The Starbucks in the University of Oregon’s Erb Memorial Union is located on the second level in an area called ‘The Fishbowl’. This name is indicative of the circular shaped floor plan and the glass massing that spans from the southwest corner to the northeast corner. Students, university employees, and visitors come to the space to study, eat, work, and collaborate. The wide range of uses makes good lighting and acoustics imperative.

Several changes could be made to improve the conditions of the fishbowl. Issues within the Fishbowl include excessive reflectivity, harsh electrical lighting, excessive daylight and glare from the fishbowl windows, visually unappealing light fixtures, less than ideal reverberation times, and excessive noise.

How can we reduce excessive reflectivity within our space?

Changing the material of the steel columns to a non-reflective wood would eliminate glaring reflected light. Changing the material of the floors to a less reflective material will reduce reflectance.

How can we reach a more appropriate daylight distribution and WWR within the space while reducing glare?

Changing the flooring and column materials, adding adjustable shades to each window and incorporating a clerestory monitor in the center of the space while minimizing the total amount of glazing will reduce glare and distribute daylight more evenly throughout the Fishbowl to coincide with the recommended MEEB daylight factor for cafe areas with moderately difficult tasks of 2.5%-5%.

How can we transform the harsh electrical lighting into something comfortable? Can we build a luminaire to control the distribution of electric light in spaces through the design while incorporating concepts of biophilia and transspecies design?

A custom-built luminaire could replace current electrical lighting in the Fishbowl. This would reduce glare and an ocean coral inspired design would be more visually appealing.

How can we increase reverberation time to align closer to MEEB standards and how can we reduce excessive noise within our space?

Changing some materials to have a lower NRC will result in a higher reverberation time. Exchanging Starbucks and Chipotle’s two separate speakers for one central speaker will reduce excessive noise for a better occupant experience

Existing Conditions

As our group investigated the lighting conditions of the Fishbowl, we observed intense glare in the seating by the windows caused by the high reflectance of the existing materials. Users have no alternative option to alter the harsh daylight to fit lighting needs of separate activities. Activities (included) ordering coffee, meeting with friends, prolonged reading, working on technological devices, and taking leisurely breaks between classes.

Research Question

What are the existing illumination levels in the Fishbowl, and what strategies can be implemented to improve daylight distribution and levels?

Hypothesis

Changing the flooring and column materials, adding adjustable shades to each window, and incorporating a clerestory monitor in the center of the space while minimizing the total amount of glazing will reduce glare and distribute daylight more evenly throughout the Fishbowl to coincide with the recommended MEEB daylight factor for cafe areas with moderately difficult tasks of 2.5%-5%.

Methodology

To improve daylighting conditions of the Fishbowl, we first had to evaluate its daylighting system. We initially identified daylight’s role in the space by observing how users interacted with it while identifying areas of prevalent glare. Next, we took illuminance measures of 36 points in the Fishbowl, which were set up in a grid-like pattern snaking throughout the space. We calculated the daylight factor percentage for each point and compared it to the recommended daylighting factor needed for the specific activities in the space. We found that the space is slightly over-lit. We arrived at this conclusion by calculating the total amount of glazing we needed to reduce to coincide with the recommended DF. Through this analysis, we developed three redesign iterations.

Suggestions

Minimizing the glazing area in the Fishbowl by reducing the height of the large windows spanning from the southwest corner to the northeast corner will lessen the high daylight factor within the space.
Reducing the glazing area, adding shades to all glazing, and adding a circular clerestory window surrounding the circular benches will decrease excessive daylight on the edges of the space, while still providing enough daylight towards the center of the area. Installing shades would add a level of customization to the space while reducing glare.
Reducing the excessive amount of glazing in the Fishbowl will lower the high daylight factor to the recommended value. Changing the floor material to Polyflor Expona Flow Pur Light industrial concrete and the column material to Ahmara Rosewood will minimize glare and reflectance, creating a more comfortable environment for students, staff, and visitors. Shades help to minimize glare and circular clear story helps to more evenly distribute daylight throughout the space.

Existing Conditions

After investigating the space, our group found that the electrical lighting within the Fishbowl was harsh and created glare.

Research Question

Can we build a luminaire to control the distribution of electric light in spaces through the design while incorporating concepts of biophilia and transpecies design?

Hypothesis

Through design, our custom built luminaire, when used to replace current electrical lighting in the Fishbowl, reduces the amount of glare while being inspired by the ocean coral.

Methodology

After identifying the existing electrical lighting conditions of the space, we concluded our luminaire should minimize glare while providing adequate illumination throughout the space. The inspiration for A Cluster of Light was the ocean and coral reefs. We designed our luminaire with the intent to produce an organic look while still maintaining a structured form. To build the luminaire, we took three wooden rings and wrapped wire strategically to create a double cone-like structure. We sewed a cloth cover, then used over 200 feet of ribbon to form the curved detail that is used to wrap around the base like a skin. Each piece of ribbon was glued to the cloth cover and meticulously pulled and stretched into place. After completing construction of the luminaire, we tested its lighting capabilities by conducting luminaire photometry. We also calculated the RCR of our space and how many luminaires would be needed to reach optimal illumination.

Suggestions

In order to replace all of the current electrical lighting with our built luminaire, there would need to be a minimum of 75 luminaires with 5 bulbs each to reach the average maintained foot candle value of 15fc in our space.

Existing Conditions

The Fishbowl is a place occupied by students, professors, employees, and visitors. It is a place people come to meet up, grab a snack, and study. With all of these different occupants and activities within the space, there are sources of noise and sound. The noise within the space comes from the blenders being turned on and off in Starbucks, the metal dishes and grill being used in the Chipotle (which is located directly across from Starbucks), the footsteps of people moving within the space, chairs moving along the floor from the high turnover rate of people, the projection of names being called to pick up their drink order and the metal clanking coming from the mechanical closet connected to Starbucks. All of these examples of noise are airborne noise besides the loud mechanical closet, which is structural borne noise. The sound within the space comes from the music being played, however, both Starbucks and Chipotle are playing different music at the same time. This goes unnoticed by the workers of both food hubs yet is heard as a muddled compilation of words that is perceived as noise to everyone else occupying the space.

Research Question

Our calculated reverberation time for the existing space is 0.445 seconds, significantly lower than the reverberation time recommended for a room volume equal to our space of 49,000 ft³ of 0.65 seconds (MEEB Fig. 22.13). How can we increase our reverberation time to align with MEEB standards and improve acoustic quality?

Hypothesis

Changing some materials to have a lower NRC will result in a higher reverberation time. Exchanging Starbucks and Chipotle’s two separate speakers for one central speaker will reduce excessive noise for a better occupant experience.

Methodology

To start this acoustics project of the Fishbowl, our team studied the existing acoustical conditions by completing an acoustical evaluation sheet. This sheet allowed us to identify the sound and noise within the space and where each one came from. With the intention of increasing the reverberation time of our space to align closer with the recommended reverberation time in MEEB, we decided to change our ceiling material from 3/4" textured mineral fiber tiles and panels which had an NRC of 0.7 to be 5/8" with an NRC of 0.5. This change brought our calculated reverberation time from 0.445 seconds to 0.51 seconds. To address the noise created by the contrasting music from the two separate food hubs, installing one main speaker that is central to the space would create sound that is pleasant for all of the occupants.

Suggestions

Our new reverberation time of .51 seconds is only a slight increase from .445 seconds, however, this was the greatest change possible according to MEEB’s materials chart. In order to get the RT's to be even closer, we would need to change another material or add some sort of padding and/or feature to the space.

Existing Conditions

After investigating the space, our group found that the electrical lighting within the space was harsh and created glare.

Research Question

What is the best solution to attempt to reach net zero water for the Fishbowl? What would this look like?

Hypothesis

By adding catchments, we could collect rainwater off of the roof of our space and redirect it for other uses to work towards net zero water for the Fishbowl.

Methodology

To start we calculated how much water the Fishbowl consumes per day based on MEEB Table 18.2. Then we calculated water usage, based on the number of occupants, how many times each fixture is used per day, and how many gallons each fixture consumes per use. This is what brought our water usage per day to 1812.6 gallons per day. Next we calculated the sewage flow rates in gallons per day and got a total of 7940.8 gallons.

Suggestions

The expected amount of rainwater collected from the roof is 56000 gallons based on the size of our space and according to MEEB fig. 18.5. This allows us to use 153.42 gallons of rainwater a day to reduce water consumption. This reduction brings the daily gallons of water used per day from 1812.6 to 1659.18 gallons per day. Another strategy for reducing water consumption is to redirect the water from the sinks to the toilets to be used for flushing. Installing toilets that have two separate buttons for flushing, one that uses less water and one that uses more water, is another way to reduce water consumption.

Existing Conditions

Currently, the Fishbowl does have a sprinkler system. While it is unclear if this is a wet or dry pipe system, it appears to use glass bulb sprinkler heads.

Research Question

How can we ensure that the Fishbowl’s fire sprinkler system is safe and effective?

Hypothesis

We can design a fire sprinkler system that accounts for Eugene’s cold winter conditions. We can use a dry pipe system with glass bulb sprinkler heads.

Methodology

Because winter temperatures are often below 40°F, a dry pipe system is appropriate. As a restaurant seating area, the Fishbowl would fall under Light Hazard Occupancies in MEEB Table 24.8. According to MEEB Table 24.9, these could be a maximum of 15’ apart covering 225 ft² each (non combustible construction type). For 3500 ft², we would need a minimum of 16 sprinklers. These would be spaced out parallel and in between the rows of luminaire light fixtures. Glass sprinkler heads would be used, and for an ordinary temperature classification, would have an orange bulb.

Suggestions

Because Eugene’s temperature often drops below 40°F, pipes in a wet pipe system would be at risk of freezing, rendering them useless in the event of a fire. A dry pipe sprinkler system’s pipes are filled with pressurized air, not water, thus eliminating the risk of frozen pipes in winter.

Daylighting

All of our redesigns were successful in reducing glare, introducing personalization to the public space, and reducing the daylight factor from 6.4% to 4.051% to fall into the MEEB recommended range of 2.5-5% for the moderately difficult tasks that occur in the Fishbowl.
This mini-case study gave us a closer look at daylighting quantities and qualities metrics, how to approach daylighting distribution in a space, how to use light as a material through daylight scaled models, the role of light in architecture and how it engages our senses.

Electric Lighting

While 75 luminaires seems excessive for the fishbowl, this amount is logical given the high square footage. The diffused lighting distribution of each luminaire will create a soft evening illumination, perfect for the social functions of the Fishbowl at night.
Through designing and testing our built luminaire we were able to understand the principles and geometry of light distribution and luminaire photometry. We were also able to explore the principles of lighting and materiality while also understanding the basics of luminaire design.

Acoustics

Changing the material of the ceiling tile to ⅝” thick rather than ¾” was successful in minimizing the difference between the actual and recommended reverberation times of the space. In order to get the RT's to be even closer, we would need to change another material or add some sort of padding and/or feature to the space. Our redesigned reverberation time was 0.51 seconds, a slight increase from the original 0.445 seconds.
From the acoustics project we were able to better understand the relationship between room volume, materials, and sound behavior in indoor spaces. We were also able to explore the principles of architectural acoustical design through the evaluation and changes of our space.

Roof Drainage & Catchment

The addition of catchments are an effective way to reduce usage of clean, white water used by the Fishbowl by collecting and redistributing rainwater within the building.
Developing a water budget for the Fishbowl allowed us to analyze the building’s potential for net zero water. It also allowed us to implement different strategies to best meet this goal.

Sprinkler System Layout

This sprinkler layout is safe and effective for the Fishbowl. It follows safety standards and the different sprinkler bulb colors would be effective in both the kitchen and seating area in event of emergency. We would need more sprinklers in Chipotle’s kitchen because it has an ordinary hazard occupancy.
Planning a sprinkler system layout for the Fishbowl allowed us to better understand safety requirements for fire prevention, a key component in all projects. We learned what factors go into selection of sprinkler systems and spacing and how this was applicable to a space with several purposes.