2013
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ItemAdaptation Toward A Sustainable Built Environment: A Technical Potential & Quantification of Benefit for Existing Boilding Deep Energy Retrofits in a Subtropic Climate( 2013-05)The issues surrounding energy consumption in our existing building stock is proving to be a key component in the move toward a truly sustainable built environment. Best practice energy levels today are much lower than they have been in the past meaning that the buildings we are currently occupying are using much more than they need to be. It is clear that the majority of these structures will remain in operation through 2030 and even 2050. In order to limit overall energy consumption for the foreseeable future, our societies will need to focus on existing building retrofits based on finding the minimum consumptions possible. Methods for attaining deep energy retrofits can be applied to a wide variety of climates and building typologies. Measures utilized to realize results will vary by climate, building function, building use, and other site specific variables. This project focuses on developing a methodology and set of criteria for determining approaches to deep energy retrofits for office space in the Hawaiian climate. The method generated focuses on a passive first approach in order to pursue the deepest savings - otherwise known as a technical potential energy solution. The method is then applied to a specific property in Honolulu to display its potential energy consumption and economic benefits. Best practice levels were researched and applied to the property in question. By reducing active and passive loading, the space is able to reach temperature level suitable for natural ventilation with a ceiling fan assist. Application of the strategies to this property were able to show the potential to save 83% over its existing condition and a consumption level of 7.53 kBtu/sf/yr. Future steps would need to consider a moisture mitigation strategy which are not included in this package. Benefits stemming from the design are many and are calculated to a life cycle present value to show an order of magnitude value associated with the package. Direct owner value is calculated to a present value of $47/SF and qualitative tenant benefits equate to $368/SF showing that direct owner benefit is not enough accomplish the scope proposed, but when combined with tenant benefit it becomes an option that may be viable and deserves further investigation. Benefits quantified include energy savings, indoor environmental improvements, value adding amenities, and increased square footage included in the design package.
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ItemArchitecture's Liminality: Spaces within the Built Fabric( 2013-05)Projected spaces have appeared throughout history upon the physical forms of reality to suggest virtual spaces. By using visual cues, innate to our lexicon of understanding the world around us, representations have the ability to suggest space that is not physical. Cultural Spatialization compounds over the historical timeline of societal spatial understanding. It responds to new visual stimuli that emerges with new methods of spatial representation. Visual Interplay allows for the exchange of perceptual qualities between the elements of reality and the virtual. This exploration identifies the visual cues used by the architectural fabric’s physical forms that define space. It also defines those used by visual-virtual representations or “projected spaces” that suggest virtual-spatial additions. Through the evaluation across the historical timeline of projected spaces, the context of the cultural spatialization of today is identified. It suggests that present day built environment and visual-virtual representations are not reflective of these capabilities. The breadth of modern spatial experiences is categorized to bring to light the modern cultural spatialization. By contextualizing the modern viewer in light of these discoveries, the architect will be able to sculpt the visual interplay made possible by the technology that assisted in elevating our cultural spatialization.
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ItemSave the Queen: Preservation + Adaptive Reuse in Hawai'i( 2013-05)It is often difficult to view buildings as dynamic structures because of their static nature. However buildings are in fact highly dynamic and can speak to the public of both the past and present simultaneously. This is why adaptive reuse projects carry much more depth to their design than newly built structures. Adaptive reuse practices allow the chance for the public to actively get involved in the preservation of the built and cultural heritage of a place. As discussed in this document, the best approach for an adaptive reuse design shows juxtaposition between the original and the intervention. This approach shows respect to the original design as well as adds a new layer of history to an existing structure that the public can readily identify with. To test this theory, the Queen Theatre in Kaimuki, Hawai‘i, is selected for an adaptive reuse project. The importance of this theater to local theatrical history, in addition to its strong community involvement, makes the Queen Theatre an ideal target as an adaptive reuse project in Hawai‘i. The approach for the adaptive reuse of the Queen is formed by analyzing various examples of reuse projects and theater restorations in Hawai‘i and internationally. The theatrical history and architectural theater developments in Hawai‘i are also analyzed chronologically. As a result of this in-depth research, a sensitive reuse project specific to the Queen Theatre is developed. This design exploration serves as an example of an adaptive reuse project for Honolulu, Hawai‘i, which has significantly less examples than many other cities. It also contributes to the existing body of knowledge of theater restorations in Hawai‘i, which is severely limited as well.
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ItemCreate, Learn, Play: Planning Creative, Whole-body Learning Enviornments for Young Children( 2013-05)The built environment plays a significant role in the education of a child, with some teaching philosophies referring to it as another teacher. Neural development happens through a combination of genetics and experience. Sensory learning therefore suggests that young developing children are very sensitive to the environment around them. The environment includes the landscape, physical structures and equipment, and people. This thesis proposes that the physical environment (landscape, building structure, and equipment) can positively affect the holistic development of a prekindergarten aged child (between three- five years in age) by providing an enriching learning environment that facilitates whole-body learning and creativity. As a result of examining the multidisciplinary literature on child development and creativity science, as well as studying the way existing progressive preschool pedagogies treat their learning environments, a planning guide has been produced. The planning guide provides strategies for designers and educators to create holistic early learning environments that consider a child’s emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Children are experiential learners who learn using their whole body. Movement and multi-sensory learning are therefore critical for healthy development. Rich, multilayered explorations of materials encourage creativity, curiosity and imagination. Supportive interventions that allow children multiple opportunities to explore, create, and connect, are vital to an early childhood education facility that wishes to encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills via the development of divergent thinking. It is important to create a supportive network of harmonious interventions. These interventions will become the foundation on which Whole-body Learning and Creativity can be built. The resulting guide is organized into three major sections that go on to discuss supporting topics in detail. Due to the fluid nature of some of the interventions there is some overlap between sections; however the interventions will be discussed topically as they pertain to a given section.
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ItemHolistic Dwelling: Integrating Biophilic Design, Environmental Psychology and Feng Shui( 2013-05)Holistic Dwelling endeavors to explore different design methods to create a more conscientious approach to designing homes. The three approaches that are being utilized are environmental psychology, feng shui, and biophilic design. The study of these diverse methods gives a more extensive look at the concept of home, what has not previously been investigated. In this document each of these methods is examined, starting by looking at how the methods were developed over time. Theories, schools of thought, and popular studies, schools explored to fully understand each method. Beyond this background information, there are specific attributes from each method that are significant towards the design of a residence. At this point the methods interact with each other and how they overlap to agree on certain elements. The final portion of the Doctor of Architecture project is a design of a house that takes what has been discovered and tests it in a practical setting. The research does not support a total overlap that was initially hypothesized. However, for most attributes, there are at least two methods with recommendations, and at least one element within the attributes that two methods both agree upon as being beneficial. This comes from the different approaches and foci of environmental psychology, feng shui, and biophilic design. In architecture, the future inhabitants are important in the design process. To consider this aspect, a design project takes a practical took at the research. A small family volunteered to act as a client looking for a new single family residence on Peacham Pond in Vermont. Through a series of meetings, the client explained what they needed in the home and narrowed down specifically what layout they were interested in. The final design takes the attributes from the research and marries it with the input of the client. Beyond the building, the site and landscaping is taken into consideration since a common theme throughout biophilic design, environmental psychology and feng shui. The design is extensively analyzed against the attributes of the home identified in the research portion. The overarching objective of this document is to find a technique of designing homes that are more attuned to the well-being of the client. Since this is the environment where people consistently spend the most of their time, it needs take specific needs of individual clients into consideration. This document introduces a framework that aids in this process.
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ItemMaui's Mom & Pop Stores: The Aesthetic & Intrinsic Study of Multi-Generational & Family-Owned Businesses( 2013-05)Millions of tourists frequent the state of Hawaii every year hoping for a vacation complete with sunny skies, sandy beaches, and relaxing trade winds. It is no secret that people from all over the world visit these islands expecting a change of pace from their everyday lives where they can immerse themselves in an island culture set in one of the most beautiful places this planet has to offer. For many visitors, this is a culture that is for the most part, only understood from what is portrayed in travel brochures or seen on television and in the movies, and while many tourists do choose to enjoy their Hawaiian vacation poolside with a tropical drink in hand, the truth is that there is a vast and welldeveloped way of life outside the perimeter of resort hotels. Although Hawaii does rely heavily on its tourism, it is also an island chain rich with cultural history and diversity, where people have worked, played, and lived their entire lives for multiple generations within a path that is not often crossed by the common vacationer. The purpose of this project is to look at the other side of Hawaii, a side that is rarely written into the guidebooks, almost never featured on television, and yet plays just as important a role to Hawaii as tourism itself. This project is about Hawaii’s, and specifically Maui’s Mom & Pop stores, a special condition of modern culture in Hawaii, their architectural quality and aesthetic, their unique relationship to the customers they service, and their role in a community as a sense of place. Both “Mom & Pop” and “Smart Growth” are expressions often attached loosely to many different interpretations. The research involved with this project will offer clarity towards understanding these terms as they pertain to this study, so that they are seen less as subjective descriptions and more as valid design approaches. This study is the outcome of three main areas of research: the Mom & Pop store manifestation throughout history and its historic integrity, the interpretation of select case studies that embody Mom & Pop properties, and a study of the role of Mom & Pop stores in the past, present, and future of Hawaii’s communities.
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ItemMapping Downtown Honolulu's Urban Past: Exploring the Potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Historic Preservation( 2013-05)Historic maps are a valuable resource for understanding our past. Historic preservationists, in their endeavor to conserve, protect, and preserve historic buildings and neighborhoods, use historic maps to gain a richer understanding of the places where we lived, worked, and played. This research explored the synergy of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with historic maps to achieve a greater appreciation and understanding of the past. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are a set of maps that traced the growth and development of major cities and neighborhoods from 1867 to 2007. Developed as an aid for insurance companies in estimating fire insurance liabilities in urban areas, the maps not only provide parcel information such as property sizes, block numbers, street names and addresses, they also depict a wealth of building information, such as shape and height, construction materials, locations of windows and doors, uses and occupants. When viewed over an extended time period, these maps accurately document the growth, decline and changes in cities and communities over time. ArcGIS software was used to digitize and map the rich source of data inherent in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for a 25-block area surrounding Fort Street Mall in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. Seven time periods of Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from 1914 through 1993 were digitized and mapped using GIS to demonstrate how urban areas could be studied and interpreted through this particular mapping method. The resulting methodology showed that by using GIS with historic maps to track and analyze urban changes over time, a wealth of information and insight about a community’s past is revealed, something that is not apparent when simply studying individual paper maps.
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ItemGeothermal Heat Pumps: Energy Efficient Heating Solution for the East Coast Row House( 2013-05)This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.This research document examines the home heating and cooling costs of historic row houses on the eastern coast of the United States and the best option for preservation and adding value added to these homes. The goal of the research is to identify the most energy efficient solution for East Coast Row House (ECRH) homeowners who are unable to afford the high cost of oil and gas space heating and cooling systems that are typically found in historic homes in need of preservation renovations. Professional literature, field knowledge from empirical case studies, and government produced data highlight the necessity for a utility retrofit to reduce energy wastefulness, and the high financial burden on homeowners. The historical context of ECRHs and the methodology for undergoing a retrofit lay the foundation for this research investigation. Comparative analysis on home heating systems, with focus on costs, efficiency, and returns, provides justifiable reasoning for the goal solution. This research concludes that the best feasible option for ECRH homeowners is to incorporate a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system and improve the thermal envelope via insulation. The evidence in this research supports the proposal that a GHP retrofit can drastically reduce utility costs by 40 percent, increase market value, preserve historic qualities and longevity of the house, and provide investment return within ten years of installation. ECRHs currently account for 34 percent of homes on the East Coast with the average home heating bill as much as $2,298 a year. Data shows that currently less than one percent of homes in the United States use GHP while it is confirmed that it reduces home heating costs between 40 and 70 percent. Lack of GHP knowledge and awareness of associated government benefits is an identifiable reason for low residential usage of GHP in the United States. This research targets the large population of homeowners who are unaware of efficient and viable options such as GHP, and are in need of this knowledge the most in order to better their lives.
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ItemDefining a Critically Regional Campus Identity for UH Manoa( 2013-05)The University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa campus is a place of undefined institutional identity in its built environment. Its physical context, which has developed for over a century, has experienced significant transformation in its architectural content, landscape features, and experiential quality. Changes in its social, political, economic, and cultural context influenced expansion of the University’s programs and campus setting. Also influential were trends in university design and planning practice, architectural trends in Hawai’i and significant historical events. The experiential nature of the campus environment transformed, as rapid development altered the campus’ spatial qualities, functionality, comfort, aesthetic attributes, and cultural content. The university’s upkeep and maintenance practices of campus facilities and landscape, to the present day, especially impacted people’s perception of the place and the institution’s values towards cultivating its academic community. This investigation involved an analysis of these aspects to understand the contextual framework of the University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa campus. A qualitative study of user perceptions of the place further clarified the nature of people’s experience of the institutional setting and defined key aspects significant to positively shaping its community. Based on these research findings, an assessment of the 2007 UH Mãnoa Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) was conducted to determine whether the defined key principles from the study apply to current physical development plans or can be used to improve upon the plan’s vision. The result of the study is a definition of key principles to enhance a sense of place at the University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa campus. A design exercise elaborates upon the applicability of the defined key principles to the campus setting.