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| Image Source :http://behnisch.com/projects/344 |
Rethinking the way façades interact with different environmental conditions comes from much study and evaluation in building enhancement solutions, prompting optimization, lower carbon footprint, and significant savings in operational costs, all without having to compromise the building's aesthetics. This idea of 'living buildings' were made by innovators seeking to bring the possibility of forward thinking and methodology involving how the building thinks, moves, reacts, and adapts to real time conditions.
The Unilever Headquarters located in Hafen City, Germany, conceived from Behnisch Architects combined double skin façade technology, operable windows, and Warema controllable exterior venetian blinds to accentuate the holistic efforts made. The double skin allows for the inner layer to be composed of high-performance glass operable windows with exterior aluminum blinds to reduce heat gain which are controlled by a solar tracking device located on the building's rooftop, unless occupants wish for a different setting, to which it is then controlled manually. The team also took into account the strong winds that are found in the area and designed the blinds to have wind shields.
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| Image Source: http://behnisch.com/projects/344 |
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| Image Source: http://behnisch.com/projects/344 |
One futuristic model, even if too dynamic for some, however still innovative, for assessing outdoor conditions while optimizing the internal climate to the personal preference of individual spaces is the approach accomplished by Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner through the Kiefer Technic Showroom, consisting of aluminum posts and transoms.
Video Source: YouTube
Building envelopes are and have been an essential component in a building's design, whether for aesthetic purposes or for more practical uses such as passive ventilation. As such, it is with this essential component that the green movement inspire designers and engineers alike to formulate and revolutionize building façades. Advances towards installing dynamic building envelopes will help to reevaluate the relationship occupants have with the building and the environment around them.
Design tools for day lighting, solar control, and ventilation within the context of advanced facade systems, in theory, enables architects and engineers to improve the performance of a building in new and aesthetically pleasing ways. I appreciate and commend this ability and effort, however, it seems to me that the reality of these systems and their environmental/ sustainable benefits are rather suspect.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, architects and engineers rely heavily on software and algorithms to create these advanced systems. Without this technology, many of these facades would not even be attempted because, an architect or engineer must be able to prove to themselves and their client that their new and innovative ideas could actually work. As we know from so many LEED buildings, technology lends itself to false predictions.
I don’t deny that within the digital realm, many of these systems are incredibly convincing and awesome, yet very little - to no - post occupancy data exists or is available for many of these inventive systems. The novelty of being ahead of the curve and the possibility that a new building technique could work is exciting, but even within more conventional architecture, maintenance and operability are a primary struggle, that can often lend itself to compounded future issues.
http://windows.lbl.gov/comm_perf/electrochromic/refs/LBNL-50502.pdf
Operable facades, whether manual or automated, are certainly obvious choices in creating an efficient building. While manually operated mechanisms on a more individual scale are definitely more reliable and easier to implement, perhaps the control automated systems have over large areas of the envelope to regulate the entire building in a holistic fashion through closely monitored systems could be a great benefit. However maintenance of such an advanced system could prove to be quite the deterrent. While the understanding of these systems is clearly not necessarily in the realm of those traditionally involved in the design and construction process, I think the whole notion of integrated design begs for new professions to be brought into the fold so that our built environment is considered in a new way that is representative of our time and the issues we face.
ReplyDeleteThe exterior system of the Unilever Headquarters in Germany is very appealing in it's creative design to serve the functions of air ventilation, day lighting, and insulating it's energy. Although, I assume the advanced construction and design must have taken an excessive toll on the project duration. A large portion of a building's life cycle assessment can derive from the exterior wall system, so it deserves new ideas in sustainable construction like this one. The integrated-design team and specialists to perform this work is a rare combination, but always has to start somewhere.
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