Co-Design of Culturally Inspired, Sustainable Housing and Energy Systems with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation

Ryan Shelby, Yael Perez, Cindy Bayley, Tommy Liu, Antonio Love, Stephanie Scott, Larissa Korach, Dr. Alice Agogino Department of Mechanical Engineering and Architecture
Introduction
This dissertation research lies at the intersection engineering, policy, and social science Goal: creation of a methodological framework that allows engineers and members of Native American nations to address the key issues in environmental confliction resolution. Focus: Renewable Energy & Sustainable Housing

Motivation
The Pinoleville Pomo Nation (PPN) is facing several critical challenges: ~300 members scattered throughout N. CA Rising heating and cooling costs; Drought conditions HUD-financed housing provides basic necessities No representation of the cultural and traditional values of the PPN in HUD housing

CARES Co-Design Methodology

Co-Design Innovation Workshops were held to identify PPN needs and brainstorm concepts. End users are experts on their needs End users and engineers both control ideation Co-designing with end users in usage environment can lead to better solutions which are readily adopted.

Fig. 1: Pomo Inspired Home with Roof View

Fig. 2: Pomo Inspired Home Inside View

Fig. 4: PPN Explanation of Designs

Fig. 5: Co-Designing Pomo Inspired Home

Fig. 3: Pomo Inspired Home with Solar

Fig. 6: PPNs Framework for Sustainability

Pomo Inspired Home Design

Rounded structure to represent traditional Pomo homes Strawbale for housing insulation Skylight for natural lighting and passive heating Solar for power generation; options for wind energy

Future Research
Construction to finish in Summer 2011 Analysis of wind energy potential and systems Redesign and analysis of turbines for micro hydro application in Ackerman Creek 10 MW solar farm design for the PPN
Fig. 7: Anemometer Wind Speeds Sample Fig. 8: Anemometer Wind Power Sample