User Note:While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Derek Bauer. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design. |
THESIS PROPOSAL |
The thesis proposal identifies the topics I plan to research and analyze in the spring semester. The three topic analysis areas I plan to explore include urban development (renovation versus new construction), LEED implementation, and improving the building envelope performance. I will perform a structural breadth analysis in designing a roof garden and a mechanical breadth analysis on improving the thermal performance of the building envelope system.
Urban Development
This will involve studying a major decision that an owner faces during the beginning stages of development in an urban location: Is it better to renovate the existing building, or demolish and re-build it? There are many issues involved with making this decision from the owner’s standpoint, and I plan to analyze various factors relating to the project under study.
LEED Implementation
There was no initial consideration for pursuing LEED certification on the office/retail building, and I am interested to see how worthwhile it would be based on cost and constructability implications. Since there is no current LEED Rating System for renovation projects, I will need to look at the factors in other guides to compile a list of criteria to pursue certain LEED points relevant to this project. I will also perform a structural breadth analysis on designing a green roof.
Building Envelope Performance
The existing flashing system of the north and west façades were in poor shape and led to complications during construction. I plan to analyze the effects of cost and schedule on fully replacing the brick façade, as well as upgrading the curtain wall on the remaining façade area. I will perform a mechanical breadth analysis on the thermal performance of the curtain wall.