Architectural Technology Readings Analysis: Thermal Comfort & Design

This assignment analyzes several readings related to architectural technology, focusing on key aspects of building design and occupant well-being. The readings cover topics such as ventilation strategies (natural and mechanical), thermal comfort factors (air temperature, humidity, etc.), and the application of architectural technology to improve indoor environments. Discussions include the role of solar energy optimization, noise reduction through acoustic technology, and the importance of daylight. Furthermore, the assignment explores the impact of industrialization on energy consumption and sustainability, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in architecture to address climate change and resource conservation. Additional readings address space exploration's influence on ecological design, the evolution of bathroom design, the relationship between matter and energy, and the human adaptation to environmental conditions through technology.

Reading 3
Ventilation in buildings can be achieved through either natural ventilation or
mechanical ventilation since it plays a very vital role in achieving thermal comfort. Natural
ventilation can be achieved through infiltration and window ventilation by having the
fenestration on the walls adjacent to important spaces in the building to remove odor and
bring in fresh air. It can also be achieved through shaft ventilation and roof fixtures such as
roof vents. Mechanical ventilation on the other hand can also be achieved by the use of
Heating and Ventilation (HV) systems and simple humidifying and dehumidifying systems.
There are different kinds of HV systems that can either have the ability of bringing in outdoor
air or recirculating the indoor air.
Reading 4
There is no absolute standard of achieving thermal comfort since it ranges from one
place to another. Because of this reason, human beings have the ability to live in a range of
climates starting from the tropics to high altitudes. Human body is controlled and maintains a
standard temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. Any variation either above or below this
temperature can be detrimental to the human health. Achieving this mind perception of a
satisfactory thermal environment are mostly affected by air temperature, relative humidity,
radiant temperature, clothing, activity and air velocity, age and gender, body shape.
Reading 6
Introduction to architectural technology has been used by architects to improve the
well-being of the buildings occupants by achieving thermal comfort of the indoor experience.
The building designs try to optimize on the use of solar energy and this goes into a greater

length of understanding of the earth’s orbit and solar position, which helps the
architect in positioning the building. Noise levels are also important in achieving thermal
comfort. Acoustic technology has been applied to minimize on the levels of sound in social
buildings. These include acoustic reflection, sound insulation, acoustic isolation, and
absorption to help in sound minimization. Daylight is proven to have positive biological
effects on human health. Its use in buildings have been maximized and modeled to produce
great patterns in the interior spaces of buildings. Heating services have also been introduced
into building to improve the thermal comfort of occupants. These heating include direct and
indirect heating, hydronic heating, radiant floor heating, and indirect warm air heating.
Reading 8
Space exploration has created a new space for ecological design that is more peaceful,
and environmentally friendly rather than the mess that happens on earth. The adoption of
ecological knowledge by architects leads to many theories and debates that were intense just
like the world war. However, astronautics were delighted about the space ecology, which is
their discovery and methodology of work and seeing other disciplines boring this concept
seemed marvelous. The ability of shifting buildings from earth to space has proven to be
more sustainable and fascinating experience.

Reading 10
Mechanization in plumbing in the American bathroom was widely investigated by Giedion
and the fascination of the tub. Giedon’s intention seeks to modernize bathroom construction
in terms of hygiene and visual ethics. His image on the image as illustrated in his book shows
how Giedon learn from our history as a magical mirror to improve the design industry in the
world of today. His hope was to regenerate the bathing system used by the American in the
old days, which might help in redeeming the industrialized culture.
Reading 7
Matter is but captured energy; this topic has lead into heated debates in architecture
discipline whether this theory is true. It is said that matter is any physical things that can be
either a building or body, within this building we found a set of molecular that eventually
combine to make a form. Energy not only combines matter but also activates it to the rest of
the world. The separation or denial of this fact in architectural discourse, by perpetuating that
energy and material are two different things makes architectural field to detach itself from the
reality and the physical world.
Reading 1
The human race has over the years been adapting to conditions by using technology to
overcome situations such as the cold weather or disease. Human beings go through
environmental conditioning where they experience a certain intensity that is often
uncomfortable and use technology and innovation, which in most cases involve high costs, to
surpass this state. However, these changes seem to have made humans more vulnerable to

environmental changes such as falling sick and being unable to perform chores like tending a
fire.
Reading 2
Since the industrial revolution, the consumption of energy for better living standards
has gradually increased with more demand for fuel that has had its negative impact on health
and environment. If there is any desire to achieve a viable development, those in architecture
must apply the code of sustainability by addressing challenges of climate change, saving
resources, high operational costs, and issues of health and comfort. For sustainability, there is
need to consider the effects that industrialization has on planet earth.
Reading 5
Visual perception lies solely on the availability of light. We see an object because the
light emitted by the object reached our eye and was processed as information. However, some
objects do not emit light but yet our eye recognizes them and this is because of illumination
where heat emitted and bounced off surfaces is processed as information. In the conditions of
ambient light, the eye processes what is available based on the reflecting surfaces as opposed
to radiant light where most information is processed.