Paper Patterns and their

visual/thermal performances Paper was chosen as a working material due to its

1. INTRODUCTION
The present paper proposes a closer look into the
possibility of obtaining visual and thermal
performances when using paper patterns on a
glazed facade. The research presented is currently
under development, and final results included in
the paper may still be succumbed to changes. The
chosen site is located within The Royal Academy
of Fine Arts in Copenhagen (KADK, Denmark) -
the facade being the south-east facade of the
daylighting laboraty of the KADK campus.
generative potential - the current module
developed is a simple triangle, with the largest
segment being the equivalent of the A4 paper
diagonal (36,4 cm). This module, though
currently basic, was chosen as an optimum
material for the multitude of physical tests
done - paper is a lucrative mock-up material
due to easiness with each it can be purchased
(low financial investment) and can be easily
cut - no need for laser or water cutting.

Daylight is a human need which can be

scientifically quantified in order to make sure there
is a standard comfort in specific types of activities 1
- different types of rooms with different functions
require diverse lighting typologies. Given the
functionality of the given interior space chosen,
which is that of a working space (be it classroom or
office), the optimization of the facade pattern took
into consideration a series of factors, vital to the
proper conducting of the work within the space.
Said factors include:
Paper was also chosen for its extreme
lightweight properties and stiffness once
folded, which singles it out as the most
appropriate material to be included in a
modular alphabet. The present physical
modules are to be considered a full-scale
mock-up, and material as well as overall
system are to be further enhanced.

- maximizing lux intake, in order to take advantage

of full daylight potential;

- avoiding glare, so that one may not be disturbed

by it during working hours;

- ensuring a comfortable interior temperature, by

being able to maximize winter sun potential;
- deflecting solar radiation, with the purpose of
avoiding overheating during warm season;
- augmenting human perception and experience
within the space;
The development and implementation of this logic
will be further discussed in the paper, paired with
case studies and individual research.
1
Winchimp, Susan, 2011, Fundamentals of Lighting , Fairchild
Books,p. 50
2. METHODOLOGY
In establishing the overall typology of the
facade, a series of factors aiming to respond to
different performative requirements were
considered, aforementioned in the present
research paper (maximizing lux intake,
avoiding glare, ensuring a comfortable interior
temperature, deflecting solar radiation,
augmenting human perception and experience
within the space). Within the current
discussion, 4 most suggestive facade
modularity layout will be reviewed into detail,
showcasing generative logic. The results of the
simulations and measurements gathered from
each typology will be discussed in the
RESULTS chapter.
The research has been done through an
empirical methodology comprising parametric
modelling, digital simulations, in situ
measurements and surveys. In this subchapter,
the modelling parameters will be showcased
and reviewed.
Study case no 1 - Full glazed Facade
In order to gather important information and to
understand the relationship between the
natural climatic and sun conditions and the
existing architecture, the first case study
consisted in a full glazed facade, without
further intervention and no paper modules.
Study case no 2 - Full Grid Intervention
The second case study represents the
introduction of the triangle pattern. As a first
trial, the facade was covered with a grid of
triangles, all of the same size. A simple culling
occurred, using a “true-false” logic, always
removing every second module. The proposal
took into consideration no optimization
strategy, but only aimed to physically simulate
the behaviour of the decided-upon module on
the architectural premises. However, the
layout contributed to the observation of light
patterns, shadow patterns, glare maximum
points and, most important, human perception
- through surveys, the triangle module (as
opposed to a square pattern) was proven as the
most well perceived option.
Study case no 3 - Sideways Declivity
The third case study features a gradient culling
logic, focusing on maximizing sun potential on
lowest sun-capturing side of the facade,
according to the orientation of the facade,
which is south-east. However, this option
proved to be a problem when taking into
consideration glare, having too much culled
elements in the maximum glare points (and
mid level of the facade), therefore the grid was
subjected to further variation.
Study case no 4 - Horizontal Gradient

The fourth case study presents a gradient from

bottom to top. The top area is left glazed in
order to maximize sunlight potential and since
glare occurs on a lower level there is no need
of capping to the most top level row. Bottom
rows can present as many modules as possible,
since sun vectors do not penetrate in such
lower levels.

3. RESULTS
...

4. CONCLUSION
…...

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This section, if included, appears right after the
main body of the text and is headed
“Acknowledgments.” This section includes
acknowledgments of help received from associates
and colleagues, credits to sponsoring agencies,
financial support, and permission to publish. This
template has been updated from PLEA 2016
Conference.

REFERENCES