High Rise at Malaya. Courtyard and Daylighting - Thesis Example

?CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 Background The application of courtyard designs in architectural structures is an old practice dating from the era of the Chinese dynasties. Courtyard designs were meant to attract residents into an open-air atrium at the center of a rectangular or cubic form of architectural construct. The by-product effects of courtyard designs produce the feeling of serenity, calmness and composure upon the surrounding structural forms. Also, significant day lighting is one of the advantages of having courtyard designs in particular structures. The dispersion of natural light from a specific angle from the sun creates the naturalistic feel that is expected from courtyard designs. However in the era of the Modernism Movement in architecture, a new kind of design is inevitably incorporated amongst recent structures. As what the precepts of the movement dictates, modern architects push their designs to the limits while going back to the appearance of the basics – simple but elegant. Courtyard designs are incorporated in such structures as well. In this context, the effectiveness of the courtyard may vary from low rise to high rise structures. The amount of natural light and the feel of serenity can vary in the mentioned cases. Yet, modern architects had already answered this problem through the composition of materials that they had used in their modern structural designs. Hence, the issue of ecological living is a primary concern in modern courtyard designs. As compared to traditional courtyards, surrounding low rise structures provide the aura of naturalism which greatly contributes to the ecological aspect of the entire architectural design. In addition, the idea of replicated ecological feel is an issue attached to modern courtyard designs. The essence of naturalism is reproduced through the advancements of modern architecture. 1.2 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to show that modern courtyard designs and the surrounding structures accompanying the open space do not fully incorporate the concept of ecological living within the whole structural design. This study aims to present a comparative approach between the modern and traditional courtyards. The advantages and the reliability of traditional courtyards will also be explained in this study. 1.3 Expected Outcomes of the Study A significant outcome that this study wishes to arrive at is the comparative conclusion between the advantages of traditional and modern courtyard designs in terms of ecological living. It is expected that a thorough explanation of terms be achieved. Historicizing the important concepts of traditional and modern courtyards is expected from the review of related literature. Architectural theories which accompany the traditional and modern courtyard designs are expected to be well explained. Through the comparison of designs and the effects of such in the naturalistic feel of respective courtyards, it must be clear that at the end of this study, traditional courtyard design best upholds the notion of ecological living. CHAPTER II: RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Traditional Chinese Courtyard Spatial Value: the Siheyuan One of the most harmonious examples of courtyard structures and design can be seen in the traditional Chinese courtyards or the Siheyuan. The concept of comfort and leisure are fused into the simple and Oriental layout of these courtyards evidenced through the architectural design of the mentioned. The Siheyuan are usually enclosed within four walls. The sizes vary from the minute to the largest layout in any given space. These structures are usually encircled by north and south main rooms and the accompanying wing rooms on respective sides which contain function areas such as the kitchen, the servants’ quarters, personal libraries and others.1 Even up to the present era, the Siheyuan still retain its traditional look in architectural design. This serves both the purposes of cultural and ecological aspects. In terms of culture, the traditional Chinese courtyard reflects the Oriental look of China’s past. It depicts the traditional Beijing residence which was dominant for over 800 years. It serves as a window to the past that can remind the current settlers of the land of their dynastic history and traditional ways.2 To add to this, the Siheyuan serves as an important heritage due to the massive destruction of traditional Chinese courtyards over the years to make way for modern commercial and residential high rise structures.3 Thus, the Chinese government considers the presence of the Siheyuan as an important figure of reminding what was in the past. For the structure’s ecological purposes, the Siheyuan manages to give its residents the traditional feel of comfort and leisure. Simplicity in the context of Oriental architectural design is a major characteristic of traditional Chinese courtyards. The Siheyuan promotes symmetry and balance along its north and south axis. The bordering of equal structural wings completes the image of a square or, most commonly, rectangular characteristic of the entire residence.4 The mere imagery provided by the courtyard creates the feel of Orientalism which is usually associated to comfort and leisure. It supports the notion of relaxation and harmony amongst the inanimate things around the busy human life. Also, the picturesque form of the residence provided by the traditional Chinese courtyard adds the regal and royal essence amongst its residents. It is a well known fact that the purpose of such courtyard designs was to imitate the structural form of the Forbidden City – the residence of the Chinese Emperor.5 Hence, the application of such architectural design unto the residences of the commoners injects the royal feel that was only felt once an individual steps into the Forbidden City. Adding to the harmony and simplicity of things, honour and excellence in terms of architectural symmetry is implied by the Siheyuan. By analysing the structural components of the courtyards and its surrounding structures, it can be assumed that the Siheyuan provides a layout that is sufficient for day lighting and ventilation. Given by the traditional low rise structures surrounding the Siheyuan, the natural light from the sun is obviously present within such structures. The abundance of the natural light is free to penetrate the entirety of the courtyard, thus freely entering the surrounding rooms. As what the day lighting does upon the residence, so too will the ventilation. Like the sunlight freely penetrating within the halls of the surrounding room, air follows naturally. The abundance of windows upon the wings of the structures, as what is usual in traditional Chinese architecture, allows proper ventilation for the entire residence.6 The traditional Chinese architecture also provides a secure residence for its inhabitants. Based on the structural components of the mentioned, the residence is usually built on strong wood, with the presence of minute stone elements and bricked rooftops.7 These elements provide a secure homage for traditional and modern types of residents. Thick wood and hard stone usually protect the inhabitants from exterior threats such as thieves and unexpected accidents such as fire. The Siheyuan and the structural wings that surround it testify to an ecological living consistent in ancient and modern settings. It provides harmony, comfort, leisure, the feel or royalty at the same time assures protection for its inhabitants through the components and the architectural design of the mentioned structure. 2.2 Modern Courtyard: Structural Form and Day Lighting Effects on Contemporary High Rise Based on the effects of day lighting upon high rise structures, it can be assumed that the orientation and the amount of sunlight are indeed important for the production of luminosity in the courtyards and the adjacent rooms on any given structure. It is evident that high rise buildings tend to confine the reflection of the sun upon the upper rooms as compared to low rise buildings which tend to bounce the sun light upon their courtyards and divert the light upon adjacent rooms. More importantly, the luminous value is determined by the type of casting that the sun produces. Aside from the structural orientation and the type of day lighting that the sun produces, it is important to note that structural forms affect the amount of luminosity. High rise structures are presently designed based on contemporary forms. These contemporary structures all absorb architectural theories from the Modernism Movement. Modern architecture under the timeframe of the contemporary era dictates a return to the basics. This means that the exterior form of the structures exhibit a simple and minimalistic nature. The common traits of these structures focus on the importance of geometric forms with the application of a lighter tone in architectural feel.8 Applying the modern type of architecture in high rise buildings means that not only the orientation of the entire structure affects the luminosity of the area, but the exterior form of the building can be a contributing factor to the amount of sunlight that the structure allows within its rooms. Examples of modern high rise buildings exhibit the dominance of glassware as the staple characteristic of the entire structure. Structures are commonly designed with wide glass panes for windows; some even use these as substitutes for walls and ceilings. In the European context, Will Bruder is an example of a contemporary architect who caters the Modernism Movement in his designs. The Phoenix Central Library showcases Bruder’s excellence in the mixture of steel and glass as primary features of his works.9 He uses the advantages provided by the glass in order to illuminate the interior of the building by incorporating such material as ceiling occulus and wide window panes.10 Bringing this European Modernism Movement in the setting of high rise structures, the same can be achieved in several cases of building orientation and the applicability of luminescent effects that accompany these. High rise residential buildings follow the contemporary flow by applying window panes as the emergent characteristic of the entire structure. In this case, each room of the whole building bear the glass-oriented trait of the design. Hence, high rise buildings of such nature tend to distribute light in a wider scope. We already know that light is scattered and monopolized in the upper rooms only due to the presence of high rise structures. Courtyards, in this case, cannot let the sunlight bounce due to the overshadowing of adjacent structures. However with the predominance of the glass panes, the walls of the structure itself do the job of scattering the light in other parts of the building and the adjacent structures. The glass reflects the light given by the sun and provided by the particular orientation of the whole structure. Therefore, the potential of sunlight reflected unto the lower rooms of high rise buildings is very probable, as long as the type of sunlight and the quality of structural orientation permits the allowance of intense natural light. Maximization of natural light is given the proper venue in the case of low rise structures. Given the proper amount of orientation and the right sunlight, direct focus of the sun can illuminate the rooms of the entire building. The courtyards can also function well and distribute the sunlight unto the adjacent structures and/or rooms. The advantage provided by the glass-oriented designs with the purpose of the courtyards can further the reflection and maximize the light source. The glass-oriented architectural design is, indeed, one factor to be considered in this research. However, there are numerous others that can be taken into account. The Modernism Movement in architecture displays minimalism and simplicity in form. Aside from the glass-oriented structures, other minimalistic materials and aspects used in contemporary architecture can be deemed advantageous in day lighting and courtyard studies. A perfect approach in contemporary architecture can be seen in the minimalistic nature of geometric forms of high rise structures. The huge emphasis on cubism and the importance of right angles in the general overview of the building provides a modern feel in the audience’s perception of the structure. In the European sense, Luis Barragan is a model architect for this type of structural design.11 The Barragan House and Studio exhibits the grave importance of cubism in the architectural style of the project. Although the architect took a large amount of influence from the Mediterranean culture, he diverted the House and Studio in a modern orientation where simplicity and minimalism is highlighted. Barragan incorporates the staple colors of yellow and green to glorify the culture he wished to show. He also covered the design with the cubic nature in order to emphasize the geometrical value of the whole structure.12 Putting this characteristic in the high rise and courtyard setting, the contemporary feel can be predominantly observed in residential and commercial structures. Today, most of the buildings exhibit a simplistic nature so as to associate the serious and basic atmosphere within structures. In this study, day lighting can be maximized because of the geometrical from of the building. Also, the proper orientation of a regular rectangular high rise is crucial to the distribution of natural light upon certain parts of the structure. More so in contemporary designs of particular structures, modern buildings often show alternate shifts in the mainstream box or rectangular high rise structures. Angular irregularities that are created for the purpose of conforming to modernistic aesthetics tend to unknowingly distribute the natural sunlight amongst a wider range of portions of the whole structure with the lessened intervention of courtyard presence of course. CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHOD 3.1 Introduction By what the second chapter had explained in analysing the key concepts between traditional and modern courtyard designs and the accompanying theories incorporated respectively, a comparative approach is the main thrust of this study. In this chapter, the mainstream design of courtyard design will be put to the test under the different notions of traditional and modern designs. The effects produced by the mentioned architectural designs will also be discussed – the amount of natural light that penetrate the traditional courtyard as compared to that of the modern courtyard and the naturalistic feel associated with the respective courtyard designs. By doing a comparative study, the main thesis of sustainability in terms of ecological living under the context of traditional and modern courtyard designs will be given further light. Comparing the two will produce the most obvious advantages and disadvantages of respective courtyard designs. The best type of ecological living will thus be obtained when this methodology is utilized. 3.2 Scope and Limitations The scope of this study is focused on the designs of traditional and modern courtyards. The architectural designs of the surrounding structures, under the influence of traditionalism and modernism, will also be analyzed as each give effect to the overall ecological factor of the respective courtyards. This study is limited only to the concepts of traditional and modern aspects in architectural designs within courtyards and its surrounding structures. As what the research method of this study incorporates, a comparative analysis of the mentioned courtyard designs is the limiting aspect of methodology. This study is also limited in the analysis of ecological living sustained within traditional and modern courtyard designs. It will use the core terms discussed in the related literature and incorporate them into further analysis of the study’s methodology. 3.3 Research Subjects The primary research subjects for this study will be the traditional courtyard and the modern courtyard. Analysis of each design and composition will be conducted in order to dissect the subjects for comparison. Another important research subject will be the notion of ecological living. The factors of naturalism and sustainability of a green environment are all incorporated in the ecological lifestyle. Hence, the notion of ecological living will be the guiding principle of this comparative study, so as to show the most advantageous of the two courtyard designs. Further citations from the third chapter in terms of corroborating architectural case studies will be part of the methodology of this study. 3.4 Critical Discourse and Application of Methodology Modern courtyard designs do not uphold the precepts of the ecological standards of living as compared to that of the traditional courtyard designs. In order to explain the point of what the ecological standards of living may produce, it is best to explain the notion of ecological living first before entering into the discourse of what the traditional and modern courtyard designs present as separate architectural feats. The idea of ecological standards of living presents the set-up for a greener lifestyle through an experience of natural forces given by the surrounding environment.13 This means that the artificial production of what is considered to be naturalistic is not part of living up to the ecological way of life. Architectural structures that are said to maintain sustainability of the ecological living entertains the interaction of the physical form of design and the natural forces of the surrounding environment. The value of natural light is given much credence to the ecological lifestyle. Also, the predominance of natural air is treated as an equal aspect to the penetration of sunlight within structures. The interaction with natural rainfall can also testify the ecological living of individuals within a particular structure. All of the mentioned are some of the important notions included in a greener definition of livelihood which is associated with the ecological standards of living. Thus, architectural designs are inspired by the idea of sustainability in ecological living. Contemporary architects tend to use modern advancements in order to produce the feel of ecological lifestyle amongst the respective structure’s residents. Though, this attempt to splice naturalism and modernism are commonly subject to an artificial set-up of what is similar to an ecological lifestyle. Hence, the core idea and objective of interacting with the forces of nature is not upheld amongst some cases in contemporary architecture. The opposite is positively achieved in the grounds of traditional architecture. Traditional designs which use less technological advancements but rely on the practicability of architectural designs achieve the best effects of standardizing ecological livelihood. The simpler and less complicated the design, the more ecologically competent the structure becomes. Applying the notion of ecological living in the context of modern courtyard designs, it can be assumed that an artificial interaction between the structure and the natural forces is attained. As what was discussed in the previous chapter, the Modern Movement of architecture is all about the return to the basics. It decrees the designs to be simple, minimalistic but classic and elegant. The emphasis of angles and the idea of cubic forms are usually associated with Modernism. Also, the use of technology plays a critical role in this contemporary movement. It sustains the comfort and produces leisure through the utilization of advanced machinery and equipment. In the context of modern courtyard designs, structures that usually surround the open space are usually high rise buildings. In the age of contemporary architecture, practicability in living is one of the primary concerns. The more people living in or utilizing a single without compromising the concept of leisure and comfort, the better. Hence, the solution lies with high rise structures that produce a multitude of rooms. These are commonly observed with office buildings and residential structures such as condominiums. The use of courtyard areas amongst high rise structures is unfortunately diminished. This also affects the quality of ecological living in such structures. By analysing the interaction of the natural forces, the high rise structures and the courtyard that is present within the entire design, the primary objective of sustainable ecological living associated with courtyards is extinguished. First, the factor of the natural sunlight is already affected amongst high rise structures. The use of courtyards in relation to the natural light work hand in hand. The sunlight dispersed upon the entire architectural design is directly projected upon the courtyard. The courtyard does its part by bouncing the light from its landscape and directing it towards the structural low rise surrounding it. Hence, the standards of ecological living and the naturalistic adherence to the courtyard design are fulfilled. Unfortunately, this is not the case in modern high rise structures with courtyard designs. The natural light is immediately blocked by the towering buildings around the courtyard, thus the light is forcibly confined amongst the upper rooms of the mentioned structures. In this case, the courtyard does not serve its function in the further dispersion of natural light. Modern architects answer this dilemma by providing glass facades and cubical forms of the towering structures that surround the courtyard. The purpose of using immense glass panes as walls and occulus of these structures manage to wield the natural light within and without the structures. The glass serves the purpose of bouncing and reflecting the natural light to the extent of letting it reach the courtyard and the lower rooms of the buildings. This intelligent approach in modern architectural design is impressive. However, the genuine effect of ecological lifestyle is still questioned. The courtyard is forcibly put to a display because the glass panes replace the primary function of the former. Second, the natural ventilation of the surrounding high rise structures and the use of the courtyards are turned down. Contemporary structures rely on air conditioning systems. Hence, the natural air is confined upon the courtyard itself. There are cases that the courtyard, though open air, is incorporated with the air conditioning provided by the surrounding structures. Third, artificial lighting is usually utilized by modern architects in order to replicate the effects of the natural light. Courtyards are filled with dramatic spotlights which highlight the modern feel upon contemporary structures. These comply with the minimalistic, simplistic and classic aspect of modern designs. As compared to the traditional courtyard designs and its surrounding structures, the ecological living is significantly incorporated due to the lack in technological utilization of equipment. The basic design of traditional courtyards is associated with low rise structures which function as the residential areas of the entire architectural design. As what was discussed in the previous chapter, the Chinese Siheyuan is a perfect example of such which are still seen in the contemporary era. Naturalism and conformity to ecological standards of living are put to the forefront in traditional architectural designs. First, the courtyards genuinely play its role in the dispersion of natural light because the low rise structures which surround it do not block the projected sunlight. Hence, the sunlight is allowed within the adjacent rooms and function areas that form the north and south sections and the wings of the entire residential area. As compared to the modern courtyards, the idea of replicating the natural light and the wielding of such through architectural design is taken out of the question because the courtyard itself does its primary role. Second, natural ventilation is one of the highlights when it comes to traditional courtyard designs. Surrounding structures are often built with wide windows and open spaces in order to accommodate the entrance of the natural breeze. Hence, there is equal treatment to the ecological distribution of lifestyle upon each room of the surrounding low rise structures. The air is free to pass through every part of the whole architectural design. Comparing this to the modern courtyard, the natural breeze is constricted within the courtyard grounds only due to the presence of air conditioning systems of the surrounding high rise structures. Indeed, the traditional courtyard and the architectural design of its surrounding structures give utmost importance to the naturalistic factor provided by the notion of the ecological lifestyle. It does not give much credence to the advancements of technology; rather it allows nature to provide serenity, simplicity and leisure unto its residents. 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