Water and Air

Question 1

What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by water?

Answer 1

71%

This includes all forms of water, including oceans, glaciers, and groundwater.

Question 2

What percentage of Earth’s water is found in oceans?

Answer 2

96.5%

This is the largest reservoir of water on the planet.

Question 3

What percentage of Earth’s water is stored in glaciers, ice caps, and snowy mountain ranges?

Answer 3

1.7%

This includes freshwater stored in frozen forms.

Question 4

What percentage of Earth’s water is groundwater, lakes, rivers, and streams?

Answer 4

1.7%

This includes accessible freshwater sources.

Question 5

What is the percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere?

Answer 5

1/1000 of 1%

This is a very small amount compared to other water sources.

Question 6

What percentage of water is available for daily supply needs?

Answer 6

1%

This is the portion of freshwater that is accessible for human use.

Question 7

What is the chemical formula for water?

Answer 7

H2O

Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Question 8

What characteristic of water allows it to act as a universal solvent?

Answer 8

Polarity

The polar nature of water molecules allows them to dissolve various substances.

Question 9

How can water be described in terms of its nature?

Answer 9

Wild and fragile, delicate beauty, brutally dangerous

Water can exhibit contrasting characteristics depending on its state and environment.

Question 10

List the three states of water.

Answer 10

• Gas
• Liquid
• Solid

Water exists in these three forms depending on temperature and pressure.

Question 11

What are the potential sensory benefits of water in architecture?

Answer 11

• Sound - blocking noise, adding rhythm
• Visual - calming or exciting, movement and flow
• Touch - cooling/warming, wet, mist
• Taste - refreshing
• Smell - salty, organic, chlorinated

These sensory aspects enhance the experience of spaces where water is incorporated.

Question 12

What is a sound wave pool?

Answer 12

A cymatic pool made of stainless steel

This is designed to visualize sound waves through water.

Question 13

What elements can water help create or support?

Answer 13

• Concrete
• Clay bricks
• Weathering steel
• Vegetation

Water is essential for the curing of concrete and the growth of plants, among other materials.

Question 14

What are key aspects of air as a material in architecture?

Answer 14

• Air quality
• Air circulation, flow, and ventilation
• Temperature regulation
• Space and voids
• Sound transmission
• Light reflections

These aspects contribute to the overall comfort and functionality of architectural spaces.

Question 15

How does convection affect air circulation in architecture?

Answer 15

Warm air rises, drawing in cool air

This principle is used in stack ventilation designs to enhance airflow.