Design Awareness, Research Paper Example

Everything else being equal (e.g. same volume, same heat source, same material), which design – the undecorated Shaker or the decorated wood-burning stove – is more effective in distributing heat?

When designing fireplaces, the primary purpose of the structure should be carried into consideration. In relation to how fireplaces are designed, architects often ask would it be for design or would it be for function. Relatively, answering this query gives architects an understanding on what is most valued on the structure that they are to make. Nevertheless, there is one specific issue that fireplace design takes into account, the manner by which it distributes heat in the entire room.

Taken from the illustration below, the plainly designed  undecorated shaker could be observed to have a smaller diameter of tubing compared to the decorated one. When it comes to size, the height of the decorated fireplace is higher compared to the undecorated shaker. Considering these aspects, it is assumed that the decorated wood-burning stove distributes heat to the room more efficiently. This is because the design for the height and tubing of this particular fireplace coincides with the theory of ambient air flow which assures that the smoke continues to flow up to the flue without any disturbance compared to the undecorated shaker. This aspect allows air to flow in and out relatively hence making it easier for heat to be efficiently distributed around the room.

Sources

Howard, D. Chimney Airflow Problems. http://www.highschimney.com/articles/chimney-airflow-problems/. (Retrieved on November 27, 2012).

Fireplace Chimney. Fireplaces. http://www.fireplacechimneys.com/. (Retrieved on November 27, 2012).