Eco Factor: Sustainable skyscrapers designed by Steven Holl Architects.
Steven Holl Architects have won the “4 In 1” tower competition held in Shenzhen, China to design a green mega-structure for the Futian business district. The competition was held by the Shenzhen Planning Bureau to create an urban plan and office complex. The winning design is based on the concept of tropical skyscraper as Shade Machines connected with a horizontal element.
The horizontal element is an elevated area covered with green roofs. The area is designed as a social interaction center where social gatherings and public programs will be held. Apart from giving a much desired green outlook, the planted roofs will also serve as rainwater and storm water collection bases that will recycle gray water from all the four towers.
The towers have a distinct circular shape to maximize interior space and views. The façade of all the towers is incorporated with a sun-shading mechanism with built-in PV modules that will generated electricity needed to cool the huge towers.
The Dark Side:
The PV system will just be used to provide the energy required for cooling. Though cooling is by far the most energy-intensive system in a skyscraper, lighting and other needs also consume an enormous amount of energy. For this the towers will still rely on conventional energy sources, which could prove to be a drawback.
