Energy efficiency and clean air were two of the top priorities that drove design. That presented architects with a challenge. They had to figure out a way to bring in fresh air, while keeping the building envelope tight.
Though they may be comprised of seemingly permanent materials such as concrete, masonry, metal, glass, or wood, our buildings slowly deteriorate; or may be adapted to changing needs; they may be gutted, expanded, or sometimes even contracted.
The threat of climate change isn't just impacting the planet's temperature. Warmer conditions also create more severe weather events that are catching cities flatfooted. In addition to putting people at risk, these weather disasters also made it difficult or impossible to access the vital services — including hospitals — that they need in challenging times.
The University of California, Irvine’s new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building was designed with three major performance and aesthetic goals in mind: natural lighting, energy efficiency and sustainable design.
Every air conditioning unit that uses vapor compression refrigeration contains chemical refrigerant mixes that absorb and release heat to enable a cooling effect through heat transfer.