RESEARCH + ANALYSIS

COLOR AND MATERIALS

Color

Given that companion animals cannot see color the same way as humans, the color used in the space is less important in comparison to the materials.

Ceiling Materials

Hard materials typically enhance sound and make a space feel uncomfortable. Softer, more acoustically sound materials should be used on surfaces that aren’t susceptible to water damage, like ceilings and higher surfaces. Therefore. Acoustic Ceiling Tile or a similar product could be used in this application, and if the runs do not run from floor to ceiling, thicker materials should be used to absorb the refracting sound.

Floor Materials

Because of urine and feces excretion, all floor materials should be slip- and water-resistant as well as durable and easy to clean. Therefore, a material such as sheet vinyl would be a good candidate, and should continue onto the wall surface, acting as an additional barrier against major spills and messes.

Wall Materials

Runs will mostly be used by canines, given that felines are better secured in cages. That being said, the wall material should be scratch resistant and easy to clean. In many cases, materials such as plastic, galvanized steel and powder coated steel. Plastic is typically the most commonly used materials because it is water resistant, easy to clean and softer acoustically, than metal. The construction of runs can vary, but typically consist of panels that are locked into metal posts that are secured in the floor.

Casework Materials

Traditional casework materials like plywood and particleboard would be appropriate for this setting.

Exterior Materials

The canine runs will have direct access to the outdoors to ensure they can relieve themselves when necessary. Each run will require additional fencing to separate the dogs from each other. In regard to the buildings’ exterior, the materials used should be durable and inexpensive given that the focus of the design should be on the interior where the animals will spend most of their time.

Cage Construction Materials

Similar to runs, stacked cages are typically constructed of plastic or galvanized steel. Plastic is preferred because it is softer and still maintains a water-resistant barrier, but steel cages are inexpensive and are more commonly used. If steel stacked cages were to be used it is important to note that softer materials must be used to increase the animals’ comfort, given that metal will retain heat, or cold depending on its exposure to heat.

Misc. Materials

Soft materials, such as blankets and beds, should be used as often as possible, to increase comfort and reduce stress for the user. Raised pet beds are also commonly used in canine runs. These are popular because even if the floor is soiled, the animal has access to a dry and comfortable space to sit. These beds are constructed

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Tiny Space Living

A “tiny space” is defined as a livable dwelling unit that ranges in size from 200 SQ FT to 650 SQ FT.

During this research, several tiny spaces were observed, including dormitories, micro-apartments and mobile homes. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine how communal spaces were used while also defining what the biggest issues were within these communal areas. In addition, the storage solutions within each of these tiny spaces was observed.

The main purpose of this research was to determine how smaller living environments can alter the behavior of its users.

Survey Evaluations

Students, ranging from 18 to 23, were asked to fill out a qualitative survey about communal areas within living environments and how they can be improved. These communal areas varied from laundry rooms and kitchens to bathrooms and lounge space. Below are the results from that survey.

22

Number of Responses

16

9

4

1 2 3 4 5

Rank Given

When asked to rate how satisfied users were with their shared living environments, majority ranked them at 4 on a scale from 1-5.

CONCERNS Cleanliness

Guest Access

Noise Control 17

15 29

29 of the responses stated that cleanliness was the number one concern within these spaces. Following that, 17 respondents claimed that guest access was their number one issue with shared living environments. Lastly, 15 individuals felt that noise control was the biggest concern.

Interviews

Maria Saxton Founder of NANO Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning Maria Saxton has devoted the last 3 years of her research on the impact of tiny-house living on the environment. She found that along with a reduction in waste, living in tiny-homes can help individuals live more minimalist lives. Living in a smaller home also helps to relieve financial strain. Saxton stated that living in smaller spaces can be challenging but also rewarding.

Greg Galford Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech Doctor in Philosophy - Ph.D. Interior Architecture The interview with Dr. Greg Galford referenced his research on prisoner behavior and how the environment they live in can alter this. Galford stated that many people find it easier to manage living in confined spaces when they have a regimented routine, are aware of time, can view and hear nature and trust the individuals around them.

Case Study

Motor Home Design

The purpose of this case study was to determine what amenities can be included in a confined space. Majority of the furniture and fixtures in this space serve multiple purposes. Without this innovation, small living environments would not be able to include full size amenities such as full size beds and fridges.

NET-ZERO DESIGN

Defining Net-Zero Design

Net-zero design consists of the idea that buildings can meet their annual energy requirements by using low-cost, locally available and non-polluting renewable sources . A zero-energy building (ZEB) can be achieved by using on- and off-site energy efficient technology to generate enough renewable energy to equal or exceed annual energy use.

Depending on the project type, site location and values of the design team and owner, ZEB can be defined in several different ways. Four commonly used definitions are: net-zero site energy, net-zero source energy, netzero energy costs, and net-zero energy emissions. The definition of net-zero site energy is used when the buildings site produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year. In contrast, the net-zero source energy definition is used when considering a specific source, rather than the site itself, as the producer of energy. To be considered net-zero, this source would have to produce as much energy as it uses in a year; “source energy refers to the primary energy used to generate and deliver the energy to the site” and is calculated by multiplying imported and exported energy by the appropriate site-to-source conversion multipliers. Building owners most commonly define a ZEB in a way that models net-zero energy cost. This definition relates to the monetary cost of energy used to operate the building, and in the case of a ZEB, the amount of money that a utility company would pay the building owner for the energy the building is exporting is equal to or greater than the amount that the building owner would pay to operate the building over the year. The final definition is related to the amount of emissions a building produces. A ZEB that is considered net-zero energy emissions would produce “at least as much emissions-free renewable energy as it uses from emissionsproducing energy sources”; this definition is most commonly used by individuals and organizations that are concerned about pollution from power plants, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy Supply + Design

The idea of a net-zero energy building can vary depending on location and production type. However, “the concept of a Net Zero Energy Building (Net ZEB) encompasses two options of supplying renewable energy,” specifically on-site and off-site renewable energy supply. On-site supply options are most commonly used for various reasons, including the proximity to the site as well as the owner’s comprehension of how the process works. That being said, a movement is forming that prioritizes off-site energy supply over on-site because of the limited area available for such supply processes. On-site renewable energy supply processes are limited to the roof and facade planes, and where the population of buildings is increased (i.e. a dense city) the amount of energy produced is greatly reduced and may not meet the threshold of net-zero energy.

Comparing on-site and off-site renewable energy supply, on-site is limited to the interior and exterior of the building and varies from processes like photo-voltaic systems and micro combined heat and power systems (micro-CHP system). Photo-voltaic systems are also known as solar panels and can be used on a building’s roof as well as integrated into the exterior facade materials. Micro-CHP systems relate to HVAC systems, where a generator provides electric power, while simultaneously utilizing the waste heat for an individual building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. A supply resource is considered off-site if it is located anywhere off site. This type of energy supply can vary from processes like wind-turbine co-ops to solar panel farms, and most business owners invest in these suppliers rather than simply outsourcing.

CRADLE TO CRADLE MATERIALS

Defining Cradle to Cradle design

The idea behind Cradle to Cradle design is to push the boundaries of innovation, encouraging designers and scientists to develop materials and products that can be continuously reused so as to reduce the amount of building material that goes to waste during and after construction . For a product to be Cradle to Cradle certified it must meet strict requirements related to five factors: Material Health, Material Utilization, Renewable Energy, Water Stewardship and Social Fairness. Although the basic requirements are strict, products are given a ‘score’ based on a split 5-level system of Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. This system was developed in an effort to promote continuous improvement within production and development of these renewable materials.

Examples of Cradle to Cradle design

Given the temporary nature of disaster relief construction, it is important that the products and materials used can be reused or recycled . Cradle to Cradle(C2C) products model this concept and will be used in replacement of traditional construction materials in order to make the design as sustainable as possible. Ideally, both the materials that will be used for the exterior as well as interior will be C2C certified; so the amount of waste produced from construction, installation and demolition is reduced as much as possible. Some of the C2C products that could be used in this design include:

‘Derbipure’ by Imperbel SA

‘SP Range’ by Deventer Profielen B.V.

‘Knauf platen’ by B&N Knauf Cie Isolava GCV

CODES + STANDARDS

• Business Group B

• Low-Hazard Storage Group S-29

• Classified as a Category 8-Emergency 6.2.8.1

• Interior Finishes

“Interior Finishes, contents, furnishings and storage shall be in accordance with Section 10.2 of NFPA 101 or Sections 10.2 and 10.3 of NFPA 5000

Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be Class A or Class B in accordance with ASTM E84

• Exterior Finishes

Exterior walls shall provide the building with a weather-resistant exterior wall envelope. The exterior wall envelope shall include flashing, as described in Section 1405.4. The exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in such a manner as to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assembly by providing a water-resistive barrier behind the exterior veneer, as described in Section 1404.2, and a means for draining water that enters the assembly to the exterior. Protection against condensation in the exterior wall assembly shall be provided in accordance with Section 1405.3.

• Dimensions should allow for animals to achieve all normal postures and allow for a human to enter the space for cleaning in some way, when possible, include an alternative space located adjacent for refuge during cleaning times.

• Non-porous surfaces that can be easily disinfected and are durable enough to withstand repeated cleaning should be used in all animal areas and must be used in those areas housing puppies and kittens, or animals who are infectious or who are newly admitted with an unknown health history. These principles are equally important in home based programs. A sealed, impermeable surface, such as sealed concrete or epoxy is ideal for flooring.

• Appropriate housing that meets the behavioral needs of the animals minimizes stress. Even short-term Housing must meet the minimum behavioral needs of animals, providing separate areas for urination/defecation, feeding and resting and sufficient space to stand and walk several steps, and sit or lie at full body length.

LITTER RESTING 2 FEET

2 FEET 2 FEET

FOOD

• Less than 2 feet of triangulated distance between litter box, resting place and feeding area has been shown to adversely affect food intake for cats.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES + ANALYSIS

“Effects of Group and Individual Housing on the Behavior of Kenneled Dogs in Animal Shelters”

• A study was conducted at an animal shelter in Germany to observe if housing dogs together would impact their long-term behavior . 211 dogs were evaluated prior to, during and after their time at the facility. During this assessment, some dogs were placed in kennels with others, while others were kept separate from one another. The conclusion of the study was that the dogs housed together displayed signs of less anxiety, better temperament and a stronger animalhuman relationship. These dogs were also less likely to be returned to the shelter in comparison to the dogs housed by themselves. The canines housed by themselves showed stereotypical behavior consistent with unsocialized and anxious dogs.

• This article is relevant to my research because it opened my eyes to the possibility of group housing for the animals. I had originally thought this to be impossible, at the risk of having the animals fight amongst each other and cause more trauma. This study helped me realize that with the proper tools and techniques, group housing can be achieved. I am still a bit apprehensive about housing the animals together, given that supervision may be limited, but I think having a designated socialization area where the dogs can interact with one another could benefit the animals, the staff caring for them and their perspective owners.

“The influence of environmental change on the behavior of sheltered dogs”

• Researchers observed how the organization of a kennel, as well as the products used in it can impact comfort levels and adoption likelihood . In this study, it was discovered that dogs who appear uncomfortable in their environment (barking, sitting in the back of the kennel, scared to approach the front of it etc.) are less likely to be adopted. In order to increase comfort levels, a more stimulating environment was created by placing beds closer to the front of the cage and using toys to entice interaction between the animals and visitors.

• Although this research was directed towards adoption rate, the information is still relevant to the idea of a healthy and comfortable environment for the animals in a kennel and help to justify furniture placement within the kennels.

“Effects of sheltering on physiology, immune function, behavior, and the welfare of dogs”

• This article discusses how a shelters interior can negatively impact an animal’s health and wellbeing, similar to how an interior environment can negatively impact a human . The study focuses on the behaviors of dogs, and how this behavior correlates with health issues associated with stress. As stated in the article, the most common signs of stress are pacing, grooming and unresponsiveness to stimuli. When the animals in the study displayed these behaviors, they were tested to see what physical ailments, if any, were occurring and the results concluded that when an animal is experiencing stress, they typically have higher levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin. These hormones stimulate the “fight or flight” response and put the animal in a state of shock and panic. This physiological response can negatively impact an animal’s health and wellbeing, given that over exposure to such hormones can alter the function of internal organs and brain activity.

• This aids my research because it shows what factors in a shelter environment negatively influence an animal. This information will improve my design because I can account for these challenges and potentially lower the impact they have on the mental and physical health of the animals in the space. By better understanding the biology of what is causing the nervousness and anxiety, I can further research items that balance the increase in hormones such as comfortable surfaces and familiar objects such as toys and blankets.

“Challenges encountered during the veterinary disaster response: An example from Chile”

• This article discusses the lack of disaster relief coordination for companion animals in small countries such as Chile . Various factors are observed including the plan, response and recovery operations in order to better understand how efficient and effective the current plans are. This research concluded that despite the social and economic benefits, many national and regional disaster relief plans lack advisory information regarding companion animals. This lack of coordination accompanied by increased exposure to disease can be detrimental to the restoration of a society and can even contribute to the chaos.

• This research validates my design intent by providing valuable information about a lack of coordination, funding and overall strategy to planning for companion animal care during and after a disaster strikes. It directly states how the Chilean disaster relief plans as they are, lead to confusion and frustration amongst volunteers and citizens when it comes to companion animal welfare. Many similar plans, including regional Florida, lack basic information related to what owners and staff should do when it comes to companion animal care during such an event. My design would give local governments and animal care facilities a relief option to include in their plans that would better regulate the care given to the animals by offering consistent care at square footages to accommodate the needs of the facility.

“Companion Animals, Natural Disasters and the Law: An Australian Perspective”

• This journal entry is about disaster relief in Australia and focuses on how animals, particularly companion animals, are not considered as important as their human owners . Three basic fundamentals are discussed in this article:

1. That companion animals have just as much as right to care and safety as humans

2. That many households all over the world consider their companion animals as more than just pets, but as members of the family, and would be willing to sacrifice their own safety over their pets and

3. Some owners, although they mean well, cant properly care for or make decisions for their pets so for a government to assume that these owners would be able to properly address the needs of their animals during a time of major crisis and trauma is unrealistic.

• This article helps to validate the need for my design during times of crisis, given that pets are a valuable member of the household and have rights just the same as humans do. During these potentially traumatic events, people should focus on their own lives and safety and can only do so by having the peace of mind that their loved ones, including their pets, are also safe and away from danger.