Critical analysis about solutions and models of solar shades in non-residential buildings from tropical regions.

Whereas the non-residential buildings consume a significant percentage of the total energy produced by the city, is important that these buildings have for such consumption is reduced or consumed in a conscious way. To do so, using concepts of energy efficiency, this work is to explain passive strategies with the use of flexible solar shades that help to get a favorable outcome with respect to the performance of the building right in the initial stages of planning and design. Once initial gains can be obtained and the architecture constants that value at the same time provide better working conditions and indoor comfort.

Abandonment and accessibility in railway historical buildings: Central do Brasil and Leopoldina Railstation.

This paper aims to demonstrate the evolution of a study in the city of Juiz de Fora-MG, whose objective is the assessment of areas of train station in relation to the inclusion of people with disabilities and consequently promote the historical and cultural heritage of this city. The railway buildings are important landmarks in the history of the city and its surroundings was formed the first core of urban development. Because this building was of the early nineteenth century, these were not designed to assist people with disabilities, in effect, we observed that the buildings are being underutilized. The difficulty of insertion of incentive policies is therefore not due to the commitment by the majority, making the deployment of new access.

The question of the ergonomic use of virtual models.

The comfort and functionality between man and his surroundings are the main goals of ergonomics, making it are increasingly in the production process. Many companies have tried Virtual Reality Center (VRC) to assist the analysis and development of ergonomic products. The use of virtual models brings many benefits to the design of products, including greater flexibility, speed and quality, and facilitates the control and reporting, also integrating all stages of the project. There are still some difficulties for the deployment of these resources, like the need for more powerful computers and specialized professionals. Possibly, the VR will be indispensable to the construction in some years, becoming a tool of fundamental importance to the professionals.

The ambient intelligence for the sake of accessibility in residential projects: a proper study to the Brazilian scene.

The concept of Ambient Intelligence consists of intuitive interfaces embedded in everyday objects that interact with the user and function in an integrated and discrete generating and transmitting information. This article has as objective to present applications that when focused on accessibility criteria, can contribute to the work of architects during the design of residential projects. In Brazil, pioneering projects are already being developed and the use of Ambient Intelligence systems are already widespread, both by private and public, however much care technologies developed in other countries.