The Accession is a fine example of architectural excellence that makes the most of a renewable source of energy that is abundant in nature – the sun. The building is basically designed harness the sun and is shaped in an angular way so that the photovoltaic cells can be exposed directly to the sun in an optimum manner.
Designed by Aaron Taylor Harvey, the site of the tower Accession faces south in order to gain the maximum benefit from the exposure of the sun – not only for natural lighting but also for tapping the maximum extent of solar energy. The structure of the building – the lean parts and the twists in an angular fashion – is made in order to gain maximum exposure to the sun. The angle of the building is such that it will tap the potential of the winter sun as well as the summer sun in San Francisco, where the fog in the early morning conceals the sun. The plan of the Accession has three sites that are interwoven to form one single unit – namely, a plaza retail level and a series of streets. This plinth is the link that connects the site with the main structure and also to the city beyond it. Solar energy tapped by the building will ultimately power the entire site.
Architecture being influenced purely by the need to switch to a renewable and sustainable form of energy is a commendable effort. Solar energy has extreme potential and modifying architecture to tap this energy source is the need of the hour. In times to come, solar energy will become very cost-effective and affordable – not only it is a clean source of energy but it is also the a solution for our decreasing non-renewable energy reserves.
Via: Aaron Taylor Harvey
