LOOP OF KNOWLEDGE: A New Idea for BEIC Library in Milan (part 4)

LOOP OF KNOWLEDGE

A New Idea for BEIC Library in Milan

PART 4 - MEP & BIM Part

MEP Scheme: HVAC System

Our HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) scheme is designed for efficiency and comfort. It starts with a ground source water collector that’s connected to the Air Handling Units (AHUs). We’ve calculated the capacity of these units, as shown in our chart.

The ductwork, which carries treated air, is strategically placed through service ducts within the building cores to ensure a streamlined and organized distribution of air throughout the floors.

We’ve designed fire exit provisions with a 30-meter escape radius, ensuring quick and safe evacuation for both normal and special split floors.

MEP Scheme: Mechanical/ Eletrical/ Plumbing

On each floor, the ducts connect to chilled water supply and outlet pipes. These pipes, in turn, link up to Fan Coil Units (FCUs). We’ve sized and selected these FCUs based on area-specific data. For instance, in open circulation spaces, we’ve opted for larger capacity of FCUs, around 940 liters per second, to maintain optimal comfort.

The FCUs are connected to air terminal suppliers, typically around four per unit. These air terminal suppliers help distribute conditioned air effectively. Moreover, we’ve placed a provision for air terminals’ return exhaust for the ventilation process and ensuring fresh, clean air circulation.

To manage this system efficiently, we’ve allocated three service ducts for typical floor plans. Additionally, there’s a dedicated service duct in the south-west core for the split floor levels.

MEP Scheme: Mechanical/ Eletrical/ Plumbing

In essence, our HVAC system is intelligently designed to provide comfort and efficiency. It starts with the ground source water collector, travels through ducts in the building cores, connects to appropriately sized FCUs, and finally reaches air terminal suppliers for even distribution. It’s a system that prioritizes both functionality and occupant comfort.

4.5F

BIM Tools: Workflow

In our project, we’ve implemented a structured framework to define the level of detail and information needed at different stages of design and documentation. This framework, using levels labeled as 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D, helps us manage project complexity effectively through Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Our workflow follows a simple pattern:

LOD 100: Conceptual stage, where we outline the project’s basic idea; LOD 200: Approximate geometry, providing a clearer picture of the project’s form; LOD 300: Detailed geometry, refining the project’s precision; LOD 350: Construction documentation, preparing for the building phase; LOD 400: Fabrication and assembly details, ensuring everything comes together smoothly; LOD 500: Verification of the as-built project, confirming it matches the initial plan.

To ensure seamless coordination and problem-solving, we’ve used various modeling and checking software. These tools allow us to detect clashes and address foreseeable issues efficiently.

WORKFLOW

CONCEPT OF THE PROJECT

LOD 200

APPROXIMATE GEOMETRY

LOD 300

PRECISE GEOMETRY

LOD 350

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT

LOD 400

FABRICATION & ASSEMBLY

LOD 500

AS-BUILT

BIM Tools: Sunlight & Radiation

We used Grasshopper and Ladybug to find the sun path, the wind rose, and radiation analysis.

From the studies performed to factor Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), the data shows the façade brings in good quality of usable daylight than without the second skin of the façade which could have brought only harsh and brutal light indoors.

We also used Velux Daylight Visualizer to calculate and visualize the Daylight Factor (DF) for different areas within the sunken plaza that receive light from the skylights.

Analysis was performed in the interior of the library floors to identify any regions that was not receiving optimal light.

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4

BIM Tools: Wind Rose & Simulation

Sim scale was useful to check the wind flow and if any unpleasant wind tunnels were being created to avoid tunneling at the sunken plaza because of it’s importance as a public plaza.

We imported local climate data from an EPW file. This data served as the basis for creating wind flow simulations. The software then provided us with animations and a clear understanding of how wind moves within the sunken plaza.

Our aim was to prevent the creation of uncomfortable wind tunnels within this important public plaza. By identifying potential issues with wind flow early in the design process, we were able to make adjustments to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors.

Wind Simulation: Scan QR Code

Running the Simulation on Simscale using Inlet & Outlet Pressure values using the Wind Rose from Analysis

The results were very reasonable with no major wind tunnels being formed at the location.

Wind Simulation study was performed to analyse the wind flow behaviour near the sunken plaza.

Step 1: Forming the geometry on Rhino for Simscale

BIM Tools: Construction & Time Scheduling

In our project, we used a valuable BIM (Building Information Modeling) tool called Synchro 4D to manage construction and scheduling efficiently. This was especially crucial due to the complexity of our suspended structure.

It enabled us to create a detailed time schedule and construction flow animation. This visual representation allowed us to coordinate the erection of our structure effectively. It served as a powerful tool to understand the structure thoroughly and catch any potential issues early in the process.

Time scheduling is a vital step in ensuring that the construction process unfolds smoothly on-site. It helps us plan and execute the building in a wellcoordinated manner, preventing delays and optimizing resources.

1 Step 1: Concrete cores & shear walls: Bottom-Up Construction

2 Step 2 : Suspended floors: Top-Down Construction

3 Step 3: Suspended facade: Top-Down Construction

4 Step 4 : Landscape Construction

Step 1: Concrete cores & shear walls: Bottom-Up Construction

Step 3: Suspended facade: Top-Down Construction

Step 2 : Suspended floors: Top-Down Construction

Step 4 : Landscape Construction

Active House

The project underwent a series of three iterative trials throughout its design journey, each step contributing to the refinement of its final form. They were applied to active houses to assess their results.

In RADAR 1 - the Preliminary phase - the design was initiated without including a sunken plaza or central void.

Advancing to RADAR 2 - the Intermediate phase - a progressive evolution was that of a central excavation, which brought in ambient daylight and heightened thermal comfort.

In RADAR 3 - the Final phase, this iteration embraced sustainable choices that left a good result. Photovoltaic panels on the roof give good energy optimization.

Indoor Thermal Comfo...

Radar 2 : Progressive Design with a Central Excavation

Radar 3 : Final Iteration of Design with Sustainable choices like Photovoltaic Panels on the Skylight and Facade to Optimise Energy

Sustainability : Leed Strategies

P.U.M.S Metropolitan city of Milan: One of the Administration’s top priorities is developing a network of primary and subsidiary cycling routes for organized travel between the various metropolitan centers and connection to the surroundings. For safe and livable neighborhood mobility, the network of routes is supplemented with widespread bicycle policies and low-speed zones.

Cycling is emphasized as the most popular and “intuitive” mode of sustainable transportation by the P.U.M.S. of the Metropolitan City of Milan, which further emphasizes the importance of this issue by offering the Biciplan (“Cambio”). It creates a network of routes connecting the city in keeping with the Milan P.U.M.S.

Our library is leading the charge for good change, setting out on a mission to strengthen recycling activities and put forward environmentally friendly alternatives. We are committed to creating an infrastructure that complies with the stringent requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, and this vision drives us. Additionally, we explore the area of renewable energy sources, emphasizing the potential of solar energy.

1 : Rainwater Tanks

2 : Photovoltaic Panels

4 : Charging Stations

3 : Pedestrian and Cycle Accessibility

6 : Smart Meters

5 : Air Monitoring

Bibliography : Prints & Copies

About Library:

- Bisbrouck, Marie-Françoise, and Elmar Mittler. The post-modern library between functionality and aesthetics. Graz: Akademische Druck-u. Verlagsantalt, 1997.

- J., Arets W M, Marijke Beek, and Eva DeCarlo. Living library: Wiel Arets: Utrecht University Library. Munich: Prestel, 2005.

- Kito, Azusa. Libraries: New concepts in architecture & design. Tokyo: Meisei Publications, 1995.

- Licio, Luciano De. Manuale di progettazione: Biblioteche. Roma: Gruppo Mancuso, 2006.

- Mattern. The new Downtown Library: Designing with communities. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota press, 2007.

- Siddiqi, Anooradha Iyer. The l!brary book: Design Collaborations in the Public Schools. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2010.

- Worpole, Ken. Contemporary Library Architecture: A Planning and Design Guide. London: Routledge, 2013.

- Muscogiuri, Marco. Architettura della biblioteca: Linee Guida di Programmazione E Progettazione. Milano: Sylvestre Bonnard, 2005.

About Architecture:

- Futagawa, Yukio. GA: Contemporary Architecture. Tokyo: ADA Edita, 2008.

- Living and working. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2022.

- Priori, Giancarlo. La Città del Libro: Progettare Nuovi Spazi per la cultura = book town design ; ideas for new cultural facilities. Ariccia (RM) i.e. Rome, Italy: Aracne, 2014.

About Design:

- Norman, Donald A. The design of everyday things. New York, NY: Basic Books, 2021.

About BIM & Facade:

- Brzezicki, Marcin. “Morphology of Serrated Glass Facades. Repetitive and Non-Repetitive Serration. Single and Double Serrated Facades. ”Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environment 11 (2018): 7 - 20.

- Jenkins, Megan. “Wind Comfort Criteria: Lawson, Davenport, and Nen 8100.” SimScale, June 1, 2023. https://www.simscale.com/blog/wind-comfort-criteria/