Above is a short video to provide a non-textual, broad overview of our project. If you choose to view said video, hope you enjoy the 30,000 foot view of the Brick + Mortar energy analysis.
Introduction
The Simon Silk Mill located in Easton, PA was first built in 1883 as a major economic development initiative. The mill manufactured textiles until the late 1960s and then was purchased by the Easton Redevelopment Authority (ERA) in 2006. A year later, the ERA justified that this mill can be revitalized to “host a successful arts-based real estate development project” (Lippincott). The redeveloped mill consists of 18 buildings, which is rented out by residents and business owners. This cultural redevelopment project followed through on its intentions of creating a “creative complex for individual artists and professionals… ‘Silk’ will become a tour de force in the creative community as a live work location” (VM Development). One of the businesses within the 350,000 square foot facility is the Brick + Mortar Art Gallery. Owned by an artist named Chaz Hampton, the art facility, which consists of both a gallery and a studio, encompasses everything an artist could want. From the location to the lighting, it seems that the revitalized silk mill is proving itself to provide the practical use of an art studio and the creative outlet Mr. Hampton had desired. Unfortunately, the benefits of using the abandoned silk mill are contrasted by several social, political, and technical restrictions, which collectively results in high energy costs.
It has become of interest to find the best, most efficient balance between energy efficiency and the satisfaction of Easton, the Silk Mill’s management, and Mr. Hampton. The two do not have a direct relationship. Since “The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has determined that the buildings at Silk are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places,” there are numerous factors that need to remain (Lippincott). For example, there are specific features such as windows that are meant to be kept homogeneous throughout the entire mill site to keep the aesthetic nature of the historic landmark. To find the balance we are looking for, we have performed a thorough investigation of Easton, the Silk Mill, and Brick + Mortar to identify solutions to their energy inefficiencies.
The scope of our project has narrowed as the semester went on. Our initial goal was to complete an economic analysis of alternative solutions to cut energy costs for Brick + Mortar. A truly detailed, useful economic analysis requires accurate technical information that can sometimes only be found with expensive equipment and time-consuming procedures. Measuring details like airflow is not an easy undertaking, especially during the semester-long timeframe that we have, and requires measurement tools that can be costly. Our adjusted, more feasible approach is to report the necessary information to do an economic analysis, rather than performing the analysis ourselves. This way, another group of consultants can take our work and perform their own calculations to carry out the analysis. Although the eventual consideration of our project will be Mr. Hampton, our more immediate audience is another capstone group. Given our timeframe, absent budget, and lack of technical information, we believe that this is the most effective approach to our capstone project.
We have also identified the barriers that come with performing an economic analysis and any alternative implementations, which outlines our report. Looking at our project through the various contextual lenses of social, political, technical, and economic, we have identified the problems involved with each, as well as possible solutions to these problems. In a social context, have worked most closely with Mr. Hampton to identify his wants and needs for his art studio and gallery. It’s important to define them separately as they are technically two different rooms, with two different uses. It would be more difficult to implement energy efficient solutions to the gallery compared to the studio because Mr. Hampton understandably values aesthetics in the gallery more than the studio. From speaking with him, he appreciates the room’s exposed infrastructure, unique lighting, and open space. Mr. Hampton, along with the Silk Mill development group, was helpful in bringing clarity to what we can and cannot do to help Brick + Mortar’s energy costs.
There are several policies and regulations in place that restrict making adjustments to Brick + Mortar’s building. These restrictions have been placed by the city of Easton to maintain the site’s historical landmark registration and by VM Development group to preserve the historical-themed style of the entire site. The homogeneity throughout the mill serves as an attraction for visitors by representing the 135 years of history.
Technical aspects of the building like square footage, layout, materials, and number of windows are helpful in understanding potential alternatives. Unfortunately, it will be too difficult for us within a single semester and no measurement tools to measure airflow or average temperature inside. Components that we placed a heavier focus on are building materials and types of lighting. We believe we can have the biggest impact here by identifying alternative materials and products and comparing them to what’s used by Brick + Mortar. Through this comparison, we have identified which materials can be better used for energy efficiency.
Through an economic lense, we have provided an overview of what is necessary to perform an economic analysis. We collected as many line item costs as we could to be used for future calculations. Beyond that, we identified the economic benefits of having an urban revitalization project that integrates industrial and art with the Simon Silk Mill in focus.
The organization of our report represents our approach to the study. By identifying, investigating, and reporting on each context of the project we have provided clarity and confidence in our ability to help reduce Brick + Mortar’s energy costs. Our report is ready to be used for another group of Engineering Studies capstone students to hopefully carry out an energy efficiency, economic analysis that can be presented to Brick + Mortar.
Next section: Social and Political Contexts