THE HEAR & NOW
Passive Resilience
Climate Emergency |
Artefact 9.1 Right | Temperature against air con sales in Egypt
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Egypt is experiencing a serious energy crisis. Currently 94% of electricity is from fossil fuels (Dabaieh, 2015). Average temperatures are rising and 50% of consumption is for heating and cooling (CCPK,2021).
Urban Challenge |
Artefact 9.2 Left | Overview analysis of site constraints and opportunities
Rapid population growth and construction in Cairo has exacerbated the urban heat island effect. To protect artefacts the majority of Taking Note will require thermo-regulation.
Natural ventilation can be used in social spaces. However, urban density limits the effectiveness of natural ventilation. The sun is also at a high altitude for the majority of the year. Consequently limited shade is offered by the surrounding context.
Passive Strategy |
Artefact 9.3 Below | 3pm site massing response to site constraints
Considered solar shading, adjacencies, orientation, and thermal mass will reduce cooling loads and energy consumption.
Mashrabiya - An Existing Vernacular Strategy |
Artefact 9.4 Right | Personal photo of Mashrabiya being used in Historic Cairo
Ancient Arabic passive cooling techniques are still used today. Using vernacular techniques will help Taking Note coalesce with the local community and make social space more accessible. Mashrabiya provide light control, airflow, temperature regulation, privacy and are part of the historic cultural aesthetic.
Natural Ventilation & Cooling |
Artefact 9.5 Left | Mashrabiya analysis sketch section
Air that has been cooled by shade in the street can be pulled through small holes by low pressure, created by warmer internal air temperatures. The buoyancy effect causes less dense hot stale air to rise and be expelled through larger high level openings.
Mashrabiya or similar, will be used on the south facade of the social tower. They can be used for single sided and cross ventilation and will create privacy between users and the adjacent flats.
Experimental Cooling |
Artefact 9.6 Right | Trombe wall for cooling, tested in Egypt (Dabaieh, 2015)
Conservation studios require more constant conditions but don’t need to rely on mechanical ventilation like the exhibition and archive. Staff, stewards of the building will have control of mixed mode ventilation.
Research shows trombe walls can heat, ventilate and also cool/regulate buildings (Bhamare, 2019). The addition of an upper outlet turns the system into a cooling mode which enhances cross ventilation. Air movement is induced by warm air inside the air gap rising. Displacement of air sucks in cool outdoor air from north facing vents.
Operable solar shading will be used in tandem to a trombe wall system.
