Helena Coch

The mediterranean blind: less light, better vision

The mediterranean blind is one of the most efficient and sophisticated technical system to allow natural illumination in building. A simple solution permits good visual conditions with low heat gains and high ventilation. This solution shows how in architecture, simple designs following thoroughly understood principles can achieve far more suitable environment results than high-tech solution applied without criteria

An approach to daylight contrast assessment in mediterranean urban environments

Visual environment in Mediterranean countries is full of contrasts. The vertical position of the sun as well as the frequent clear sky condition shape an urban environment defined by surfaces flooded by the sun and in the shade, which causes a high contrast, also between interior and exterior spaces. It is paradoxical that, in latitudes where the amount of natural light available is clearly over demand, the design of interior lighting has to cope with this situation using high levels of artificial light. If sustainable criteria are aimed to be introduced in lighting design, it is important to know the lit environment outside and the contrast with the interior of the building. With this aim, an analysis implemented in a specific case of study was outlined. The results highlight the existing contrast between inside and outside in a specific Mediterranean urban environment, and lay the foundations for further studies.

High-Rise Buildings in Mediterranean Climate: “Illa de la Llum” Case Study in Barcelona

The construction of high-rise buildings has always been where the newest technological advances were displayed for the first time.

Light and Shadow: Mediterranean Visual Scenes

Introducing sustainable criteria in the building sector is a challenge which can be faced using different strategies. The development and integration of renewable energies on different scales is part of the solution, but first the reduction of energy demand in buildings and cities must be taken into account. One of the potentials of the Mediterranean countries is the high radiation availability during most of the year, which can be used in active and passive design strategies. It is considered that urban and architectural design, along with significant knowledge of outdoor luminosity, can contribute to a reduction in the use of energy for lighting in entrance spaces. In this chapter, a field study conducted using different procedures enables an overall definition of the appearance of Mediterranean cities in terms of light, which offers an approach which could be applied to cities and architectural design. The conclusions drawn in this study can lead to design recommendations which integrate the use of shadow, the potential of material properties, and other ways to improve visual adaptation and reduce visual contrast, especially in the entrance of buildings.

Latin-American Buildings Energy Efficiency Policy: The Case of Chile

In the last years many Countries implemented energy efficiency strategies in their policy. An important sector affected by the new regulations is the building sector. Buildings construction and use represent the 30% of the total CO2 emissions of the world. It is one of the most important sectors to regulate. EPBD directive of the European Union is one of the actions already token in this way. Low emissions buildings construction only will be a goal if an appropriate policy will be structured world-width. Latin-American area is an important region of the world respect to growth and development. For this reason, it is very important to consider the implementation and discussion of the local energy efficiency norms. This paper reviews actual norm in Chile and discuss critically the effectiveness of the past policy. Future ways to improve the contribution of the construction sector reducing emissions are suggested, by comparison among policies of other Countries, especially the policies of Spain and Brazil. Special attention is focused on the dynamical simulation by software, which is the base of the energy label certification in many Countries. Examples of the Lider-Calener Spanish certification are presented and used to justify the possible future emissions reduction scenario for Chile.

Summer confort solutions in mediterranean areas

The climate of Mediterranean countries is characterized by its complexity. Rapidly changing conditions mean that both cold and heat can be a problem. In architectural practice the design solutions that must be applied in buildings are complex.