Vital Signs - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

		Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Authors: Environmental Technology II Class, Spring 1996 School: Kent State University Faculty Advisor: Professor Jack Kremers
		Abstract: The class hypothesized that solar radiation penetrating the building interior with limited control by the building glass envelope would produce high daytime lighting levels causing glare for the building occupants and on warm days causing thermal discomfort especially at the higher levels within the atrium. The class further hypothesized that there would be high levels of energy consumption to maintain thermal comfort, along with periods of occupant discomfort due to glare and local overheating. Our primary interest lay in understanding the glass enclosed atrium when addressing the impact of solar radiation. Six specific locations were identified as representative of the solor impact issues in the atrium. The class identified six critical locations within the context of the atrium, where the impact and consequences of solar radiation illustrated the issues of excess visual contrast and overheating. Four of those locations were on the main entry floor. They were: Bookstore counter facing the front entry glass Vertical TV monitors above the bookstore counter Bookstore counters to the rear of enclosed stairway and elevator areas Information counter at the western end of the atrium space. The other two critical locations are: The third floor cafeteria and fourth floor exhibition area The fifth floor corridor which serves to provide an entry to the exhibits at the higher levels including the culminating exhibit, the Hall of Fame, on the sixth floor. The class conducted measurements of lighting conditions and glazing performance for the atrium space. A computer model was also generated using Lightscape. Evaluations of thermal performance and occupant comfort were undertaken through field measurement, occupant survey, and ENER-WIN software. The students discuss positive and negative aspects of the building and offer suggestions for improvements to the design. They also suggest topics for future investigation.
		Background: Professor Kremers received a $5000 Vital Signs teaching grant for the spring 1996 term that helped support the student investigation.


All contents copyright (C) 1998. Vital Signs Project. All rights reserved. Created: 11/19/98		http://www-archfp.ced.berkeley.edu/vitalsigns/bld/casestudies/abstracts/Kent_R&R_ab.html