Final design concept - artificial cloud

Basic idea: creation of an artificial cloud within the atrium space, initiated at the main staircase area plus introduction of more light coming in from above (similar to crepsular rays).

NB. fog = cloud (just at different heights)

Rationale (1): this is a very sterile, hard, grey area. It has similarities with a deep ravine or cave in that it's a large vertical space on an almost 'geological' scale. However, in ravines and caves the light and air have different qualities - the air usually smells different: moist, ozone smell, plant smells; the light is often concentrated at the top. Creating a cloud with more light coming in from above brings some of this atmosphere inside and softens the space.

Rationale (2): change something within the space triggered by people inhabiting the space. Disrupt normal behaviour.
Walking through a cloud (fog) disrupts movement, sound and light. When a large crowd of people is moving on the stairs they move as a large mass and people behave more or less in similar ways. However, if you encounter some thick fog you revert again to an individual; you feel more isolated/insulated.

Mass becomes individuals.

An artificial cloud is created within the atrium area, concentrated around the main steps going down when:

when a large crowd of students starts to accumulate on the step area (> 50 people at any one time)

this will occur when people are entering the step area from either end

Implementation details:

• using RFID cards being carried (therefore anyone not carrying a card will not be detected or used as a trigger)
• sensors to detect these cards within a certain distance (to be detailed) will be installed in 4 places: at each side of the top of the main step area and also at each side of the bottom of the step area
• once the condition above is fulfilled, the cloud will be created in a similar way to common fog machines. However, to avoid potential irritants only pure water with no additives will be used (fog machines commonly use additives).http://vimeo.com/13648736


• adding water drops into a layer of air saturated with water vapor will result in a 'cloud'. In order to keep this cloud layer floating you need a dry cool layer with a higher density below and a dry hot layer with a lower density above. The high- and low-density layers prevent the cloud layer from moving up or down. However, movement will disperse the cloud, drawing it up/down depending on the movement and where it is.
• the water for the cloud creation will be from recycled air conditioning system water and/or rain collection (currently rain water is collected and used in the toilets of the building)

Stratification is created by an air-to-air heat pump, extracting heat from the space below the cloud and supplying the heat into the space above the cloud, both by low flow air return systems without mixing the thermal layers. A second air handling unit with a humidifier and heater keeps the cloud in the requested temperature and humidity level. To operate the cloud only electricity and a bit of water will be demanded. Shutting off the systems will lead to a disappearance of the cloud in a time frame of around 15 minutes. To reduce the heat losses of the warm top layer into the roof space, a transparent foil could be installed around or in the background of the roof space.