Date: 2011

Project: The Cooling Drums - Conceptual design focusing on how energy efficiency in buildings can contribute to creating an identifiable architectural identity and comfortable space. Cape Town CBD.

Status: Design development

Programs used: Revit

 

Abstract

 

The natural environment is deteriorating and electricity demand is outstripping supply partly due to our growing built environment and economy.

 

In response, there is a need for energy efficient office space to accommodate economic growth and help with the conservation of the environment. The inner city is a perfect location to achieve this using already deteriorated land and increasing the inner city density to reduce urban sprawl. There is an urgent need for developers to invest into the idea of energy efficiency however this has been restricted because of our economic environment and the need for just usable space. The creation of energy efficient buildings is typically more expensive mainly due to the introduction of new technologies and materials. 

 

Energy efficient buildings in South Africa are typically standard in form because they focus on the materials and technologies. This does not create an identity and does not speak a language of energy efficiency. The possibilities of energy efficiency are not only in the materials and making of the building but also possibly in the form which could give energy efficient buildings identity.

 

This Architectural thesis involves the Introduction of the atrium to office buildings as a method to increase building efficiency, spatial quality, and identity in the context of Cape Town.

 

Many buildings In Cape Town are largely inefficient and have started to become retrofitted with technologies to increase building efficiency. The issue of deep floor plates which result in requiring more energy for artificial lighting and ventilation is a major engagement in this project. Deep floor plates also create large scale spaces with no connection to the exterior, resulting in people feeling anonymous and disorientated in the work environment

 

This thesis looked at the atrium, trying to find a balance between the site and economic constraints, light quantities, creation of spatial links and creating identity through architectural expression in Cape Towns inner city.