The SolarDecathlon is a weeklong event in Washington D.C. in which twenty schools fromaround the world compete to make the most attractive and energy efficient solar-poweredhouse. Georgia Tech College of Architecture was asked to build a house forthis event. The Industrial DesignDepartment of Georgia Tech was able to communicate the function and materialchoices of the solar house.
Computer model of house rendered by students.
The architecture team informed the ID team about the tour path for the visitors of the house. It was important to combine information that the audience could use with or without a tour guide. The ID team divided the tour path in to three sections. The first area would give more general information about the house while the second and third area would give more specific and detailed information. This was to be done while incorporating the brand of the house.
The three areas would use visual and interactive information. The audience could also take an audio tour though a 1-800 number on a cell phone if a tour guide was unavailable.
The three areas would use visual and interactive information. The audience could also take an audio tour though a 1-800 number on a cell phone if a tour guide was unavailable.
Plan view of the house, deck and tour path.
Area 1 is where the line of the tour begins. This area was used to inform the audience of what they can expect to see while they wait for the tour. In this section the design team explained how the house worked, the materials used, and how certain features of the house use sunlight to transfer into electricity.
Photo taken during installation of area 1 information panels. The panels were integrated into the structure of the deck.
The backs of the panels were used to show a rendered picture of the back of the house. This is something the audience could not see due to foot traffic boundaries.
Area 1 panels combined written and interactive information.
Audience interaction
Area 2 informs the audience about how certain features of the house work, and how it is cost effective. The panels asks questions and reveals the answer from a sliding drawer.
Image prepared by Dorian Wicks
Area 3 explained the interior of the house. Circular indicators (used in the branding of the house) were used to engage audience interaction. These indicators were positioned throughout the house in places of interest.
It was important for the information to be hidden so it would not interfere with the interior space. The information panels were hidden behind drawers and panels in the house.
It was important for the information to be hidden so it would not interfere with the interior space. The information panels were hidden behind drawers and panels in the house.
