Although I was involved in the GRS project for about two-thirds of the semester in the fall, I found working with the students all spring semester quite satisfying. In the fall semester, I researched a number of computer programs to possibly be included in the fall semester. Two of the programs I tested out were incorporated into the curriculum the second half of the semester. I wrote homeworks and introductions for two of the programs. I also helped make the class CD's with patent, company, and downloading descriptions. Overall, I found out that I really enjoy teaching and helping the undergraduate students with their work.

In Spring 2005, I was Karen Kensek's teaching assistant for the Arch 207 class. I was involved more in teaching computer classes then research. I did one test that required finding out which printing method best fit a file transfer of data (image) from one program to another. One program was tested out for possible integration for the following semester. In general, most of my GRS time during the spring semester was spent on TA work.

The experience has greatly enhanced my first year in the MBS graduate program, making me realize the importance of teachers at the university and reinforcing my basic computer skills. There is not any more joy than showing others something new and their subsequent understanding of how it works. Some of my students have gone on to other CAD jobs on campus and architecture firms over the summer with the skills they acquired in this class. Enclosed are some of the programs I tested out throughout the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 academic year.

Shading Analyzer Program Research
Basic sun explanations and how shadows are cast.

This program teaches undergraduate students basic knowledge of sun movement. It starts off with a tutorial about the solar system and how the shadows are cast. A student can enter a certain city in the world along with its longitude/latitude, create a basic building shape, and its height. The answer in the end is the resulting shadow patterns.

BDA Program Research
Gives information on energy use, lighting, end use cost,
comparison graphs for more than one project.

This program looks at how design choices in the beginning lead to building end use. The students start off inputting data: building shape, height, building materials, lighting, and windows. The computer can run simulations and give results on day lighting (natural), electricity used, mechanical costs, utility bills, etc. The program allows students to make changes to their beginning model to see how changes can make a difference in the end.

Murray Miln's HEED Research
Gives information on building use - material, mechanical
(heating and cooling), energy.

This program is similar to the BDA program, but uses a very different interface. By answering questions about the site and the location, you also put in the floor plan of the building you want to learn more about. After putting in the data, it gives you numbers for energy use, material, electricity, and gas. It will also allow you to compare your numbers to a typical building of a similar use (retail, housing, school).