusses smart home technology which is the idea that homes take care of themselves and state that it would help our overall quality of life. They also discuss Prefab Homes which are quite beneficial as they do not have as much environmental impact as a house being built does. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion on building homes that will last and that people can use for a lifetime, no matter how their lifestyle changes.

Image 1: example of a Passivhaus

Thermal behaviour of an earth-sheltered autonomous building-The Brighton Earthship

This article discussed the Brighton Earthship which is a building that contains many sustainable factors: solar energy, no foundation, built from recycled materials, and use of rainwater. The article focused mainly on the temperature conditions that occurred in the Earthship dating back to 2004. They found that during winter months, the building was actually warmer. 

Image 2: The Brighton Earthship

Minutes of Seminar Discussion: Would you ever live in one of these houses? Why or why not?

-the aethetics of the house might become an issue, but other than that, I would consider it

If you were to commission a passive house would you choose: a prefabricated passive house or site specific?

-It is important that both of these systems would be implemented in a passive house because the site is equally as important as the prefabricated home. 

Which of the passive  house design strategies would work best in Winnipeg? Which would work the least?

-Rainwater harvesting because of the different seasons we have

-Urban sprawl in our city-solar power

The vegetation passive house strategy probably wouldn't work as well because of our climate

Could passive housing development work in Winnipeg? What if Waverly West was made up of Passive Housing instead?

-It would save more energy

-People would have an issue with Passive Housing though, because it isn't very popular. It would have to be made appealing for families to buy this type of housing

Have your views changed on your stance on design or how you envision yourself designing in the future?

-how we impact the environment has changed how I would personally design, even by just being aware

-As a culture, we take design for granted. If we incorporated beauty with efficiency, design could become even more wonderful.

Reflections: The Passive House was very intriguing, however I don't know if I could see myself living in one. The fact that it is made from recycled materials is very important, but it could pose problems for many people in our society today. That being said, it is a very well thought out design, and if designers keep taking these steps toward sustainable housing, our future will benefit from our sustainable choices. Like many environmental issues, it all starts with a change in attitude and a willingness to be open to new ideas, like the Passive House.

Image 1: "Passivhaus-an introduction" Habitables http://habitables.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/passivhaus-an-introduction/ accessed April 18, 2013

Image 2: "Brighton Earthship" Flickriver http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/earthship/interesting/ accessed April 18, 2013

Seminar 9: Sustainable Resources: Energy and Greenhouse Gases

Date: April 4, 2013
Names: Alicia, Todd, Ivan, Ian, Taylor, Sam, Derek, Krystyl, Chad, Matt
Readings: Bry. Sarté. “Sustainable Infrastructure: The Guide to Green Engineering and Design.” John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2010, pp.166-176.

Chosen article:

Abbasi, Tasneem. “ Is the Use of Renewable Energy Sources an Answer to the Problems of Global Warming and Pollution?” Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 2012, Vol.42(2), pp.99-154.

Summary of Readings: Sustainable Infrastructure: The Guide to Green Engineering and Design
This article discusses energy and its basic source such as: transportation, electricity&heat, agriculture, industry, etc. They then discuss how energy sources are harming the environment by these energy sources and humans are to blame for most of the energy being used. We need to change the whole energy system if we want to see a change. They break a successful energy strategy into 4 steps: Reducing the demand for energy through design, using energy efficiency, sustainable power supplies, and considering climate change & reducing our carbon footprint. We can reduce the amount of energy we use in buildings by energy conservation and energy efficiency, according to the article. They also discuss some passive design strategies to improve energy in buildings such as: grid orientation, natural ventilation, and the buildings design and where it is facing.
Is the Use of Renewable Energy Sources an Answer to the Problems of Global Warming and Pollution?
This article questions the actual source of global warming and if using renewable energy sources will solve it in any way. They explain that people have been using renewable energy sources for years, its not a new phenomenon. Also, they discuss solar energy in more detail and how it actual requires lots of energy to make solar energy occur such as: glass and cement and hazardous materials. They emphasize the fact that just because something is a renewable energy source, doesn't mean that it is completely beneficial. Many renewable energy sources actually damage the environment even more just by the way they are developed and made.

Image 1: example of solar panels

Image 2: example of where household energy comes from

Minutes of Seminar Discussion: This seminar discussion was quite interactive and really showed the impacts of renewable energy as they made the class turn their phones and laptops off, then stating how much energy we all saved in the short time they presented. 
What is renewable energy?
-solar 
-hydro
-wind
-we are not designing well enough to use energy
-we must transition back to renewable resources
Do you agree that it is more about the type of energy or the way we use energy?
-some people believed it was in the way we collected energy
-designers need to design to use less energy
-if the consumer was aware of how much energy they were actually using, it might make a difference
-need to educate the kids today about energy and how important it is
Changes to reduce energy intake aren't going to happen instantaneously. Society isn't changed by the flip of a switch. We as individuals need to start with the things we can control. Today, or on a daily basis what can you do to reduce your energy intake?
-turning off lights
-walking/taking bus
-not leaving chargers in the wall (still using energy even if you're not using them)
-maybe by increasing the price of energy people will change 
-it all has to do with the attitudes of people. If we can design to give the consumer exactly what they want, while reducing energy, we will be on the right track
Based on the individual changes, how to you think this will affect the corporation in terms of producers and gatherers, and how will this affect society?
-We must educate the corporations to design better and give them incentive to change
-if designing with less energy is made popular, it could drive designers to actually want to design with energy efficiency in mind
-organic farming-if the farmers are getting the business they will keep producing organic food
-we must be patient, because it will take some time
-setting laws for energy efficiency also might help drive the change

Reflections: I found this seminar to be quite interesting as it opened my mind about the energy we use. I personally leave my chargers plugged in all day even if I am not using them. I did not know they were using so much energy while just being plugged in. This shows that just the fact of being educated will help drive change to a more energy efficient world. I also was not aware solar energy was harmful to the environment. If people are made aware and care about the energy they are consuming, then our world will be on path of energy efficiency. 

Image 1: "The UK Solar Panel debate-knowing where you stand" Energy Efficiency http://www.genesys-project.eu/category/solar-panels accessed April 18, 2013
Image 2: "Household energy use:where does the money go?" Green World Pictures http://greenworldpics.com/2009/02/18/household-energy-use-where-does-the-money-go/ accessed April 18, 2013

Seminar 8: Stressors, Uncertainty, Future Needs

Date: March 28, 2013
Names: Corey, Devon, Katlyn, Heber, Marco, Alyssa, Branton, Daniel, Kurt, Neilly
Readings: Forman, Richard T.T, Lauren E. Alexander. "Roads and Their Major Ecological Effects" Annual Reviews, 1998.
Forman, Richard T.T, Daniel Sperling. "The Future of Roads: No Driving, No Emissions, Nature Reconnected" Solutions, 2011.
Summary of Readings: 
The Future of Roads: No Driving, No Emissions, Nature Reconnected

Image 1: Proposed Netway System

This article focuses on the issues that roads cause such as roadkill, destroyed habitats, noise, erosion, ditchwater and groundwater, and dispersed land use. It proposes the installation of a new system, The Netway System. It is similar to a subway system, however it is an individual 'pod' that automatically moves. It is situated underground and does not require any driving by the person inside. This transportation mechanism is able to use renewable energy. This article states that this system will improve overall safety by eliminating traffic accidents, eliminates greenhouse gas emissions, and saves good agricultural land that usually is covered by highway roads. 

Image 2: Proposed Netway System

Roads and Their Major Ecological Effects
This article discusses a new vision for travelling. They focus on some key benefits that a new mode of transportation offers such as: restoring nature, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, safety, food production, and recreational benefits. They discuss how roads that were built before any ecological awareness was present, are poorly designed and have negative effects on the environment and are located in unfortunate locations ecologically. 
Minutes of Seminar Discussion: What are some flaws of this system?
-is it more expensive?
-worse accidents could occur
-will they replace ALL the cars....what if you wanted to go somewhere really specific?
-energy-won't there be many emissions just to build the subway?
Do you think the problems cause by roads will get so severe that a drastic change such as Netway system will need to be implemented?
Is there a more realistic and practical solution to our road problem?
-reduce the access
-dig trenches which prevents wildlife from being killed
-by designing cities that are not based on cars, forcing people to use other modes of transportation
What suggestions do you have for reconnecting land to nature? (transportation)
-it is very beautiful to drive through the mountains, so we wouldn't want to take that away (by building trenches people drive through)
-We need to change the social aspects by changing peoples minds
Do you think the public would accept this new proposed Netway system?
-No, I think that people are very attached to their independence of owning their own vehicle and being completely in charge of where and when they use it. To take that away would create lots of conflict.
Reflections: I found this seminar quite interesting as I was not aware of the possibilities of the Netway system. I do not think that this system would work completely for many people because individuals like their independence and ability drive anywhere, whenever they want. Also, there is a certain degree of connection with nature when driving where many kids can be educated and immersed just by viewing the world around them from the backseat of a car. I think this system is on the right track, but still needs development to move forward. 

Image 1: "The Future of Roads: No Driving, No Emissions, Nature Reconnected" Solutions http://thesolutionsjournal.anu.edu.au/node/975 accessed April 18, 2013
Image 2: "The Future of Roads: No Driving, No Emissions, Nature Reconnected" Your Olive Branch http://news.yourolivebranch.org/2012/01/31/the-future-of-roads-no-driving-no-emissions-nature-reconnected/ accessed April 18, 2013

Seminar 7: Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

Date: March 21, 2013

Names: Caila, Carline, Jane, Jesse, Jessica, Julieta, Marla, Nichelle.

Readings: McDonald, Robert I. et. al. "Urban growth, climate change, and freshwater availability" PNAS, 2011. 

Grimm, Nancy B. et. al. "Global Change and the Ecology of Cities" Science, 2008. 

Summary of Readings: 

Urban growth, climate change, and freshwater availability

This article explains how the growth of the population is negatively affecting the climate and therefore the hydrologic cycle. By increasing the population, the amount of people with water shortages is also increasing as well. The article suggests that planners should be informed of this water shortage and act on two solutions: creating more storage for cities that need water during certain seasons and saving water through landscape management. Unfortunately, this will cost money and also puts a risk on wildlife, as with any habitat that is being changed.

Global Change and the Ecology of Cities

This article explained how there is a dramatic shift to urban living and how it is causing greater demands on services, economic growth, and demographic changes. It lists 5 different types of global and environmental change: changes in land use and cover, biogeochemical chemical cycles, climate, hydro systems, and biodiversity. Land use and land cover are related to population growth because it demands environmental change. Because cities are one of the main contributors to CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases, urban areas become responsible for the biogeochemical cycles. Urbanization, along with other land use changes are responsible for around half of climate changes. When humans start modifying the hydrologic systems, many issues will arise such as: pollutants from buildings leaking into streams, point source pollution, etc. Finally biodiversity alters cities in that the urban footprint extends past just where people live. Native species are also being negatively affected when cities are created. It is important to incorporate biodiversity into city planning to conserve what is naturally here.

Image 1: Population and Climate Change

Image 2: Urban Growth

Minutes of Seminar Discussion: Should design and ecology become synonymous?

-there should be some collaboration between architects and ecologists 

-you have to be a master at one thing, if you start trying to combine two professions, the individual won't be as experienced 

Do you think if urban centres were dispersed across land, the impact we have upon the earth would be reduced?

-No, I think that the impact would be the same. Urban growth would still occur and the problem begins with peoples attitude and awareness towards how they treat the earth. 

What are some of the impacts that climate change can have on the hydrolic cycle?

-ice melts quickly

Suggest a method for providing water for a city while protecting native fish species

-rainwater collection

Which factor is expected to have a more certain effect on water shortage: urban growth or climate change?

I think that both combined will have a greater effect because they impact one another. 

Reflections: I did not know that population growth has such a negative effect on land use. It is important for us, as design students to take this into account when planning urban spaces. When we start incorporating the 5 steps outlined in the reading, Global Change and Ecology of Cities, then we will have sustainable cities. We cannot control population change as designers, but we can control how cities are planned. If we start incorporating biodiversity into city planning, it will become the norm and hopefully change the way we look at design.

Image 1: "Environmental boundaries to save Gaia" Thinking Shift. http://thinkingshift.wordpress.com/category/climate-change/ accessed April 18, 2013

Image 2: "Saving Suburbia?" The Freeman http://abcdunlimited.com/ideas/suburbia.html accessed April 18, 2013

Seminar 6: Materials-Construction

Date: March 14, 2013
Names: Matt, Evan, Carson, John, Andrew, Ryan, Fernanda, Kyla
Readings: Sarki, J, et. al. "Potential of using coconut shell particle fillers in eco-composite materials. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2010.
Mau, Bruce. "Massive Change and the Institute without Boundaries." Phaidon. 
Summary of Readings: Potential of using coconut shell particle fillers in eco-composite materials
This article discusses specifically the coconut and how research on coconut shell particles fillers based polymer composites. Basically, a coconut shell was ground up and studied. It was found that particles in coconuts can be used to improve eco-buildings. Coconut shells as a material can be beneficial in many different ways such as: renewable energy and material sources, lower pollution and greenhouse emission. The coconut shell as a material shows a tensile strength, however it was not very strong when impacted. It is definitely needs more exploration as a material, but has potential for the future.
Massive Change and the Institute without Boundaries
This article discusses how the hardness of materials can be compared to the hardness of a diamond. It also discusses the possibilities of mimicking materials that have the strength of spider silk and gecko feet. The article also explains how a materials lightness is important to consider when designing. There is also a section on biomimicry which lists certain animals that we should consider learning from such as chimpanzees eating habits, coral reefs type 1 ecosystem, and purple bacterias photosynthesis.

Image 1: Goat being used for spider silk

Minutes of Seminar Discussion: The seminar group discussed the pros and cons of using coconut in wood composite material
-taking away from food supply
-renewal
-biodegradable
What benchmark material is against which hardness is graded?
-diamonds
They then discussed the ethics behind if it is ethical or not to use goats for silk
Electrical Skin?
-How could this material be useful?
-by helping endangered species
Sea-gel
-insulates against noise
-make a plane?
-house out of the material

Image 2: Coconut Shells

Reflections: I personally believe that it is unethical to take goats and use them for silk. I believe that there must be different ways to obtain the same material without harming biodiversity. Once we start using living things for materials, the value of ethics start decreasing and it becomes harmful to our biodiversity. This topic needs more research and development before we use animals for certain material properties.

Image 1: "Scientists breed goats that produce spider silk" National Science Foundation. http://phys.org/news194539934.html accessed April 17, 2013
Image 2: "Coconut Shell Charcoal" Coconut Shell Charcoal. http://www.bakularangnusantara.com/Coconut_Charcoal/Cocount_Shell_Charcoal.html accessed April 17, 2013

Seminar 5: Water Management

Date: March 7, 2013
Names: Milan, Sam G, Emily, Ashley, Rob, Desiree, Wei, Tanya, BJ
Readings: Liao, Kuei-Hsien. "A Theory on Urban Resilience to Floods-A Basis for Alternative Planning Practices." Ecology and Society, 2012. 
Video:http://www.ted.com/talks/ rob_harmon_how_the_market_can_keep_streams_flowing.html)
Summary of Readings: A Theory on Urban Resilience to Floods-A Basis for Alternative Planning Practices

Image 1: Ecological Resilience vs Engineering Resilience

This article discusses the resilient approach to floods rather than resistant approach. Specifically, they discuss the difference between engineering resilience and ecological resilience. Engineering resilience refers to just one regime where ecological resilience is more than one, creating more systems. When discussing issues of floods, the ecological standpoint is most fitting because it creates 'multi-equilibria'. Because resilience is developed through living through disastrous situations, such as floods, people adapt, not resist to any type of disaster that happens. The main challenge is to create resilient cities as opposed to resistant ones.
Video
-The video discusses all of the streams that are completely dry, specifically Prickly Pear Creek. He explains how water laws were passed in the 1800's, and the people who gained senior water rights. People lose their water rights if they don't use them, which has created conflict with agricultural and environmental communities. He then explains how much water companies are using (their water footprint). The next step is to restore by connecting companies with water footprints and the legal water holders. These water holders must have an incentive to leave the water in the stream by paying them to keep the water in the stream and protect that water. The companies pay to return water to the ecosystem, which solves the conflict of dry streams.

Image 2: Prickly Pear Creek, Montana

Minutes of Seminar Discussion: What is a “senior water right” as discussed by Harmon in the video?
-someone who is responsible for water in their area

He identifies two problems with how this system regulates water use in Montana, what are they?
-companies water footprint
-senior water holders not taking care of water (no incentive)
What is a reliable approach to long-term flood safety?
-Resilience-Based Management
What are 3 internal factors that affect urban resilience to floods?
-Economic status of households
-Crisis support network
-Design
Trees allow more water to be stored along rivers. What lowers this capacity?
-Urbanization

Reflections: I believe that there must be a resilient approach when any disaster strikes, whether its a flood or an earthquake. Having this approach is positive because it focuses on moving forward and being stronger rather than being resistant. The video that was discussed also raised important points about how water can be treated as an 'item'. It also shows an example of how other bodies of water can be preserved, by making an incentive for people to actually care for them and save them. Like many environmental issues, it is not until we raise awareness to the public that ANY change is going to occur.

Image 1: Liao, Kuei-Hsien. "A Theory on Urban Resilience to Floods-A Basis for Alternative Planning Practices." Ecology and Society, 2012. 
Image 2: "BEF builds new model for water offsets." Sustainable Business Oregon. http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2010/09/bef_builds_new_model_for_water_offsets.html?page=all accessed April 17, 2013

Seminar 4: Land Use and Biodiversity

Date: February 28, 2013
Names: Bethany, Alanna, Kristen, Kate, Emeil, Cedric, Gen, Lucas, and Allister
Readings: Stokes, David L. Marian F. Handson, Deborah D. Oaks, Jaime E. Straub, and Aileen V. Ponio."Local Land-Use Planning to Conserve Biodiversity: Planners' Perspectives on What Works." Conservation Biology. Society for Conservation Biology, 2009.Del Tredici, Peter. "Spontaneous Urban Vegetation: Reflections of Change in a Globalized World." Nature and Culture. Berghahn Journals, 2010.

Summary of Readings:
Local Land-Use Planning to Conserve Biodiversity: Planners' Perspectives on What Works:

This article discusses the conversion of natural land to urban uses. The researchers who wrote the article interviewed 17 planning directors and found that the population grew by 25% from 1995-2005. They discovered that because of this increase, more land was being converted to urban uses, destroying the habitat. Each of the 17 interviewee's answers for what planning techniques were most effective for saving biodiversity quite different, but not limited to: cluster zoning, transfer of development rights, incentive zoning, and planned unit development. Most of the interviewees considered community as an important aspect of planning and 10 out of the 17 believed that biodiversity conservation as a component of planning was just based on human-centered reasons. Another important finding in this interview was that all 17 stated that funding would help their biodiversity conservation. A major concept that a lot of the planners discussed was that biodiversity was studied because it benefits humans. Planners surprisingly do not use the word "biodiversity" very much as the public does not have a very good understanding of it. 

Spontaneous Urban Vegetation: Reflections of Change in a Globalized World:

This article discusses Urban Ecology as the blend of human culture and natural history. The article split up urban land into 3 categories: remnant native landscapes, managed horticultural landscapes, and abandoned ruderal landscapes. The focus of the article was on ruderal landscapes. It states that landscape disturbances are the key role in cycle of vegetation. An urban landscape characteristic that this article mentions is the use of concrete buildings and pavings, which decrease water infiltration, increase runoff, and compact the soil. They also increase the temperature, making the city have a higher temperature than the outer regions. The article then goes on to discuss Urban Vegetation: they found that native species percentages were actually quite high in the United States because of historical and socio-economic factors. The article also discusses the role that cities have to play in regards to climate change as the city 'heats up', in coming generations, so will the countryside. The author warns readers to be ready for this change. The discovery of plants that are adapting to cities by the forces of urbanization, globalization, and climate change.

Minutes of Seminar discussion: The seminar group asked 5 questions:

1. Do you think its better for nature to be left to itself or should we intervene when it begins to take over?
-the class discussed this and the general opinion was that nature should be left to itself.
2. Why are our views toward certain plants negative and how can we change these views that native species can grow where they are intended to?
-we should change our views towards plants/weeds to make them more appealing
-can we advertise with native plants for the general public?
3. Should all vacant areas that vegetation has taken over be turned into parks or should they be left alone to let biodiversity take over? What are other ways we conserve biodiversity other than making a park?
-I believe that there should be a balance between parks and land with uncontrolled biodiversity. Because we live in the city, some areas should be maintained and controlled, but some areas should be left to their natural state, benefitting the natural habitats in these areas.
4. How can planners think of biodiversity as a primary concern instead of an after thought & care for it before it become an issue?
-By making biodiversity a standard/law when urban planning, then people will be forced to integrate biodiversity into their plans. That being said, a lot of designers will find a way out because it is difficult to force people to do things that may not be of high importance to them.
5. Do you think that every person has a responsibility to protect biodiversity or is it solely the planners responsibility?
-Every person on this earth is responsible to protect biodiversity and care for it. The problem is that people do not take this responsibility, and as planners I think we have the perfect opportunity to motivate people to take the steps of taking care of our planet.

Reflections:
As planners, it is important for us to incorporate sustainable design and biodiversity into our designs. It is difficult however, because there must be a shift in the way people think in order for them to design differently. I believe that the first step in preserving biodiversity and incorporating it into design, is to educate the public and make society aware of why it is so important. It is only until then, that they will be motivated to move forward with sustainable design and preserving biodiversity when planning.

Image: Guy2010, John. "Preserving Biodiversity with Heritage Plants." Flickr. JPEG. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupids400/5004362977/ accessed April 16, 2013.