Building a Sustainable Future by Learning from the past

Reinterpreting Passive Sustainable Design through Immersive Virtual Heritage Environments.

Description

This project aims to understand passive sustainable design in vernacular-built environments in hot and arid climates, particularly in the Arab world and the middle east, to help us learn about effective, less energy-consuming systems that could be integrated into our modern-day sustainable architecture and built environments. The study also highlights the regional and cultural factors that influenced how the inhabitants built and used the spaces to help students learn about Arab and Islamic art, architecture, and culture. The study aims to bring that knowledge to the classrooms through an immersive, interactive, virtual reality educational application. The house of Sheikh Isa in Bahrain was selected as the first building for this multi-phased study. The house was built in 1800 and was the residence of the king of Bahrain. Today, it is a tourist attraction as part of the UNESCO Pearling Path. The 3D VR model of Sheikh Isa house will be used for the building performance simulation, attempting to use state-of-the-art technology to re-interpret the passive solar cooling systems applied in the building.

Documentation

3D visualization of the interior rooms, including architectural details and Islamic decorative motifs

External CFD Velocity 3D visualization of the ground floor(left) and Internal CFD(right) using DesignBuilder software. — External CFD Velocity 3D visualization of the ground floor(left) and Internal CFD(right) using DesignBuilder software

Reports

Mid-term Report

Refinement of the 3D Model with Emphasis on Architectural Elements and Interior Details

This phase involved refining the 3D model, emphasizing the architectural elements such as windows and doors, and enhancing interior details by adding Islamic and local decora􀆟ve ornaments and mo􀆟f details to selected rooms. The refinement process aims to achieve increased realism and aesthetic appeal, contributing to a more immersive virtual experience.

Improving the VR experience in Unreal Engine 5

The VR model underwent a seamless transition from Twinmotion to Unreal Engine 5. Twinmotion, recognized for its real-time 3D visualization capabilities, contributed by incorporating realistic surface materials, textures, and weathering effects to enhance the model. The ongoing development in Unreal Engine 5 is geared towards achieving an enhanced level of engagement within the virtual environment. This includes refining interactive elements such as audio narration and video demonstrations, aiming to elevate the overall user experience in the upcoming version of the VR app. The focal point of the multimedia content lies in creating a compelling digital storytelling scenario, effectively communicating the narrative of the house and its inhabitants.

Building Performance Simulation study

Conducting a building performance simulation study involved the creation of a house model using Design Builder software. This simulation aimed to interpret the sustainable passive solar systems implemented in the structure. The study encompasses diverse aspects, including external and internal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) 1, daylight, shadow analysis, and temperature and heat gain simulation. These analyses contribute to the interpretation of thermal comfort and facilitate comparisons between spaces, such as summer and winter rooms. The envisioned outcome involves visually incorporating the results of this simulation study into the educational virtual model.

Panoramic 360 video installation on the Cyclorama

Panoramic 360 video installations on the Cyclorama are currently undergoing testing. The aim is to install a series of immersive panoramic videos catering to a larger audience, offering an expansive and engaging experience.