01 introduction clic class 01 slides

CliC Climate Construction in Architecture Lecture 1.

Introduction Climate as Inspiration in Architecture

Climate Construction‌

Climate Construction seeks inspiration in the most fundamental function of architecture: to provide a comfortable microclimate for any location and weather condition. This essential demand shaped the course of architecture for over three thousand years.

20th Century and Modernism aimed for ‘total control’ in climate in order to establish complete freedom in design and to establish utilitarian and international style in architecture.

In our century however, building technology changes architecture again as mechanical systems (like airconditioning) are combined with material systems (i.e. thermal mass, water cooling) to achieve a paradigm shift in design. In these projects, climate is not a problem to solve, but the main driving force in design.

Peter Zumthor: Bath in Vaals

Peter Zumthor architect designed this unique project in his hometown, close to his office. The area is characterized by a local stone that was one of the key points of the project.

Peter Zumthor: Bath in Vaals

Since we barely wear anything in a bath, we are obviously more exposed to the elements around us. Constructing (building) a climate with the tools of architecture therefore was another essential point of the design concept.

Peter Zumthor: Bath in Vaals

Main floor plan has 13 small chambers, each with a different size, proportion and microclimate. Changes in thermal comfort defines space experience as much as sounds (water, echoes), materials and lights.

Peter Zumthor: Bath in Vaals Climate in this project becomes an inherent part of spatial experience, proving that climate construction has much more to offer than simply comfort inside a building.

It also raises a question about comfort itself, since every chamber has its unique climate, yet all of them are comfortable in their own way. This also points out that climate comfort is not just one condition, but rather has many possibilities.

Apollodorus: Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon offers an even more direct and stronger connection to climate. The building was built for all gods, with openings that let the elements in (wind, sun and rain).

Climate becomes a direct and inevitable part of the building.

Apollodorus: Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon offers an even more direct and stronger connection to climate. The building was built for all gods, with openings that let the elements (wind, sun and rain).

Climate becomes a direct and essential part of the building.

Apollodorus: Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon offers an even more direct and stronger connection to climate. The building was built for all gods, with openings that let the elements (wind, sun and rain).

Climate becomes a direct and essential part of the building.

Peter Zumthor: Chapel for Bruder Klaus

The small chapel in Mechermich, Germany is based on similar architectural concept. Inspired by the life of a monk (Brother Klaus), elements play a crucial role in the building.

Peter Zumthor: Chapel for Bruder Klaus

Lights, rain and materials define spatial experience in the building as visitor finds oneself exposed to elements inside.

Peter Zumthor: Chapel for Bruder Klaus

This time (unlike in case of Vaals Bath), the elements (and climate) are present physically in the building, but their function is symbolic. The goal is to create a micro-cosmos that keeps a piece of Bruder Klaus’ life intact in this place.

Rem Koolhaas: Serpentine Gallery

Rem Koolhaas’ Serpentine Gallery is a small building that was built in London for about 3 months. Koolhaas coined the phrase ‘Form Follows Climate’ when he introduced the idea of his design.

Rem Koolhaas: Serpentine Gallery

The original phrase ‘Form Follows Climate’ (Henry Sullivan) influenced functionalism and Modernism for the latter half of 20th Century. Koolhaas pointed out with this building that architecture is before a new paradigm shift in which climate will play a major role.

Rem Koolhaas: Serpentine Gallery The roof (balloon) changes volume and position depending on temperature. When weather is hot it rises to enhance ventilation. Later, when temperature drops the balloon descends and closes the building. Koollhaas’ design is a ‘smart’ building, that is capable to generate responses for changes in the environment.

This is however achieved with ‘material systems’ and not as result of a mechanical system.

Grimshaw+BIG: Googleplex

The design for the new Google Headquaters in California follows a unique approach to workplaces: Google was looking for a building that can be rebuilt any time and is able to follow up the changes and relocations of workgroups and teams in the building.

Grimshaw+BIG: Googleplex

In order to achieve that Grimshaw and BIG designed a building that separates the building’s boundary and the personal boundary of the building. The first protects us from weather, the second provides us privacy. These two surfaces are normally built as one structure (façade+roof).

Grimshaw+BIG: Googleplex

The difference between the 2 layers is that climate protection has to follow rules in design (i.e.: shading, insulation, thermal mass), while the personal one can be almost anything. Architects however can not take advantage of the 2nd layer’s flexibility, when these 2 layers are built together.

Grimshaw+BIG: Googleplex

In case of Googleplex however, these two are separated so the users can enjoy complete freedom for the second with the same protection provided by the first. Since personal boundaries are independent, the building is designed with a wooden structure system and can be modified at any time.

Climate Construction‌

These 4 examples present 4 different approaches to climate in architecture. They all are however similar in one important sense: architecture does not seek independence from weather or climate, nor leaves it to mechanical engineering to solve the issues of providing comfortable microclimate.

The approach is the opposite: understanding the differences and challenges that weather conditions can offer, and involve these directly in the design concept.

The goal of these buildings is not simply to construct a more efficient or more comfortable building. It is much more that, since climate construction extends the possibilities of architecture. To achieve that thinking, architects need a better understanding in how built environment works and how can they construct their own climates with architectural tools. Understanding and learning tools is the goal of Climate Construction class.