Architectural repercussions of the air conditioning installations C. Cabello and H. Coch Departamento de Construcciones Arquitectonicas – ETSAB-UPC ABSTRACT This work aims to present an analysis of architectural repercussions involved in choosing a certain climatic system for an office block. The intention is to unite techniques and the building itself. Independently of the bioclimatic design criteria for office work, these buildings require active technical systems for their air conditioning. We should only consider the air conditioning option that allows for regulation of areas and the maximum energetic effectiveness (VAV, fan coils, ducted fan coils, etc). The choice of the final system has serious considerations for both the architect and the building. In this study a representative office floor plan is proposed. Among its features are: an open-plan, certain height, core services and glass retaining wall. For this plan, the different air conditioning systems are analysed focusing on the consequences on the architecture (space occupied, spatial distribution, visual impact, user comfort, etc). These aspects will be studied afterwards for the whole building. This work will allow us to have a summary of the architectural repercussions of each system so that the architect can take decisions before designing the installation. Key words: installation, architecture, air conditioning, office block. 1. INTRODUCTION This work aims to present an analysis of architectural repercussions involved in choosing a hygrothermal conditioning system in an office block with the intention of managing to integrate the technique with the building. These systems are understood to be able to achieve levels of thermal comfort for the user. Thus, the desired well-being can only be achieved in these workplaces if the air conditioning – heating and cooling – and ventilation systems considered are acting on the temperature and humidity of the environment equally and, also, on the air quality. Aside from the design criteria of a bioclimatic nature to be taken into account in a tall building, all office blocks need active technical systems for their air conditioning. From among all the possible air conditioning systems, it is decided which are to be considered appropriate for office blocks (Variable refrigerant flow, Variable air volume, etc.). The choice of the final system has serious considerations for both the architect and the building. 2. ANALYSIS The intention is not to study air conditioning installations in the same manner as is done in technical books – design, layout and calculation – but rather to evaluate the architectural effects that are caused by choosing one particular air conditioning system. While the integration of installations into a building is considered as a whole, the integration of thermal conditioning systems, in particular, is a 1