André Potvin

Erosion in architecture: a tactile design process fostering biophilia

ABSTRACT This design research explores the physical and poetic relation between architecture and climate by introducing a combined tactile and numerical approach to creation. Through a graduate design studio experience based on a conceptual framework, it is structured in several steps and exploration methods to address the following questions: How does the structure of space regulate environmental forces such as sun and wind to increase the hedonic experience of place? How does material change in response to environmental flows of wind, sun, rain and snow? How can physical model experiences inspire architects and engineers to engage in a more ‘tactile’ reflection on natural phenomena? How can eroded matter create new typologies best adapted to a given environment? The project innovates at three levels: its unique corpus of erosion typologies, its combined analogical and numerical simulation methodology, and the representation of the dynamic nature of erosion into architectural morphology.

Noise reduction of a double-skin façade considering opening for natural ventilation

The growing interest in natural or hybrid ventilation systems brings a challenge for good integration of openings in building facades. With a noisy environment, there is an important limitation for the use of direct openings in common building envelopes. As a part of a research project dedicated to this problem, it is possible to evaluate the impact of several double-skin configurations, modifying openings, space between facades or the choice of construction assemblies. Experimental measurements made in laboratory conditions lead to the estimation of usual noise reduction and sound transmission class. Moreover, the airflow at constant differential pressure was assessed as functions of the aperture and compared to sound insulation. Analyzing those parameters together give useful information for the design of passive ventilation with a significant airflow when acoustical performance is an important issue.

Aquilomorphism: materializing wind in architecture through ice weathering simulations

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a morphological generation method based on the integration of wind forces which leads to organic geometries fostering new spatial experiences and environmental adaptation. It suggests that analogical simulations can generate creative design solutions responding to complex environmental fluxes and can accelerate the design process for architects through tactile explorations of form, matter and spatiality. The aerodynamic design solutions, although contextual, are not deterministic, in the sense that they are reinterpreted to meet the functional needs and constraints of an architectural project. The paper concludes on a sample application that enables practical understanding of the possible uses of the method for architectural and urban design applications.

Noise insulation of a curtain wall for natural ventilation

The growing interest in natural or hybrid ventilation systems brings a challenge for good integration of openings in building facades. In a noisy environment, there is a major limitation for the use of direct openings in common building envelopes. As a part of a research project dedicated to this problem, it is possible to evaluate the impact of a curtain wall that could be added to get a double skin facade. Experimental measurements made in laboratory conditions lead to the estimation of usual noise reduction and sound transmission class. The airflow at constant differential pressure was assessed as a function of the aperture and compared to sound insulation. Analyzing those parameters together give useful information for the design of passive ventilation with a significant airflow when acoustic performance is an important issue. This paper aims to detail performances of common curtain wall assemblies.