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COOL AT THE TOP - ECS CASE STUDY 2007
   
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Arch 591: Environmental Control Systems 1, Winter 2007

The Cool Team:

Truc Bui, Shawn Glad, Sean Landry & Michael Walsh

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Presentation Slides Here >

 
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The Knight Library and South Stairwell

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Abstract

The Knight Library is an integral part of campus life at the University of Oregon.  We were interested in discovering a problem that existed within a notable campus building and we came across an obscure wind located in the south circular stair between the third and fourth floor. This study focused on the presence of the wind on different days and times, to determine the air speed in the stairwell and if it was greater than ASHRAE's acceptable level of 40 fpm, the highest allowable air speed without effecting the comfort zone. Our data shows that the air speed is at least five times that of the acceptable level of 40 fpm and truly a phenomenon worthy of study.

About the South Stairwell

The Knight Library includes four floors in the new South Lawn addition, organized about a circular rotunda; the stair creates a center for these spaces. This circular stair is wide, spacious and open to each floor. Each transition onto a new floor is the same - open and spacious, except for between the third and fourth floor. At this location, the stair goes through a vestibule space, giving a completely separate feel from the rest of the stair well. We are interested in determining the reason behind the change in the treatment of the stair well, the noticeable air movement through the space, and their relationship or lack there of. This study will focus on the vestibule space and the apparent airflow through the space.

 


   
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