The Perkins and Will Research Journal documents research relating to architectural and design practice. Architectural design requires immense amounts of information for inspiration, creation, and construction of buildings. Considerations for sustainability, innovation and high-performance designs lead the way of our practice, where research is an integral part of the process. The themes included in this issue illustrate types of projects and inquiries undertaken at Perkins+Will and capture research questions, methodologies and results of these inquiries.

This issue of Perkins+Will Research Journal contains five articles that focus on diverse topics including: design of complex curtain wall geometry; effects of heat flow and moisture analysis for exterior enclosures; comparative environmental and economic analysis of flooring materials; characteristics and potential functioning of hygroscopic building envelope; and utilization of wastewater for urban farming.

“Cell Wall: Resolving Geometrical Complexities in the Shanghai Nature Museum Iconic Wall” documents the research process for the design of a curtain wall with a complex, organic geometry. The article discusses problems and issues associated with transformation of organic geometry for the building envelope into a physical, fully-functional system that is able to withstand structural loads and environmental conditions.

“The Effect of Heat Flow and Moisture on the Exterior Enclosure: Working with Standards and Modeling Software on the Exterior Enclosure” article describes heat flow and moisture transfer through a building’s exterior wall assemblies. Methods and criteria that can assist analysis and the design process are discussed, such as guidelines established by the ASHRAE Standard 160. Also, analysis tool for simulation of transient hygrothermal behavior is discussed as well as utilization of this tool in simulating performance of three different wall assemblies in a cold climate.

“Hygroscopic Climatic Modulated Boundaries: A Strategy for Differentiated Performance Using a Natural Circulative and Energy Captive Building Envelope in Hot and Moisture Rich Laden Air Environments” discusses potential characteristics of a passive-active building envelope system in hot and humid climates. The article discusses theoretical functioning of a system that extracts water from vapor and uses hygroscopic solution for dehumidification.

“Comparative Analysis of Flooring Materials: Environmental and Economic Performance” is an article that analyzes life cycle assessment for a selected group of flooring materials; linoleum, vinyl composition tile (VCT), nylon carpet tile, composite marble tile, ceramic tile, terrazzo, cork and rubber, where they are compared and examined for both environmental and economic factors.

“Urban Wastewater: A Renewable, Reliable Water Resource for Urban Farming” investigates developments of a closed-loop system that localizes wastewater treatment for food production within urban settings. The article presents case studies and inferences made from literature reviews on the topic.