Escuela de Politécnica Superior

The VEM project ( Emergency house project ) aims a series of objectives based on energy efficiency through the study of basic parameters, by natural systems, to reach climatic comfort: the influence of the form factor in the climatic performance, the orientation, ventilation, and an adequate performance towards the temperature and humidity conditions that the different climate zones offer. From the resulting data, the validity in the performance of the VEM project’s constructive system is verified based on its energy simulation. The study begins with the energy simulation of the project with the Ecotect Analysis program, in five locations: continental Mediterranean climate (Madrid), monsoon climate (New Delhi), tropical climate (Brasilia), continental humid climate (Montreal), and semiarid climate (Karachi); considering its constructive system, materials, orientation, ventilation, incident solar radiation, environmental conditions (temperature, wind, rainfall), generating a study on technical control and the degree of environmental influence on the project. In every location, the behavior is simulated for both a cold and a warm day, recollecting data on Wh (energy gains and losses) and interior temperature, considering the variations throughout the day. The second part of the study goes beyond the simulation, with the aim to improve the first results and delve more deeply into the materials of the envelope, the color and the material’s reflection, studying the effects produced on the interior temperature, taking into account the region and climate of the simulation. It also addresses the positive effect produced by the form factor applied in the VEM project, its advantages compared to other designs with different form factors; all to amend possible thermal tolerances and allow comfort in the interior of the living space.

In areas where catastrophes, natural disasters or armed conflicts have occurred, the economic and social context of the affected population becomes vulnerable. In all of those cases, is it essential to provide, as fast as possible,security and therefore housing. Dwellings must achieve the main objectives of an emergency house: simple construction system, fast to build, and adaptable to any kind of placement. Once a shelter is given, and it provides basic habitability, a second step would include considering somatic and proprioceptive aspects to improve human health. The way refugees perceive the built space around them becomes a significant factor to achieve welfare. Thus, in this context, the design of living spaces should be developed trying to endeavor physical, mental, and social wellbeing of its occupants. This article aims to provide several basic habitability parameters, “bio-healthy markers,” which contribute, as far as possible, to acquire an optimal health state. These markers are analyzed in an emergency house prototype developed by REbirth INhabit research group, within VEM project (Reference Oracle MEADSAIR), sponsored by Airbus Defence and Space. This is a patent prototype with the reference ES2488790A1 Modular Adaptable Housing Architecture, with the international extension WIPO/PTC WO 2014/114836 A1.

En este ensayo se profundiza en las relaciones espacio-tiempo que se establecen entre las personas y el lugar que ocupan. Estas relaciones llegan a marcar el paso cotidiano del ser humano por el estado actual de las cosas. Como opinaba Le Corbusier, el hombre tiene que demostrarse a sí mismo que ha creado su propia obra de forma implícita, en un espacio imaginado.