Mega structures are large self supporting man made buildings or monuments whose sizes are not specifically defined. Structures like Great wall of China that stretches for a distance of over 6000 Km is considered to be one of the oldest mega structures in the world.
Need for change
The concept of mega structures have changed over the last few years. Most designs now give a lot of emphasis on conservation of energy. Green technologies have developed rapidly that can stop the overuse of resources and make the construction of ecofriendly mega structures possible.
What’s Next
1. Tirana to get an all new grandiose parliamentary complex
What’s new
Tirana would soon get an epitome of green mega structure that would encompass an area of 28 000 sq m. The design for a parliamentary complex would be a state of the art complex that would be nothing less a contemporary wonder in the field of modern architecture. Starting from the facade on the interior to the spacious public space in the interiors, the structure on the whole would be a landmark not just in the capital of Tirana but for Albania itself.
What difference will it make
The design brings passive solar concepts to the advanced building structure that would enhance the energy efficiency. The Ventilation system would be enhanced too saving a lot of energy during day time. Apart from this noise control, solar glare protection and a thermal insulation would be incorporated to the design.
2. Masterplan for Nanjing, China by CK Designworks
What’s new
An Australian firm named, CK Designworks have proposed a 20 Sq Km green city in the Pukou district of Nanjing. The mega structure would be home to a population of 200,000 people which will have well defined commercial, industrial, and residential zones. This project has been touted as one of the largest design projects in the world which will be made a reality by combination of green fields integrated with the already existing industrial low lands.
What difference will it make
One of the landmarks of this whole project would be a set of 10 important structures like a five star hotel that would achieve the highest LEED certification. That would necessarily mean that a good amount of green technology would be implemented with a huge scope of energy production for the renewable sources of energy.
3. City-like Voronoi Skyscraper
What’s new
Portugal’s Voronoi skyscraper designed by a team of five members won the 2001 eVolvo skyscraper competition. The Voronoi basically depicts diagrams in geometry where the spaces are split into the spheres of influence. The mega structure would be a thriving city in itself comprising of offices, entertainment areas, residential complexes all connected with transportation that would be installed within the skyscraper.
What difference will it make
The transportation is taken care by a spiraling system that would allow easy access to all the levels of the building thus there would be no need of the conventional cars inside the complex. This would reduce the emission to zero percent inside the complex.
4. SOM Architects to design Green Tech City in Hanoi
What’s new
Green Tech city is designed by SOM, which is one of the most popular construction companies of the world. The Green Tech city is likely to be constructed in Hanoi, which is one of the important cities in Vietnam. It is proposed that more than 20000 residents would occupy the mega structure that would be built using some of the best technologies available to us.
What difference will it make
Several green technologies would ensure that there is a considerable reduction in the emissions that might affect the environment. Various projects like rain water harvesting would make sure that water is not wasted and recycled back to the building so that it could be used again. Also comfortable micro climates would be created which would reduce the operation cost considerably.
