"Ceramic Design & Industry
A new aesthetic, technical and environmental approach
in ceramic tiles and flooring:
Thermal Comfort"
Marlene Teixeira Couceiro
Doctoral Research in Design
Faculty of Architecture, University of Lisbon
This is a product design research project developed in collaboration with the ceramic tile company Gres
Panaria Lda. Our aim is to minimize the thermal discomfort of ceramics, regardless of the region/climate
zone, if applied indoors/outdoors, by changing the color. Ceramic tiles anchored in new
materials/technologies and innovative design will improve the living conditions of building occupants.
Despite its temperate climate, Portugal is one of the European countries that struggles the most with air
conditioning in buildings. In short, after analyzing the documents, it was possible to conclude that society in
general does not have homes adapted to thermal comfort, either in summer or winter, either for heating or
cooling. Portugal is one of the countries in the European Union where the lack of insulation and heating
conditions leads to the most deaths. And to make matters worse, electricity and natural gas in Portugal are
among the most expensive in the European Union. This thermal discomfort has an effect on the health and
productivity of building occupants.
Several studies have shown that color in architecture influences the temperature of environments. It seems
possible to improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of buildings by applying thermochromic
pigments.
We want to obtain a form of coating that reacts like a chameleon: changing its color/characteristics in
response to different thermal/environmental conditions. In winter, darker colors for greater absorption of
solar radiation and in summer lighter colors for greater reflection of solar radiation.
The general aim of our research is to generate aesthetic, technical and environmental improvements to
ceramic tiles, improving the interaction between the user and the space through the application of new
materials. By improving the thermal and energy performance of buildings without increasing energy
consumption, we will improve living conditions (health, productivity and cost savings) and enhance the
heritage of buildings, bringing material and immaterial added value.
Design plays a cross-cutting role in various areas of knowledge and, in this case, design plays an important
role in the perception of comfort, in defining colors and adapting to technical constraints. It also plays a
decisive role in aesthetics and sustainable development.
(Summary of course unit report: Laboratory III)
DISSERTATION SUPERVISED BY:
Manuela Cristina Paulo Carvalho Figueiredo, Faculty of Architecture, University of Lisbon
Teresa Cláudia Magalhães Franqueira Baptista, University of Aveiro
KEY WORDS
Product Design Ceramic tiles Thermal comfort Energy efficiency Sustainability
FIELD OF STUDY
Product design and ceramic tiles: Thermal and energy efficiency of buildings.