• MS of Architecture
  • James R. Jones
  • Thesis

In early 1999 KPFI provided electronic drawing files showing the main floors of the atriums, critical sections, elevations and detailed 3-D sections of the complex. After initial study many questions were raised about the effectiveness of the atrium ventilation system and how the height of the towers would affect these systems. With this as the basis for the thesis, models were developed of the project to be studied in the wind tunnel facility on campus. The following pages, images and data summarize the study on the World Trade Center complex.

The following are the objectives, assumptions and the hypothesis of this study:

1. To better understand the ventilation strategy as designed by KPF, International for the World Trade Center in Amsterdam

2. To validate KPF’s assumptions that a negatively pressurized roof system will create the necessary draw to ventilate the atrium spaces.

3. To determine whether or not KPF’s roof design is true to its functional requirements or more a formalistic representation of the ventilation requirement.

4. To determine the flaws, if any, in the WTC design and subsequently propose modifications to solve said problems

5. To determine whether the towers will create dead spots along the atrium roof edge.

6. To determine if alternative measures can create an increased performance at the roof system

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West-thesis.pdf
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