Eco Factor: Stuttgart railway station minimizes energy needs using huge skylights and solar power.
Designed way back in 1997 as part of a large rail redevelopment project called Stuttgart 21, the Main Station Stuttgart has begun to see the light of the day. Aimed at restructuring the rail network in Stuttgart and constructing a high speed rail line the project envisages a sustainable underground structure right beneath the city center. This would transform the downtown landscape by effacing the existing rail track clutter and burying the same 12 feet underneath to make way for a sprawling lush green park.
Efficiently designed sustainable structure depends on light wells, ventilation tubes and photovoltaic solar system to meet its energy needs. The light wells or the circular light eyes allow ample penetration of sunlight for day lighting whereas ventilation tubes keep the underground station freshly aired naturally thereby substantially reducing the energy needs. To generate power the station will be fitted with photovoltaic system on the existing northern station building for energy generation using solar power. The railway station has also been colored light to reflect natural light during the day.
Via: Inhabitat
