title: Solar protection for the swimming pool of the International French School Marguerite Duras in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Creators: name: Jarnier, Michel
Publisher: name: TU Wien
Year: 2019
Subjects: subject: Sun protection
subject: Sun exposure
subject: Lightweight construction
subject: Form Finding
subject: Membrane architecture
subject: Architectural expression

description: A South-East Asian international college swimming pool protection against excessive sun exposure is proposed. The project is located in Southern Vietnam. Local climate is tropical with high humidity and heavy sunshine during the dry season as well as the rainy season. The swimming pool is adjacent to a gymnasium and utility building. Intense solar radiation starts at 9am and lasts till 4pm. It presents a significant health hazard for the skin of young students originating from regions with less sunshine. The specifics and constraints of this project are an opportunity to apply the techniques learned over that last 2 years at TUWien, in the « Membrane Lightweight Structures » master degree curriculum. Case studies relate the “Shade” function and “Shape” function to one another in an architectural expression. Shape, considered in its textile architectural expression, generates stress. How the structure can handle this stress is analyzed. It defines the architectural limitations of the project. How structural components concur to bring down the forces to the foundations is studied. Various shapes and aesthetic criteria are analyzed in consideration of cables and retention hardware, foundations and stress distribution through the structure. These analyzes are evaluated. A final choice is proposed in accordance with lightweight construction best practice, safety, cost and durability. Aesthetics and added value to the schools competitive position play a significant role in the final choice.
description: A South-East Asian international college swimming pool protection against excessive sun exposure is proposed. The project is located in Southern Vietnam. Local climate is tropical with high humidity and heavy sunshine during the dry season as well as the rainy season. The swimming pool is adjacent to a gymnasium and utility building. Intense solar radiation starts at 9am and lasts till 4pm. It presents a significant health hazard for the skin of young students originating from regions with less sunshine. The specifics and constraints of this project are an opportunity to apply the techniques learned over that last 2 years at TUWien, in the « Membrane Lightweight Structures » master degree curriculum. Case studies relate the “Shade” function and “Shape” function to one another in an architectural expression. Shape, considered in its textile architectural expression, generates stress. How the structure can handle this stress is analyzed. It defines the architectural limitations of the project. How structural components concur to bring down the forces to the foundations is studied. Various shapes and aesthetic criteria are analyzed in consideration of cables and retention hardware, foundations and stress distribution through the structure. These analyzes are evaluated. A final choice is proposed in accordance with lightweight construction best practice, safety, cost and durability. Aesthetics and added value to the schools competitive position play a significant role in the final choice.