letter to Doctor Hegmann

At 12:07 PM 10/5/2009, you wrote:
Hello Doctor Hegmann,

I am a student of Architecture, studying my Masters of Architecture with Professor Patrick Harrop. Currently, I am conducting a micro climate study in a vestibule in the ARCH2 building. The study examines the surface temperatures of different materials in the room, as well as the surface temperatures of human bodies moving through this space. The study attempts to see the relationship between the dynamics of the temperatures in the room and the bodies which inhabit the room. This study is the first step on detecting the micro climate of the room. In analysis of the current temperature change in the room, I can potentially theorize or actualize an amplification or manipulation of the temperature change in the room to predict a program, or behavioral shift in the room, and on a longer scale, a cultural shift in the room. The philosopher Peter Sloterdijk researched a condition in which one settlement branched off to form another settlement in a valley, where the temperature was 2 degrees celsius colder. The valley settlement, close in kilometers to the original settlement, developed a noteably different culture, mainly from this temperature difference.

I toke chemistry in U1 but am not well-versed in this field so I thank you for your patience.

I have used regular glass thermometers to map out the air temperatures in the room, and the surface skin temperatures on different parts of the body. These thermometers were quite accurate for air temperature but they took while to settle to the correct temperature reading, and they could not measure the temperature of a flat surface very well. Next, I have used fish tank liquid crystal surface thermometers to map out the chronological temperature change of the surface materials in the room, as well as of the surface body temperatures. I understand that each 'degree' on this thermometer is a little pocket of liquid crystal with a different chemical composition which changes color on a one-degree temperature range. the 'degree' that changes color is actually activated when the temperature is specific to its chemical composition. I understand in simplest terms, liquid crystals contain mixtures of molecules that align in layers. The layers rotate in a spiral structure. When temperature increases, the rotational distance between layers increases. The liquid crystals change color when the distance between layers that have the same orientation is approximately equal to a color's wavelength of light. Since the distance between layers changes with temperature, the color changes with temperature. ( http://mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/nanolab/LC_prep/index.html) I retrieved this information from the University of Illinois chemistry page.

What interests me is what affects the room and body temperature changes. The surface body temperature affects the material temperatures; by conduction, and radiation, and the material surface temperatures affect the surface body temperature also. It is a reciprical system which is regulated ultimately by the ventilation system in the room, and the temperature regulation system in the body. How can these temperature regulation systems work together, or what has potential of changing?

My next step is to use a material which accurately maps out an analysis on where the temperature is changing, and at what points in time, how much? I am more concerned with the dynamics of change, and less concerned with the actual temperature to-degree measurement. However, an accurate to-degree temperature recording may become useful if I start to consider state changes, evaporation, condensation, etc. and ways to make these state changes happen. From my little research on liquid crystals, I know it changes color within a specific temperature range, depending on its composition %. Does the liquid crystals only change color upon direct contact with a surface, or is it sensitive to air temperature? How long does the color change last? And would you recommend this chemical as suitable for the next step of my project?

I know there also exists thermochromatic papers that change color with varying temperature range: https://www.thermometersite.com/index.php

and liquid crystal paint: http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3053484

I have ordered the thermochromatic papers, but I don't know if they will sense the air temperature changes.

I tried to acquire liquid crystal paints, but they currently don't ship to Canada.

Here is my log of my studies: http://umaniharropstud09.blogspot.com/


Do you have any suggestions or articles I can read on your studies of temperature sensing chemicals/materials? Do you recommend liquid crystal or a different material I can use to further my study? Thank you so much for your time

Lorna Parashin